What is Chicken Rice?

Chicken Rice is a famous dish in Singapore that consists of steamed or boiled chicken served with rice cooked in chicken broth. The dish is usually accompanied by chili sauce and dark soy sauce for dipping. It can be served with or without the chicken skin and bones depending on personal preference. Chicken Rice is considered one of Singapore's national dishes and is loved by locals and tourists alike.

History of Chicken Rice

Chicken Rice is believed to have originated from Hainan, China. The recipe was brought to Singapore by Hainanese immigrants in the early 20th century. The dish was initially served in Hainanese coffee shops but soon became popular with Singaporeans of all backgrounds. Chicken Rice was recognized as a national dish of Singapore in 2009 and has since become a symbol of Singapore's multicultural food heritage.

Where to Find Chicken Rice in Singapore

Chicken Rice can be found in food courts, hawker centers, and restaurants throughout Singapore. Some of the most popular places to try Chicken Rice include:

• Tian Tian Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre
• Boon Tong Kee at Balestier Road
• Chatterbox at Mandarin Orchard
• Hainanese Delicacy at China Square Food Centre
• Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice at Novena Ville

How to Make Chicken Rice

While Chicken Rice can be found in almost every food establishment in Singapore, it is also a popular dish to make at home. Here is a simple recipe provided by the Singapore Tourism Board:

1. Wash 2 cups of rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare chicken broth by boiling 1 whole chicken, 6 cups of water, 3 slices of ginger, and 1 tbsp of salt for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool. Reserve the broth.
4. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wok and sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Drain the rice and add it to the wok. Stir until the rice grains are coated with oil and garlic.
6. Transfer the rice to a rice cooker and add 4 cups of the reserved chicken broth. Cook the rice according to the rice cooker instructions.
7. Serve the cooked rice with sliced chicken and chili sauce.

Chicken Rice is a dish that is easy to make but difficult to perfect. The proportions of chicken, rice, and broth have to be just right for the dish to be a success. However, with a little bit of practice and patience, anyone can enjoy a delicious plate of Chicken Rice at home.