Flavorful Clay Pot Rice with Chicken Recipe
Are you looking for a warm and comforting meal that will make your taste buds sing with every bite? Well, I’ve got just the recipe for you! Introducing Clay Pot Rice with Chicken. This dish is a classic in Chinese cuisine, and it has been enjoyed around the world. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in at home.
Clay Pot Rice with Chicken is a dish that’s made by cooking rice and chicken together in a clay pot. The clay pot allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb all of the delicious flavors. The chicken is marinated in oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, white pepper, and sesame oil, giving it a rich umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender grains of rice.
This dish is also known as “Bo Zai Fan” or “Bao Zai,” which means “pot rice” in Cantonese. It hails from Hong Kong, where it’s a popular street food. But now, thanks to famous chefs like Marion Grasby from Marion’s Kitchen, this dish has become popular all over the world.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can switch up the protein and add things like Chinese sausage or salted fish to make it your own. Plus, it’s easily adaptable for different dietary needs – you can swap out the chicken thighs for tofu or omit the oyster sauce for a vegetarian option.
In short, Clay Pot Rice with Chicken is a delicious and comforting meal that will have you coming back for more. So why don’t you give it try? I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen, folks. I know you have a lot of recipes to choose from out there. Fried rice, steamed rice, take-out rice – it’s all pretty good, isn’t it? But if you want something that will really knock your socks off, you’ve got to give this Clay Pot Rice with Chicken a try. Trust me, it’s worth it.
First of all, let me tell you – this dish is the definition of comfort food. It’s warm and filling and just screams “home-cooked meal”. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal which means less dishes to wash and more time to enjoy your food! And believe me, you’ll want to savor every bite.
Okay, now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of what makes this recipe so special. The chicken thighs are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, dark soya sauce, oyster sauce and white pepper that infuses them with amazing flavor. Then they’re paired with mushrooms and Chinese sausage for an extra burst of umami that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!)
But wait, there’s more! All of these savory ingredients are then cooked together with fluffy Jasmine rice in a clay pot that creates the perfect texture and depth of flavor. The high heat ensures the rice gets crispy at the bottom but still maintains that fluffy softness on top – it’s like having two different rice textures in one dish!
I know some people might be hesitant to try cooking with a clay pot, but trust me when I say it brings something extra special to this dish. Not only does it create that incredible texture, but it also distributes heat evenly ensuring nothing gets overcooked or undercooked.
And don’t even get me started on how easy this recipe is! Sure you need to marinate the chicken for 5 minutes but other than that its pretty straight-forward with most of the cook time being hands off. Just mix everything together in your best clay pot and let heat do its magic for 30 minutes.
Look guys, sometimes we all need a bit of comfort food to remind us things are going to be ok. This Clay Pot Rice with Chicken recipe will do just that and much more. It’s easy-to-follow, fills your home with mouth-watering spices smells and delivers a textural experience like no other – all in one pot! So go ahead – try this recipe tonight and experience true culinary bliss. You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
What you’ll need for this recipe:
- Rice – 2 cups of jasmine rice
- Chicken – 4 chicken thighs, skin on, bone-in (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
- Marinade for chicken: 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, ½ tablespoon of dark soya sauce, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, ⅛ teaspoon of ground white pepper
- 2 shallots (thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 3 pieces of dried mushrooms, soaked in hot water and cut into small bite-sized pieces
- Chinese sausage, sliced (optional)
- Salted fish, flaked (optional)
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of dark soya sauce
- 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
Serves: 4
The Recipe How-To
Here we go, ladies and gents! This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for — the how-to of our Clay Pot Rice With Chicken Recipe. As a lover of home-cooked meals myself, I am thrilled to share with you these detailed steps that will help you achieve the best clay pot rice ever.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
First things first, we need to marinate the chicken. Mix together 4 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons dark soya sauce, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, a dash of white pepper, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a bowl. Then, add 8 boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces) to the mixture and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Rice
While the chicken marinates, it’s time to get started with the rice. Rinse 2 cups of jasmine rice and soak it in warm water for about 10-15 minutes. Drain and rinse again before adding it to your clay pot.
Step 3: Prepare Your Clay Pot
Using the best clay pot you can find — Chinese stores typically have these available — make sure you clean it properly by rinsing it with hot water. Place it on your stovetop over medium-high heat and wait for it to get hot.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken and Rice Together
Once your clay pot is ready, you can add a tablespoon of cooking oil to make sure nothing sticks. Add 2 minced shallots and 4 minced garlic cloves into your clay pot until fragrant. Then, add the marinated chicken (without the marinade) along with some chopped Chinese sausage (lap cheong), if desired. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes.
Next up, mix in the drained jasmine rice until all ingredients are well-blended. Pour in about 2 cups of chicken broth (or water), making sure to cover all ingredients evenly in the clay pot.
Step 5: Bring Everything to a Boil
Stir everything together one final time before covering your clay pot with its lid tightly shut. Turn your heat up high and bring everything to a boil for approximately 10 minutes. The sound of bubbling liquid should resonate nicely as you gather round to partake in this delicious feast!
Step 6: Switch Your Heat Down and Let It Simmer
After boiling, switch your heat down to medium and let everything simmer for another 20 minutes. Resist temptation as we’ll want avoid peeking too early! Remember that you made this dish extra special by not peeping too soon. To finish off, mix some chopped spring onion into your prepared meal.
So there you go! An easy way on how to cook this warm and comforting delicacy called Clay Pot Rice! Give this recipe a shot for
Substitutions and Variations
Alright folks, it’s time to get creative and put your own twist on this classic comfort food recipe! Don’t be afraid to dance a little bit with the ingredients and switch things up or add new flavors to the mix. Here are some ideas to get you going:
– Meat Substitutions: Although chicken is the traditional meat ingredient in clay pot rice, you can easily swap it out for other proteins such as pork or beef. Shrimp would also be an interesting seafood alternative. Vegetarian? Skip the meat altogether and add in tofu, mushrooms or seitan instead.
– Rice Variations: The recipe calls for jasmine rice, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting it with basmati or brown rice. For those who want to go even healthier, quinoa or farro can be added as well.
– Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with adding different herbs or spices to the dish. Add some star anise or cinnamon sticks for a more fragrant aroma.
– Vegetable Additions: Want to increase the veggie content of the dish? Add some snow peas, carrots, baby corn or bell peppers in addition to the mushrooms.
– Garnishes: Spice things up by adding crispy fried shallots on top of the rice for a more savory experience. Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions or chili flakes would make excellent additions as well.
Remember that any change made to the original recipe will certainly affect its overall taste, so don’t be afraid to taste along the way and adjust as necessary!
Serving and Pairing
Now, we’ve reached the best part of this recipe – serving and pairing! This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with some steamed or stir-fried vegetables to add color and freshness to the plate.
For a complete experience, serve your Clay Pot Rice with Chicken Recipe in individual clay pots with a lid for an authentic Chinese presentation. I like to sprinkle some chopped green onions on top and add a dab of chili oil for a kick that takes the flavors up a notch.
This is definitely considered comfort food in Hong Kong and Malaysia, so it’s recommended for dinner and also so satisfying that you might even make it as lunch! Indulge yourself for once!
As for pairing, this dish goes well with a variety of wines such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or Cabernet Sauvignon. The bold and spicy flavors of clay pot rice perfectly blend with these wines.
If you are an avid tea drinker, pair this dish with Oolong tea, Jasmine tea, or Pu-erh tea. These teas bring out the earthy flavors in clay pot rice.
So there you have it! Sit back and enjoy your hot steaming Clay Pot Rice with Chicken Recipe paired perfectly whether it’s wine or tea next to your beaming smile after impressing your friends and family!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You know what’s convenient? Being able to prep your meals ahead of time – especially when it comes to a dish as inviting as clay pot rice with chicken. Luckily, you can easily make this dish ahead of time, store it well, and reheat like a pro.
Making Clay Pot Rice with Chicken in advance is plain simple. First, cook the rice following the usual instructions. Next, prepare the remaining dish by stir-frying the chicken and mushroom mixture in a separate wok or pan, then assemble everything together in your clay pot. Don’t forget to add a bit of extra broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Once your clay pot is assembled, pop it in the fridge – this way you only need to reheat on the day you serve it. When reheating refridgerated or frozen clay pot rice with chicken, you always want to ensure that the you bring it back up to its proper temperature to fully cook and kill any bacteria that might have formed while stored.
To reheat well, place the entire desired portion (or all of it) into an oven-safe container with a lid and fold some heat-safe foil over top so that no moisture escapes during cooking. Preheat your oven between 275°F-300°F and let it gently braise inside for about 15-20 minutes (depending on how much you are reheating). Breaking up any clumps with a fork while reheating will help distribute the heat evenly throughout.
Alternatively, if you’re short on time or don’t want heat up your oven, you can easily reheat any serving size of clay pot rice with chicken by microwaving it for 2-4 minutes depending on portion size. Be sure to give it a quick stir every minute while heating so that each element has been warmed throughout.
Pro tip: To keep your cooked clay pot rice moist after reheating, try sprinkling just little but more of Chinese chicken broth over top of the dish before reheating.
There you have it – now everyone will think you’ve been slaving away at the kitchen all day creating deliciously comforting food when really, it was just a crafty plan all along!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to impress your guests and make sure that your clay pot rice with chicken turns out delightful, there are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind. Paying attention to details will not only help you avoid mistakes but also elevate the taste and presentation of the dish to a new level. So, let’s dive into some useful tips that will make your recipe shine.
First, the quality of your clay pot is crucial when making this dish. A well-made clay pot not only ensures even cooking but also enhances the flavors of the ingredients. The best clay pot for this recipe is one that is thick, sturdy, and has a tight-fitting lid. Make sure to soak your clay pot in warm water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent it from cracking under high heat.
Second, the right amount of water is key in achieving perfectly cooked rice with tender chicken. The ratio of water to rice should be 1:1.5, meaning you should add one and a half cups of water for every cup of rice used. Once you add the rice and water to the clay pot, bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Third, the marination process significantly contributes to the flavor profile of this dish. In addition to the soy sauce and oyster sauce called for in the recipe, add a teaspoon of sesame oil and white pepper to the marinade for an extra kick. Mix well and allow the chicken thighs to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Fourth, adding Chinese sausage or salted fish can elevate this comfort food dish to a whole new level with their unique umami flavors. If you like mushroom flavor or want to switch things up, try using shiitake mushrooms in place of Chinese sausage or salted fish.
Finally, don’t be afraid to play around with different cooking techniques such as using an Instant Pot or electric cooker. Marion Grasby from Marion’s Kitchen suggests using a Malaysian claypot or frying pan instead of a regular clay pot for added flavors and texture.
In conclusion, perfecting a recipe like Clay Pot Rice With Chicken requires attention to many small details that can make all the difference between deliciousness and disappointment. Soaking your clay pot beforehand, adding just enough water, carefully marinating your chicken thighs, trying out different meat substitutes or additional seasonings can all help take your dish up a notch. And if you feel inspired enough, don’t hesitate to experiment with different cooking vessels or variations of ingredients!
FAQ
As with any recipe, you might have some questions about this Clay Pot Rice with Chicken Recipe. Here are some frequently asked questions that I hope will provide you with additional guidance and reassurance as you start cooking. Let’s get those questions answered so you can enjoy your clay pot rice without any lingering doubts or worries.
What to serve with claypot rice?
To complete your meal, I suggest adding some greens as a side dish to your claypot rice. For a quick and easy option, sautéed garlic bok choy or green beans would be perfect. However, if you’re looking for something more hearty, steamed or sautéed gai lan (Chinese broccoli) would be a delicious and nutritious addition to your meal. No matter what you choose, these veggies will complement the flavors of the claypot rice perfectly.
How do you cook rice in a clay pot?
For perfectly cooked rice, start by soaking it in water for around 35-40 minutes. This will give the grains a chance to absorb some water and soften up. In the meantime, sauté some green onions for about a minute or two.
Once the rice is done soaking, drain the water and transfer it into a clay pot. Cover the rice completely with water and bring it to a boil. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
After the time has elapsed, use a fork to fluff the rice and mix it thoroughly. Your deliciously cooked rice is now ready to be served!
How do you keep rice from sticking to claypot?
To prevent rice from sticking together while cooking, it’s recommended to include a small amount of oil or fat in the cooking process.
Is clay pot rice healthy?
Have you ever wondered why food cooked in clay pots tastes so delicious? It all comes down to the pH balance. Clay pots are naturally alkaline, which means they can help neutralize acidity in our food. This is especially helpful when cooking rice, as it can make it much healthier. So next time you’re using a clay pot, keep in mind its pH balancing benefits!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Clay Pot Rice with Chicken Recipe is a hearty and delicious meal that you must try. The mouth-watering aroma that fills your kitchen will tempt even the pickiest eater to try this comfort food. This recipe can be customized in numerous ways and is perfect for cooking for loved ones or hosting a dinner party.
By following the tried and tested recipe, you can prepare a restaurant-quality clay pot rice with chicken in the comfort of your own home. It is also an excellent way to expand your culinary skills by exploring Chinese cuisine.
Additionally, the use of various traditional ingredients such as oyster sauce, shallots and sesame oil will transport you to the bustling streets of Hong Kong. Not only are these ingredients flavourful, but they also have several health benefits.
So, whether you are a seasoned chef, or just starting out on your culinary journey, don’t let anything stop you from trying this recipe. Pick up your clay pot today and give this recipe a try; it might just become one of your favorite meals!
Clay Pot Rice With Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 g chicken thighs, chopped and marinated with light soya sauce
- 1 1/2 cups rice
- 1 piece Chinese sausage, sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon shallot, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dark soya sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Place rice, chicken broth, garlic and shallots into claypot.
- Mix in dark soya sauce, oyster sauce, pepper and sesami oil.
- Cook rice in chicken broth with a claypot over a medium flame.
- Leave the lid of the claypot closed during cooking until the broth is nearly evaporated.
- Open lid and pour in chicken thigh and chinese sausage.
- Replace the lid and continue cooking for about 10-15 minutes.
- Open the lid and stir the rice mixture to prevent the rice from sticking too much to the pot.
- Cook until the rice is cooked (should be soft and fluffy).
- Remove rice and serve.
- Add additional dark soya sauce and pepper to taste.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.