Hainan Chicken Rice — Quinn’s Lazy but Juicy & Tender Edition This isn’t just a recipe. It’s survival, cravings, and culinary flair wrapped in foil (literally). I cooked this during fasting—hungry

Cravings Meet Convenience: Hainan Chicken Rice, Quinn’s Lazy but Juicy & Tender Edition

Sometimes, life calls for a dish that’s both effortless and mouthwatering. Enter my version of Hainan Chicken Rice—perfectly tender chicken, fragrant rice, and all the right flavors. This dish is a cheat code for anyone who wants to indulge without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re fasting or just in the mood for something satisfying, this quick, lazy recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. So, let’s get into it—the flavors are ready, and so are you!

"I cook with what I have. I skip the fancy, but never the flavor.” — Quinn Wayfarer, Craving Queen

Hainan Chicken Rice — Quinn’s Lazy but Juicy & Tender Edition

Ingredients;

Marination (The Flavor Foundation)

What I used:

Grated/blended ginger and garlic

Salt

Gula Melaka (or any brown sugar)

A squeeze of lemon juice

A dash of apple cider vinegar

Cilantro roots and leaves (or coriander if that’s what you call it).

Extra Tip:

 Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. I used small skinless cuts because that’s what I had. If you want more juice and richness, use bigger cuts with skin on.

Simmering Chicken — Rice Cooker Lazy Style

Blended onion + a little ginger

Tied spring onions

Tied cilantro stalk (aka daun sup)

Salt to taste

Enough water to double as soup later

How to do it with a rice cooker (Lazy Simmering 101):

Place chicken + broth ingredients into the rice cooker pot.

Press “Cook” and let it boil for 10–15 minutes.

Then, switch to “Keep Warm” mode and leave it for 30–40 minutes to let the flavors soak in and chicken get tender.

🛎️ Now here’s the smart twist:

Once the simmering is done, remove the chicken, press it gently with the flat side of your chopping knife to flatten, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. This way, it’s easier to serve later — no messy chopping when you're hangry.

Before wrapping it in foil, drizzle with a bit of the soup and some sesame oil, then wrap it snugly and rest it until you're ready to reheat.

You’ll pop it back into the rice cooker (steamer rack) for 10 minutes before the rice finishes cooking to warm it through. This keeps it juicy and prevents overcooking.

🍚 Lazy Flavored Rice (Rice Cooker Method)

Sauté in a small pan:

Ghee + Olive oil

Tied pandan leaf

Whole garlic cloves (peeled, not chopped)

A few slices of fresh ginger

Once fragrant, add washed rice and stir. Transfer to rice cooker and use the chicken broth as your cooking liquid.

👉 Press “Cook” ONCE and let it run its cycle.

Important Tip:

When the rice is done, turn off the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before fluffing it. That’s how you get those soft, fluffy rice grains that don’t clump!

🌶️ Chili Sauce (Spicy + Tangy)

Blend:

Red chilies

Bird’s eye chili (optional, just for a bit of heat)

Apple cider vinegar

Gula melaka

Salt to taste

This is your punchy sidekick sauce. Adjust heat to your liking.

🧄 Crispy Garlic Oil (Flavor Gold)

Chop as much garlic as you want—seriously, there’s no wrong amount.

Fry it on low heat in:

Cooking oil + sesame oil (for fragrance)

Keep stirring till golden. Remove garlic immediately to avoid burning. Store in an airtight container so it stays crunchy.

This golden garlic rain goes on top of the chicken before serving.

🥣 Light Soy Drizzle (Savory Finish)

Mix the chicken broth with:

Light soy sauce or sweet soy sauce

Oyster sauce

Sesame oil

Drizzle this onto the chicken before serving, together with garlic oil.

🥗 Fresh Veggie Sides

Sliced cucumber

Tomato slices

Salad leaves (optional)

Balance out the richness with fresh veg. Makes your plate pretty too!

🍽️ To Serve:

Plate the rice, add the warmed chicken on top

Drizzle with soy sauce mix + garlic oil

Add a side of chili sauce

Spoon up some of that fragrant soup

Add veggies for crunch

Sit down, eat, and feel accomplished 😌

Chef De Quinn | AI-aided image