Baked rice with shredded chicken is a dish that always brings warmth to family mealtimes. This meal combines savory rice, spiced shredded chicken that’s been marinated to perfection, and the distinctive aroma of grilled banana leaves. With its enticing flavor and attractive presentation, this dish is perfect as a go-to menu for lunch or dinner. Not only is it delicious, but the process of making it is also fun and engaging to try at home!
This article is written in a friendly and human tone. You will find each step clearly explained—from preparing the ingredients to wrapping and grilling the rice. So, let’s dive into the complete recipe and experience the delicious flavors you can create in your own kitchen!
Ingredients Needed
1. Main Ingredients
- White Rice: 500 grams of white rice (preferably rice that has been left overnight so it doesn’t become mushy when grilled)
- Shredded Chicken: 300 grams of boiled chicken (use breast or thigh, then shred finely)
- Banana Leaves: For wrapping (you can substitute with aluminum foil if unavailable)
2. Chicken Shredding Spices
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 6 shallots
- 3 candlenuts, toasted
- 1 piece of turmeric (briefly roasted)
- 1 piece of ginger
- 1 stalk of lemongrass (use the white part, bruised)
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and sugar to taste
- 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder (optional)
- Cooking oil as needed for sautéing
3. Rice Seasoning
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 red chili (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Baked Rice with Shredded Chicken
1. Preparing the Shredded Chicken
- Boil and Shred: Boil the chicken with a little salt, celery, or bay leaves until cooked, then drain and shred the meat.
- Prepare the Spice Paste: Blend garlic, shallots, candlenuts, turmeric, and ginger using a blender or mortar and pestle until a smooth paste forms.
- Sauté the Spices: Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the spice paste together with the kaffir lime leaves and remaining lemongrass until aromatic and the color changes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken into the pan, season with salt, sugar, and seasoning powder if desired. Cook until the spices are fully absorbed and the chicken appears slightly dry. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Preparing the Rice Seasoning
- Sauté the Rice Spices: Heat a little oil and sauté the chopped garlic, sliced shallots, and red chili (if using) until soft and fragrant.
- Mix Rice and Chicken: Add the white rice into the pan and stir it well with the sautéed spices. Then, incorporate the shredded chicken and stir gently so that the flavors blend evenly throughout the rice. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste.
3. Wrapping and Grilling
- Prepare the Banana Leaves: Wash the banana leaves thoroughly and cut them into pieces of the desired size. Briefly heat them over low flame so they become pliable and easy to fold.
- Wrap the Rice: Take an appropriate amount of the rice and chicken mixture, place it in the center of a banana leaf piece, and fold it neatly so that the filling doesn’t spill out.
- Grill: Grill the wrapped rice on a grill, barbecue, or over moderate charcoal heat for about 5–7 minutes on each side. This process allows the banana leaves to impart their unique aroma and slightly caramelizes the edges of the rice.
Tips and Tricks to Make Your Baked Rice with Shredded Chicken Even More Amazing
- Overnight Rice: Ensure that the rice used is left overnight so that it remains separate and not sticky.
- Banana Leaves: Briefly heat the banana leaves so they become flexible and less likely to tear when wrapping.
- Flavorful Chicken: Make sure the shredded chicken is cooked well with the spices so that every bite bursts with flavor.
- Extra Variations: You can add slices of tomato, pieces of cucumber, or a sprinkle of fried shallots on top of the rice before serving for added texture and aroma.
Variations You Can Try
- Seafood Baked Rice: Replace the chicken with a mix of shrimp and squid for a different but equally enticing flavor.
- Vegetarian Baked Rice: Mix in vegetables like corn, carrots, and green beans with the spiced rice for a healthier option.
- Cheesy Baked Rice: Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the rice before wrapping for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Baked rice with shredded chicken is not just about the taste—it’s also about the enjoyable cooking experience. Every step you take makes this dish more special. Enjoy trying out this recipe at home, and don’t forget to share your cooking stories and creations in the comments! May this recipe bring warmth and joy to your dining table.