One Pot Claypot Chicken Rice with Abalone Recipe

Craving Claypot Chicken Rice Amidst the Pandemic? Try Making it at Home!

Claypot chicken rice, an all-in-one comforting meal popular amongst the Chinese community in South East Asia and Hong Kong. Few dishes represent the humble, rustic roots of Chinese street cuisine quite like this one. I’ve always loved a heartwarming pot off just any roadside stall. Not the most comfortable of settings but nothing beats that comforting deliciousness and the intoxicating smoky aroma that fills the restaurant (that also unavoidably follows you home).

From the roaring charcoal fires, the incessant clanking of claypot lids and the burnt out, stoic demeanor of a typical claypot rice “uncle”. It is no easy feat to manage over a dozen claypots at the same time, each with its own timer while fanning the charcoal flames to control temperature. It is hard work and I am always amazed by their composure, organization and above all, their resistance to scorching heat. I never thought of attempting this in my kitchen until I realized that it was ACTUALLY very doable! Yes, if you are making just ONE, it is pretty easy! And since it is all in one pot, less cleaning afterwards too.

Is it a MUST to use claypot? Is a rice cooker okay?

For best results, a claypot is still your best bet, you get more flavor from the earthen pottery. Those crusty, charred layer of rice at the bottom is what makes the dish. With claypots, they add depth and a wonderful smoky aroma, so do not be alarmed if there is a slight burnt smell coming from your pot while cooking, that’s a good sign. Generally, burnt rice are frowned upon, especially in Asian cooking. In claypot chicken rice however, it is much sought after. Remember to pre-soak rice at least an hour in advance so that it will cook easily.

If you do not have a claypot handy, you may also cook the mixture in a pan or wok, then transfer to the rice cooker to cook. It is perfectly fine and it will still taste delicious albeit with lesser smokiness.

What ingredients do I need? Can the abalones be omitted?

What I love about claypot chicken rice is that it can be made with readily available everyday ingredients. The core ingredients are Chinese sausage, sweetened soy glaze, chicken, dried mushrooms and of course, rice. However, that is not to say you can’t get creative with it. It is a very accommodating dish. People have different preferences and things like pork ribs and salted fish are used often. For the more adventurous, waxed duck and eel are pretty common as well. I am using abalone as it is the ingredient that signifies the upcoming lunar new year most.

Abalones are not a core element of claypot chicken rice, but there is no denying it adds more flavor and a touch of luxe to the dish. I used canned abalone in black truffle sauce. The liquid in the can when used to cook the rice adds a hint of truffle flavor to the dish. If you are omitting canned abalone, you can replace the abalone liquid with water.

Leave a comment below to share what ingredients you’ll use, or tag me on Instagram so I can check out your take on this recipe. I hope you have a fun time making this for the family this lunar new year. You might also want to check out my cow print inspired bread that I made for the festive period too!