Fragrant One-Pot Chicken Rice with Garlic and Ginger

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Cuisine

Asian-Inspired

Servings

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Calories

460

Chicken rice is a classic dish that brings together the satisfying heartiness of rice with the savoury richness of chicken, garlic, and ginger.

Popular across many Asian cuisines, it’s known for being simple, wholesome, and deeply comforting. The chicken is seared to golden perfection before being simmered with rice and stock, infusing every grain with flavour.

This one-pot version saves time while delivering restaurant-quality taste. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something filling but not complicated. The garnish of spring onions and coriander adds freshness that balances the richness of the chicken.

Best of all, it’s endlessly customisable — you can add vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or peas to make it even more nourishing. A warm bowl of chicken rice feels like a hug in food form, making it a dish loved worldwide.

Image of Fragrant One-Pot Chicken Rice with Garlic and Ginger

Ingredients

2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed until water runs clear
4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on for flavour)
2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
4 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon white pepper
2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish)
Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)

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Directions

Rinse rice until water runs clear and drain well.
In a heavy pot, heat sesame oil. Add garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side).
Stir in rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix to coat grains with flavour.
Pour in chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes until rice is fluffy and chicken is cooked through.
Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
Fluff rice, garnish with spring onions and coriander, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
per serving: Calories; 460

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Fat: 18 grams; 23%
Saturated Fat: 5 grams; 25%
Cholesterol: 95 milligrams; 32%
Sodium: 820 milligrams; 36%
Carbs: 52 grams; 19%
Protein: 25 grams; 50%
Sugar: 2 grams
Fiber: 2 grams; 7%

10 Tips for when cooking this dish

Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent it from becoming sticky.
Sear chicken skin side down first for crispiness.
Use chicken thighs for juiciness — breasts can dry out.
Don’t skip ginger; it balances the richness beautifully.
Add a splash of fish sauce or soy sauce for deeper umami.
For extra fragrance, add pandan leaves or lemongrass while cooking.
Rest rice before serving for fluffier texture.
Garnish generously with fresh herbs for brightness.
Cook in a clay pot or Dutch oven for authentic flavour.
Serve with chilli sauce or pickled cucumbers for a traditional touch.

Serve it with suggestions

Steamed bok choy or broccoli
Pickled cucumbers or radish
A bowl of light chicken broth
Chilli sauce or sambal
Fresh lime wedges

FAQs

Q: Can I make chicken rice in a rice cooker?
A: Yes, simply sauté garlic and ginger separately, then add everything to the cooker.

Q: What type of rice works best?
A: Jasmine rice is ideal for fragrance, but basmati or long-grain rice also work.

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more flavourful.

Q: Is chicken rice gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce.

Q: Can I meal prep chicken rice?
A: Absolutely, it reheats well and can be stored for up to 3 days.

Chef's Recommendation

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Fragrant One-Pot Chicken Rice with Garlic and Ginger