Instant Pot Hainanese Chicken Rice

Step 1

Scallion - Ginger Sauce:In a heat-resistant bowl, mix chopped scallions (green part), minced ginger, chopped chili (if using), sugar, and salt. Heat oil in a pan until it's close to smoking point, then carefully pour it into the bowl with the other ingredients. Stir everything together and let the sauce cool.

Step 2

Soy - Sesame Dipping Sauce:Stir in soy sauce, fresh lime juice (or Chinese black vinegar), and sesame oil together. Adjust the flavor to your taste. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add some chopped fresh chili.

Step 3

To prepare the chicken, gently rub the chicken legs with coarse salt, then rinse off the salt and pat them dry with kitchen paper.

Step 4

Wash and rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well and set it aside.

Step 5

In the Instant Pot's "Saute" mode, heat 1tbsp cooking oil and sauté ginger, scallions (white part), and garlic for 1-3 minutes until they become fragrant.

Step 6

Add the drained rice to the pot and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until it becomes slightly translucent. Remember to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking and burning. Season the rice with ½ tsp chicken powder.

Step 7

Turn off the "Saute" mode, then place the chicken leg quarters on top of the rice. Add 1 cup of water to the pot, following a rice-to-water ratio of 1:1.

Step 8

Close the lid and cook the chicken rice on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes.

Step 9

Once the cooking is finished, carefully remove the chicken. Give the chicken a brush of sesame oil and set it aside.

Step 10

Use chopsticks or a rice paddle to fluff the rice. The part of rice that was in contact with the chicken may be slightly soggy but it's not a big problem after fluffing.

Step 11

Debone the chicken and slice it into bite-sized strips.

Step 12

Serve the rice onto individual plates. Place the chicken on the side, accompanied by cucumber slices (or tomato slices, blanched bok choy, etc.).

Step 13

Drizzle some ginger - scallion sauce over the chicken and rice. Serve the chicken rice with the soy - sesame dipping sauce. Enjoy!