Boiled chicken is a beloved dish in Vietnam, often prepared for special occasions and religious offerings. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that can be made in just 20-30 minutes. In this article, we’ll reveal three “perfect” methods to boil chicken with tender meat and intact, golden skin, a true delicacy in the Mekong Delta region.
Preparing boiled chicken may seem straightforward, but achieving that perfect balance of tender meat and attractive presentation takes skill. By following these methods, you’ll be able to create a mouth-watering dish that will impress your guests and honor your traditions.
1. Selecting the Best Chicken for Boiling
The key to a tasty boiled chicken lies in choosing the right bird. It is recommended to opt for free-range chickens, as they are naturally raised without feed, resulting in tender and naturally sweet meat. The challenge is that when buying dressed chicken from the market, it’s hard to determine its flavor. For tips on selecting the perfect chicken, click here.
Selecting the right chicken for boiling is essential.
2. Choosing the Right Pot for Boiling Chicken
When it comes to choosing a pot for boiling chicken, size and material matter. For boiling a whole chicken without cutting it into pieces, select a pot with a bottom diameter of about 26-28 cm and a height of 18-22 cm. Ensure that the pot handles are sturdy for safe handling, especially when moving it with hot water inside.
Preferably, opt for pots with thick bottoms made of stainless steel. While aluminum pots are also an option, their thin bottoms may burn if you’re boiling chicken without water. Always choose reputable brands like Happycook, Sunhouse, or Elmich to ensure the best quality.
Choose a pot with the right size and sturdy handles.
For the best results, it is recommended to choose free-range chicken, as their natural diet contributes to more flavorful meat.
3. Traditional Pot Boiling Method
Preparation: 40 minutes Cooking: 15 minutes Serves: 3-4 people
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg free-range chicken
- Spices: salt, fish sauce, sugar, pepper, onion, and ginger
Gather your ingredients for the traditional pot boiling method.
Instructions
Start by cleaning your free-range chicken and keeping it whole. Rub salt on the skin and rinse thoroughly, inside and out. Let the chicken air-dry. Meanwhile, cut off the roots of the scallions and cilantro, wash them, and let them dry as well.
Prepare your chicken and spices.
Prepare a pot with a capacity of about 5 liters. Add 3.2 liters of water and turn on the heat. Add your spice mixture: 30g salt, 30g seasoning, and 45g sugar. Place the chicken in the pot, cover it, and boil for 15-20 minutes. Once boiled, turn off the heat and let the chicken soak for about 10 minutes.
Boil the chicken with the spice mixture.
For a flavorful dipping sauce, finely chop basil and chili, and combine them with 1 teaspoon of MSG and 2 teaspoons of salt. Pound the mixture until smooth and transfer it to a small bowl.
Prepare a delicious dipping sauce.
After soaking, remove the chicken and place it in a bowl of cold water to cool down. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces and serve with rice noodles. Enjoy your perfectly boiled chicken!
Your delicious boiled chicken is ready to be served.
4. Rice Cooker Boiling Method
Preparation: 40 minutes Cooking: 15 minutes Serves: 3-4 people
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg free-range chicken
- 400g salt
- Spices: onion, chili, salt, MSG, lemon leaves
Gather your ingredients for the rice cooker method.
Instructions
Clean your free-range chicken and keep it whole. For an enhanced aroma, use a mixture of pounded wine and ginger to clean the chicken again. This step will ensure your chicken smells amazing after boiling.
Massage the chicken with wine and ginger for a delightful aroma.
Pound onion, chili, 2 teaspoons of salt, and ½ teaspoon of MSG into a smooth paste. Massage this mixture evenly onto the surface and inside the cavity of the chicken. This step will infuse your chicken with flavor.
Marinate the chicken with the spice mixture.
Place 400g of salt at the bottom of your rice cooker. Arrange the lemongrass stalks, sliced onion, ginger, peppercorns, and slightly crushed lemon leaves on top. Finally, place the marinated whole chicken on this bed of spices. Cover and steam for about 40-45 minutes until the chicken is cooked to perfection.
Steam the chicken in the rice cooker for a flavorful result.
After steaming, remove the chicken and place it on a serving plate. You can choose to serve it whole or cut it into bite-sized pieces. Garnish the dish to make it even more appealing and attractive. The aroma of the chicken, infused with lemongrass, ginger, and lemon leaves, is simply irresistible.
Your golden-brown boiled chicken is ready to be served.
5. Boiling Chicken for New Year’s Eve Offerings
Preparation: 40 minutes Cooking: 15 minutes Serves: 3-4 people
Ingredients
- 1.4 kg free-range rooster
- Ginger
- Onion
- Chicken fat
- Spices: Turmeric powder
Tip: You may also like to explore traditional dishes for the Vietnamese holiday, T