Wenchang Chicken with Fragrant Rice

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
• 2 cups (400 g) jasmine rice 2 cups (400 g) jasmine rice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon white pepper
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Fresh scallions, for garnish Fresh scallions, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
2. 2.
   Carefully add the whole chicken to the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
3. 3.
   Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, rub the chicken with salt and white pepper.
4. 4.
   In a separate pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
5. 5.
   Add the jasmine rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the oil, garlic, and ginger.
6. 6.
   Pour the chicken broth (reserved from poaching the chicken) into the pot with the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
7. 7.
   While the rice is cooking, carve the poached chicken into serving pieces.
8. 8.
   Serve the Wenchang Chicken on a bed of fragrant rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and scallions.
9. 9.
   Prepare a dipping sauce using soy sauce, minced ginger, and a splash of vinegar. Serve it alongside the chicken and rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to use a high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture.
• Jasmine rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
• Garlic and ginger — Use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a few pandan leaves to the chicken broth while poaching the chicken.
• To enhance the aroma of the rice, toast it lightly in a dry pan before cooking.
• Adjust the amount of white pepper according to your spice preference.
• Serve the chicken and rice with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftover chicken can be used in sandwiches or salads the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Wenchang Chicken with Fragrant Rice as a main course, accompanied by the dipping sauce and a side of steamed vegetables. It is best enjoyed with family and friends.

Presentation advice

Arrange the carved chicken pieces on top of the fragrant rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro and scallions. Drizzle the dipping sauce over the chicken for an attractive presentation.