Healthy Singapore’s Iconic Dish 🇸🇬 | Hainanese Chicken Rice

By The Sharr Blend

Discover a lighter take on one of Singapore’s most iconic comfort dishes — Hainan Chicken Rice. This healthy version is made with skinless chicken breast, fragrant jasmine rice, and a flavorful homemade chili sauce, all in one pot for easy cooking and cleanup. It’s a wholesome, balanced bowl that’s lower in oil but still rich in taste, perfect for clean eating without giving up the flavors you love. Whether you’re new to Asian cooking or just craving something satisfying yet nourishing, this recipe brings a fresh, feel-good twist to a beloved classic.

Chicken Rice

Singapore Iconic Chicken Rice
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese, Singapore

Ingredients
  

For Chicken Rice:
  • 400 g skinless chicken breast (2 packs of 200g, more than enough for 2 people)
  • 3 cups jasmine rice
  • 5 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 inch ginger (minced)
  • 1–2 scallions (minced)
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • Cucumber and coriander (for garnish)
  • 6 cups water
For Chili Sauce:
  • Reserved fried garlic scallion & ginger (from base)
  • 5 red chili (adjust to taste)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Equipment

  • 1 Large wok or deep pot (for one-pot cooking, or rice cooker)
  • 1 Strainer (for rinsing rice)
  • 1 Knife and chopping board
  • 1 Small bowl (for chili sauce)
  • 1 Rice cooker (optional alternative)
  • Plates (for serving)
  • Cutlery (for serving)

Instructions
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken
    Marinate the skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Wash the Rice
    Rinse 3 cups of jasmine rice in a strainer until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prep Aromatics
    Mince scallions, garlic, and ginger. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large wok or deep pot.
  4. Stir-Fry the Base
    Add aromatics to the wok. Stir-fry until golden and fragrant. Scoop out half and set aside for the chili sauce.
  5. Mix in the Rice
    Add drained jasmine rice into the wok. Stir well with 1 tablespoon of salt to coat in the fragrant oil and aromatics.
  6. Add Water First, Then Chicken
    Pour in 6 cups of water to the rice. Gently place marinated chicken breasts on top.
    Cover and simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes.
    Turn off heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
    (You can also use a rice cooker for this step — just place everything in and press ‘cook’!)
  7. Make the Chili Sauce
    In a small bowl, combine the reserved fried garlic, scallion, and ginger with chopped red chili, lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
  8. Slice and Serve
    Remove the chicken and slice. Fluff the rice.
    Serve in bowls with cucumber slices, coriander, and your homemade chili sauce.

Watch & Cook

Health Benefits

  • Lean Protein from Chicken Breast
    Supports muscle building, metabolism, and keeps you feeling full longer.
  • Fragrant Jasmine Rice
    Provides clean, easily digestible energy—perfect for a balanced meal.
  • Aromatics (Garlic, Ginger, Scallion)
    Boosts immunity, aids digestion, and adds flavor without extra calories.
  • Homemade Chili Sauce
    Fresh chili and lime promote metabolism and help balance the richness.
  • Low Oil Cooking
    Using only 2 tablespoons of sesame oil for the entire dish keeps it lighter.
  • Fresh Vegetables
    Cucumber and coriander add hydration, fiber, and freshness to every bite.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: ~440 kcal
  • Protein: ~35g
  • Carbohydrates: ~38g
  • Fat: ~11g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sugar: ~2g
  • Sodium: ~800mg (adjustable based on salt & soy sauce usage)

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