Boiled chicken is a familiar dish often found on Vietnamese dining tables, especially during festive occasions. However, to change things up, you can try boiling the chicken without water using one of the following methods:

Boil Chicken with Salt

Boiling chicken with salt crystals enhances the flavor and texture of the meat, resulting in a delicious and tender dish. This method is incredibly simple. You can choose to boil the whole chicken or cut it into halves or pieces, according to your preference. Rinse the chicken thoroughly and let it air dry; there is no need to season it beforehand.

Here’s how you do it: Prepare a pot, and before placing the chicken inside, spread a layer of salt crystals at the bottom. This technique ensures that the chicken skin doesn’t stick to the pot, and the heat from the salt will infuse a wonderful aroma into the chicken as it cooks.

You can also use a rice cooker, but make sure it has a tight-fitting lid to retain heat and moisture, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.

After placing the chicken in the pot, cover it tightly and cook over low heat for 45-60 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Note: During the cooking process, refrain from frequently lifting the lid. Only do so when you start to smell the wonderful aroma to check on the chicken’s progress.

Delicious steamed chicken
Delicious steamed chicken

Boil Chicken with Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime Leaves

First, clean the chicken and remove any remaining feathers. Then, rinse the whole chicken and set it aside. Prepare a mixture of finely ground salt, a small amount of MSG (monosodium glutamate), and green bird’s eye chilies (using green chilies is essential for a fragrant chicken). Rub this mixture all over the chicken.

Next, use a pot with a thick base and line the bottom with a layer of salt crystals. Add some bruised and cut lemongrass, followed by kaffir lime leaves, and then place the chicken on top. Finish with another layer of kaffir lime leaves.

When boiling the chicken without water, maintain a cooking time of 45-60 minutes. It’s best to use a pot with a clear glass lid so you can easily monitor the cooking process. Refrain from lifting the lid during the first 30-40 minutes to prevent heat loss and ensure even cooking.

How to boil chicken without water
How to boil chicken without water

Boil Chicken with Garlic for a Flavorful Dish

Peel the garlic cloves and spread them evenly at the bottom of the pot, ensuring the chicken doesn’t touch the pot. Stuff the remaining garlic into the chicken’s cavity, then cover and simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes. This simple step will transform your boiled chicken into a mouthwatering, flavorful dish.

Keep the lid on during the cooking process. Interestingly, once the chicken is cooked, there won’t be any garlic smell, and the meat will be incredibly tender and sweet. This method truly elevates a simple boiled chicken into a gourmet dish.

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