Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe is one of the most beloved and delicious dishes in Malaysian cuisine. It perfectly balances tender roasted chicken, fragrant rice, and flavorful sauces. This Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe has been passed down through generations, and now I’m thrilled to share my version with you. It’s simple, delicious, and a great way to bring a taste of Malaysia into your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to prepare this mouthwatering, Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe dish!

Ingredients for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe

- For the Roasted Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, smashed
- 1 pandan leaf (optional for aroma)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chilli sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Garnish:
- Fresh cucumber slices
- Spring onions, chopped
- Cilantro leaves
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
1. Marinate the Chicken for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Mix a bowl of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, honey, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Rub this marinade all over the chicken, including under the skin.
- Let the chicken marinate in the active refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Roast the Chicken for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Preheat your oven to a minimum of 375°F (190°C).
- Then, place the marinated chicken on a roasting tray.
- Roast for 45-50 minutes, basting the chicken with its juices every 15 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
3. Prepare the Rice for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Wash the jasmine rice thoroughly and drain.
- Heat butter or vegetable oil in a pot and sauté the minced garlic and smashed ginger until fragrant.
- Then, add the fresh rice and stir to coat each grain with the aromatic oil.
4. Cook the Rice for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Pour in the fresh chicken stock and add the pandan leaf (if using) and salt.
- Cover the pot with a lid carefully and bring to a boil. Then, you will reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
5. Make the Sauce for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, chili sauce, and sugar in a small bowl.
- Stir carefully until the sugar dissolves, and then set aside as a dipping sauce.
6. Serving the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Chop the roasted chicken into proper bite-sized pieces.
- Serve the cooked chicken over a bed of fragrant rice garnished with cucumber slices, spring onions, and cilantro leaves.
- Drizzle the fresh sauce over the chicken or dip it on the side.
7. Enjoying the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Ladle the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe into bowls or plates.
- Savour the tender chicken, aromatic rice, and tangy sauce in every bite.
Here are some chef tips for making the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe (Hainanese-style chicken rice with a Malaysian twist)
1. Choosing the Right Chicken for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Use whole chicken: For this dish, it’s best to roast a whole chicken to get a flavorful broth for the rice and extra crispy skin. Opt for free-range or organic chicken for better flavor.
- Brining: To make the chicken moist and flavorful, consider brining it for a few hours before roasting. A simple brine of water, salt, and a little sugar will enhance its juiciness.
2. Roasting the Chicken for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Dry the skin: After washing the chicken, dry the skin thoroughly with paper towels. This helps in getting that perfect crispy skin.
- Use high heat: Roast the chicken in a preheated oven at a minimum of 200°C (400°F) for 45–50 minutes or until the skin is golden and crispy. During the last 10 minutes of roasting, you can brush the chicken with honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil for extra flavor and color.
- Internal temperature: For the juiciest chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
3. Perfect Rice for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Fry the rice: In a bit of chicken fat (rendered from the chicken), fry some minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then add the washed rice and stir-fry it for a couple of minutes before cooking it with chicken broth. This step will give the rice a rich, savory flavor.
- Use chicken stock: Cook the rice in chicken stock (boiled or pre-made) instead of water. This will add extra depth and attractive richness to the dish.
- Fluff with a fork: Cover the rice and let it sit for 10 minutes after cooking. Then, fluff with a fork carefully to separate the grains.
4. Chicken Broth for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Use the boiled chicken broth: After poaching or roasting your chicken, save the broth. You can use it to make a dipping sauce or serve it with chicken and rice.
- Infuse the broth: To boost the flavor, simmer the broth with ingredients like ginger, garlic, onions, and lemongrass—strain before serving.
5. Dipping Sauces for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Ginger-scallion sauce: This is a must-have! Blend or finely chop ginger and green onions, then mix with chicken fat, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. It’s aromatic, slightly spicy, and perfectly complements the chicken.
- Chilli sauce: A spicy, tangy chili sauce made from red chilies, garlic, ginger, and sugar will give your dish a zesty kick. You can adjust the proper spice level based on preference.
6. Serving Suggestions for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Presentation: Serve the roasted chicken on a plate garnished with fresh cilantro or spring onions. Slice the chicken into serving pieces and drizzle with chicken fat for added flavor.
- Sides: Serve the rice, dipping sauces, and a bowl of chicken broth or a simple vegetable stir-fry on the side.
7. Finishing Touches for the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Rest the chicken: After roasting, let the chicken rest for about 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Crispy skin: If you want extra crispy skin, you should finish the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes after roasting to give it that golden crisp texture.
With these tips, you’ll have a flavorful, aromatic, delicious, Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe that’s tender, juicy, and perfectly crispy! Enjoy!
Here’s an estimated nutrition breakdown for The Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe (based on a standard recipe serving four people)
Serving Size:
- 1 serving (1/4 of the chicken, 1/4 of the rice, and accompanying sauces)
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories:
- Chicken (roasted): 300–350 kcal
- Rice: 250–300 kcal
- Sauces (ginger-scallion, chili): 50–80 kcal
- Total: ~600–730 kcal
Macronutrients:
- Protein: 35–45g
- The chicken generally provides the majority of the protein.
- Fat: 25–30g
- The skin of the chicken and chicken fat used for cooking the rice contribute to the fat content.
- The sesame oil and oil in the sauces also add to the fat count.
- Carbohydrates: 55–65g
- Mainly from the rice, which is the primary carbohydrate source in the dish.
- Fiber: 1–2g
- This is relatively low as the dish doesn’t typically feature many vegetables, but small amounts come from the rice and the herbs.
Micronutrients:
- Vitamin A: ~10–15% of daily value (from the chicken skin and herbs)
- Vitamin C: ~5–10% of daily value (from the ginger, garlic, and cilantro in the sauces)
- Calcium: ~3–5% of daily value (from the chicken and any added vegetables)
- Iron: ~6–10% of daily value (from the chicken and rice)
- Sodium: ~500–800 mg
- Depending on the amount of soy sauce and salt added to the rice, spices, and chicken, sodium can be significant. Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium intake.
Cholesterol: 80–100mg
- The chicken skin and chicken fat contribute to the cholesterol content.
Health Tips:
- Lowering calories: You can reduce calories by removing the skin from the chicken after roasting or using skinless chicken.
- Boosting fiber: Add vegetables such as bok choy or a side salad to increase fiber content.
- Sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and control how much salt you add to the broth or rice.
This recipe is balanced with a good source of protein and carbohydrates, though it’s a bit higher in fat due to the skin and the added oils. You can adjust the diet using less chicken fat or skinless chicken to lower fat or calories.
Here are some related recipes that align with the flavors and style of Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice (Hainanese Chicken Rice), which is popular in Southeast Asian cuisine
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice (Traditional Version)
- A simpler version of Malaysian roasted chicken rice, where the chicken is poached rather than roasted, gives it a tender, juicy texture. The rice is cooked entirely in chicken fat and served with a flavorful chili-ginger dipping sauce.
2. Malaysian Steamed Chicken Rice
- It is similar to roasted chicken rice but steamed instead of roasted chicken, keeping it moist and tender. It’s also typically served with fragrant rice and various dipping sauces.
3. Thai Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai)
- This is a Thai variation of Hainanese chicken rice. It uses poached chicken served alongside rice cooked in chicken fat, accompanied by chili sauce and ginger dipping sauce. It has a tangy twist with lime and fish sauce.
4. Roast Duck Rice (Kedai Kopi)
- This is a popular Malaysian dish in which roast duck is served instead of chicken. The rice is cooked in duck fat, and it’s often served with a side of soup or broth and dipping sauces.
5. Cantonese Soy Sauce Chicken
- A Cantonese dish where the chicken is poached in a flavorful soy-based broth and then glazed with a rich soy sauce mix. It’s served with white rice and often accompanied by pickled vegetables.
6. Singapore Hainanese Chicken Rice
- It is a close cousin to the Malaysian version, with subtle differences in the sauces and the cooking method. Singaporean chicken rice tends to be lighter, and the chili sauce is often spicier.
7. Nasi Ayam Penyet (Indonesian Smash Chicken Rice)
- Indonesian-style smashed chicken, where the chicken is fried and then smashed flat. It’s served with rice, sambal (spicy chili paste), and fried tofu or tempeh for added flavor.
8. Vietnamese Com Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Rice)
- A Vietnamese dish where poached chicken is served over rice cooked in the chicken’s flavorful broth, often with herbs like mint, cilantro, and cucumber for a refreshing bite.
9. Char Siu Chicken Rice
- Inspired by Chinese-style barbecue, this dish involves chicken marinated in a sweet soy sauce mixture, roasted, and served with fragrant rice. Pickled vegetables or a simple soup often accompanies it.
10. Thai Crispy Chicken with Rice (Gai Tod)
- Crispy fried chicken served with Thai-style rice cooked with garlic, shallots, and sometimes lemongrass, and a tangy dipping sauce on the side.
11. Indonesian Nasi Goreng Ayam (Chicken Fried Rice)
- A savory fried rice dish made with leftover roasted or grilled chicken, stir-fried with vegetables, sweet fresh soy sauce, and sometimes topped with a fried egg. It’s usually served with cucumber and chili on the side.
12. Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce and Rice
- Grilled chicken skewers appropriately marinated in fresh turmeric and spices are served with a creamy peanut sauce, rice, and cucumber salad. This is an excellent alternative to roasted chicken rice.
13. Burmese Chicken Rice (Hingyi Aye)
- This is a flavorful Burmese-style chicken rice dish. Poached or roasted chicken is served with rice cooked in chicken broth, seasoned with turmeric, garlic, and ginger, and topped with crispy fried onions.
14. Malaysian Chicken Congee (Bubur Ayam)
- In Malaysia, chicken rice porridge is often served as a breakfast dish. It’s typically topped with fried shallots, spring onions, and a dash of soy sauce and chili.
These recipes share similar elements, such as rice cooked in aromatic broths, tender chicken, and complementary sauces, making them perfect options if you enjoy Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice!
FAQs About the Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
1. Can I use fresh chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Ans: Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe.
2. Can I skip the pandan leaf?
Ans: Yes, it’s optional but adds a pleasant aroma.
3. How long can I store leftovers?
Ans: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
4. Can I use an active rice cooker for the rice?
Ans: Follow the same steps and transfer the ingredients to a rice cooker.
5. What’s a good substitute for oyster sauce?
Ans: Hoisin sauce may be used as a substitute.
Conclusion
The Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for family meals or special occasions. With its tender chicken, aromatic rice, and tangy sauce, this Easy Malaysian Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe brings Malaysia’s attractive, vibrant flavors right to your table. You can try it out and enjoy the lively taste of this delicious and traditional favorite!