Authentic Hainanese Chicken with Crispy Skin and Savory Soy Sauce

Certainly! Here’s a refined version of the recipe for Ayam Pekcamke (Hainanese Chicken) tailored for the Love With Recipes site:

Ayam Pekcamke (Hainanese Chicken)

Indulge in the delicate flavors of traditional Hainanese chicken with this straightforward and authentic recipe for Ayam Pekcamke. Known for its tender, flavorful chicken and savory dipping sauce, this dish is perfect for a comforting meal that highlights the elegance of simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole kampung chicken
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, smashed
• 1 small bunch of scallions, tied together
• Ice water for soaking
• Water for cooking
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Rub the chicken thoroughly with lime juice and salt. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse and drain.

2. Blanch the Chicken:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the smashed ginger and tied scallions to the boiling water. Place the chicken into the pot.
   • Once the water returns to a boil, let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and immerse it immediately in a bowl of ice water for 2 minutes. After this, return the chicken to the pot of boiling water. Repeat this process 3 times to ensure a crispy skin and tender meat.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • After the final blanching, simmer the chicken in fresh boiling water for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, depending on its size.

4. Rest the Chicken:

   • Turn off the heat and let the chicken sit in the covered pot for an additional 15 minutes to finish cooking.

5. Serve:

   • Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and cut it into serving pieces. Arrange the chicken on a serving plate and drizzle generously with sesame oil and soy sauce to taste.

6. Garnish:

   • Sprinkle the finely chopped garlic, which has been sautéed in a bit of sesame oil, over the chicken. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a touch of color and flavor.

Enjoy your Ayam Pekcamke with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal. This dish is a true celebration of simple, yet rich, flavors and perfect for any occasion!

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and garnishes according to your taste preferences.