Heart-Healthy Hainanese Chicken

Experience a lighter take on a beloved classic with this Heart-Healthy Hainanese Chicken recipe—a nutritious spin on the traditional Singaporean dish. Made with tender, poached boneless skinless chicken breasts simmered in aromatic low-sodium chicken broth infused with fresh ginger and garlic, this dish prioritizes both health and flavor. Served atop fragrant brown rice cooked in the same savory broth, it’s paired with a tangy, low-sodium soy-lime dipping sauce for a zesty kick. Garnished with fresh cucumber slices, scallions, and vibrant cilantro, this recipe is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for those seeking a heart-conscious meal, it’s quick to prepare, naturally low in fat, and rich in wholesome ingredients. Whether you're on a wellness journey or simply craving a wholesome dinner idea, this flavorful Hainanese chicken is a must-try.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger root, sliced
• 4 cloves fresh garlic cloves, crushed
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 0.5 cup cucumber, sliced
• 0.25 cup scallions, sliced
• 0.25 cup cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce, low sodium
• 1 whole lime, juiced
• 0.25 teaspoon ground white pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, ginger slices, garlic, and kosher salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 3

Remove the chicken from the broth and set aside to cool slightly. Reserve the broth for cooking the rice and as a serving broth.

Step 4

Rinse the brown rice under cold water. In a medium pot, add one and a half cups of the reserved chicken broth and the rinsed brown rice. Bring to a boil.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6

While the rice is cooking, slice the cooked chicken breasts thinly.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix together sesame oil, soy sauce, lime juice, and ground white pepper to create a dipping sauce.

Step 8

To serve, place a portion of rice on each plate. Top with sliced chicken, sliced cucumber, scallions, and cilantro leaves.

Step 9

Drizzle the chicken with the dipping sauce and serve the remaining sauce on the side, alongside a small bowl of the reserved broth.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1832.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1080.5

Total Fat 31.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 295.8mg	0%
Sodium 1882.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 70.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.7g	0%
Total Sugars 8.6g
Protein 127.1g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 175.8mg	0%
Iron 6.7mg	0%
Potassium 1907.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.2%

Protein: 47.5%

Carbs: 26.3%