Low Carb Hainanese Steamed Chicken

Experience a classic Asian favorite with a healthy twist in this Low Carb Hainanese Steamed Chicken recipe! Perfectly poached whole chicken is infused with the delicate flavors of fresh ginger and green onions, ensuring every bite is tender and aromatic. A cooling ice bath locks in the chicken’s juiciness while giving the skin a firm, silky texture. This low-carb adaptation swaps out traditional rice for crisp iceberg lettuce, creating a refreshingly light and guilt-free base to complement the chicken. Served with a fragrant ginger garlic sauce featuring coconut oil and sesame oil, this dish is a high-protein, keto-friendly delight that's elegant enough for dinner parties yet easy enough for a weeknight meal. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this flavorful, low-carb Hainanese classic is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 3-4 pounds whole chicken
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 3 slices ginger
• 2 stalks green onions
• 1 head iceberg lettuce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Clean the chicken thoroughly by rubbing it all over with 1 tablespoon of salt to remove any exterior residue. Rinse the salt off with cold water and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Stuff the cavity of the chicken with ginger slices and one chopped stalk of green onions.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Once the water is boiling, carefully lower the chicken into the pot.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the chicken cook for 45-50 minutes until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the ginger garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, add coconut oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Pour the hot mixture into a bowl and mix with soy sauce and remaining green onions (finely chopped).

Step 7

After the chicken is done cooking, transfer it immediately to a large bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process and keep the skin firm. Leave it in the ice bath for about 15 minutes.

Step 8

While the chicken cools, gently separate and wash the iceberg lettuce leaves. Pat them dry and arrange them on a serving platter.

Step 9

Remove the chicken from the ice bath and pat dry. Brush the skin lightly with sesame oil for a fragrant finish.

Step 10

Carve the chicken into serving pieces and arrange them over the lettuce. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Step 11

Serve the chicken with the ginger garlic sauce on the side. Enjoy your low-carb meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2320.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	757.0

Total Fat 54.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.4g
Cholesterol 102.1mg	0%
Sodium 15693.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 37.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.2g	0%
Total Sugars 16.3g
Protein 37.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 196.5mg	0%
Iron 5.8mg	0%
Potassium 1797.8mg	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: 62.0%

Protein: 18.8%

Carbs: 19.1%