Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy one-pot meal, look no further than claypot chicken rice cooked in a rice cooker. This traditional Chinese dish is full of flavor and can be cooked at home with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family.
Claypot chicken rice is a popular dish in Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The dish gets its name from the claypot it is traditionally cooked in, but you can easily make it in a rice cooker for convenience. The combination of succulent chicken, aromatic rice, and flavorful sauce makes this dish incredibly satisfying.
One of the best things about cooking claypot chicken rice in a rice cooker is that it requires minimal effort and cleanup. You simply marinate the chicken, wash the rice, and then let the rice cooker do all the work. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the rice cooker creates a perfectly cooked crust at the bottom of the pot, known as “golden rice,” which adds an extra layer of texture and taste to the dish.
To get started, you’ll need some basic ingredients: chicken thighs, soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, jasmine rice, and water. You can also add in some additional ingredients like Chinese sausage, mushrooms, or vegetables to customize the dish to your taste.
What Is Claypot Chicken Rice
Claypot chicken rice is a traditional Chinese dish that is cooked in a claypot, giving it a unique taste and texture. It is a popular dish in many Asian countries, including China, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Ingredients
- Chicken – usually bone-in chicken pieces like thighs and drumsticks
- Rice – usually jasmine rice or another type of long-grain rice
- Chinese sausage – adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor
- Mushrooms – commonly shiitake mushrooms are used
- Soy sauce – for seasoning and color
- Oyster sauce – adds richness and depth of flavor
- Sesame oil – adds a nutty aroma
- Ginger – adds a subtle heat and freshness
- Garlic – adds a rich and aromatic flavor
- Scallions – for garnish and added freshness
Method
- Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse the rice and soak it in water for about 30 minutes.
- Heat the claypot over medium heat and add the marinated chicken to cook until the skin is browned and slightly crispy.
- Add the soaked rice, mushrooms, Chinese sausage, and water to the claypot. Stir gently to combine everything.
- Cover the claypot with its lid and cook the rice mixture over low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and fluffy.
- Remove the claypot from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish the claypot chicken rice with scallions and serve it hot.
Claypot chicken rice is a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal that is packed with flavors. The claypot helps to infuse the rice and chicken with a smoky aroma and a slightly crispy texture. It is a perfect dish to enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients for Claypot Chicken Rice
To make claypot chicken rice in a rice cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 500 grams |
| Rice | 2 cups |
| Chinese Sausages | 2 |
| Shiitake Mushrooms | 4 |
| Ginger | 2 slices |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Oyster Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Dark Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Spring Onions | For garnish |
| Cilantro | For garnish |
These ingredients will ensure that your claypot chicken rice is full of flavor and aromatic. Be sure to measure and prepare all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Steps to Cook Claypot Chicken Rice in Rice Cooker
Step 1: Soak the rice
Start by soaking the rice in a bowl filled with cold water for about 30 minutes. This will help to soften the rice and ensure it cooks evenly.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
While the rice is soaking, marinate the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix the ingredients well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the other ingredients
Chop the Chinese sausages into thin slices and set them aside. Also, wash and chop the spring onions into small pieces.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the marinated chicken until it is slightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 5: Cook the sausages
In the same pan, cook the Chinese sausages until they have rendered some fat and become slightly caramelized. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Step 6: Cook the rice
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the rice cooker. Add water according to the ratio recommended by the rice cooker manufacturer. Place the cooked chicken, sausages, and chopped spring onions on top of the rice.
Step 7: Cook the claypot chicken rice
Cook the rice in the rice cooker according to the cooker’s instructions. Once the rice is cooked, mix everything together to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 8: Serve
Scoop out the claypot chicken rice into individual bowls and serve hot. Garnish with additional spring onions if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Claypot Chicken Rice
When cooking claypot chicken rice in a rice cooker, there are a few tips to ensure you achieve the perfect dish every time:
1. Use the right type of rice: Opt for a short-grain rice, such as jasmine or Japanese sushi rice, as they have a stickier texture that works well in claypot chicken rice.
2. Soak the rice: Before cooking, soak the rice for at least 30 minutes. This will help the grains absorb water and cook evenly.
3. marinate the chicken: To infuse the chicken with flavour, marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic before cooking. This will help the chicken become tender and delicious.
4. Pre-cook the chicken: For a faster cooking time, pre-cook the chicken before adding it to the rice cooker. You can either pan-fry, grill, or boil the chicken until it’s about 80% cooked.
5. Layer the ingredients: Layer the soaked rice, marinated chicken, and any additional ingredients, such as Chinese sausage or mushrooms, in the rice cooker. This will ensure that all the flavors blend together beautifully as they cook.
6. Add the right amount of water: The ratio of rice to water should be around 1:1.2 to 1:1.5. Adjust the amount of water depending on your desired rice texture; less water will result in a drier rice, while more water will make it stickier.
7. Let it rest: Once the rice cooker switches to “Keep Warm” mode or finishes cooking, leave the claypot chicken rice to rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to become fluffy.
8. Mix well before serving: Before serving, use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the chicken, rice, and other ingredients thoroughly. This will ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious, flavorful claypot chicken rice in your rice cooker. Enjoy!
FAQ
What is claypot chicken rice?
Claypot chicken rice is a traditional Chinese dish that is cooked in a claypot. It consists of chicken, rice, and various ingredients such as Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and vegetables.
How do I cook claypot chicken rice in a rice cooker?
To cook claypot chicken rice in a rice cooker, you will need to marinate the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings. Then, wash the rice and add it to the rice cooker with water. Place the marinated chicken, Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and vegetables on top of the rice. Close the rice cooker and select the appropriate cooking setting. Once the rice cooker is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can I substitute the chicken with another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other types of meat such as pork or beef. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time and seasoning according to the type of meat you choose.
What are some variations of claypot chicken rice?
Some variations of claypot chicken rice include adding salted fish for a unique flavor, using different types of vegetables such as bok choy or baby corn, or adding additional seasonings such as garlic or ginger.
