Kao Man Gai (Thai Chicken Rice)

Kao Man Gai is one of those dishes you'll find at almost every street stall and food court in Thailand, and it's easy to see why once you've tried it. Tender poached chicken sits over rice that's been cooked in the poaching broth with garlic and ginger, so every grain is packed with flavour.

The real magic, though, is in the dipping sauce. A little sweet, a little sour, a little spicy, it ties the whole plate together and turns something quite simple into something you'll crave. It's proper comfort food, and surprisingly gentle to make at home.

Don't skip the little bowl of chicken broth on the side either, it's traditional and makes the whole meal feel complete.

Servings
4
Prep Time
20
mins
Cook Time
40
mins
Ingredients
15
Total Time
60
mins

Pantry bits

  • Large stockpot
  • Rice cooker or saucepan with lid
  • Slotted spoon
  • Bowl of iced water
  • Small mixing bowl for sauce
  • Sharp knife and chopping board

Ingredients

  • 1kg chicken thigh and drumstick pieces, skin on
  • 6 cloves garlic (4 whole and smashed, 2 finely chopped)
  • 5cm piece ginger, sliced, plus 1 tablespoon extra grated
  • 2 spring onions, roughly chopped
  • 2 litres water
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or reserved chicken fat
  • 1 tablespoon yellow soybean paste (taucheo)
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon black vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 long red chillies, finely sliced
  • Sliced cucumber and coriander leaves, to serve

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken pieces in a large pot with the smashed garlic, sliced ginger, spring onions, water and salt.
  2. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and poach the chicken for 25-30 minutes, until just cooked through. Skim any froth from the surface as it cooks.
  3. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool slightly, then plunge into iced water for a few minutes to keep the skin firm. Strain and reserve the poaching broth.
  4. Heat the oil or reserved chicken fat in a saucepan over medium heat and fry the chopped garlic until fragrant.
  5. Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat in the oil, then add 2 cups of the reserved broth. Bring to the boil, then cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes, or use a rice cooker with the same liquid.
  6. Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce by combining the soybean paste, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, extra grated ginger and sliced chillies in a small bowl.
  7. Slice the chicken into serving pieces.
  8. Fluff the rice and divide between plates. Top with sliced chicken, cucumber and coriander, with the dipping sauce and a small bowl of the reserved broth on the side.

Never miss a recipe

Join thousands of subscribers and get our best recipes delivered to direct to your inbox!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.