Step 1 of 5
Khao man gai
Rub the chicken inside and out with the salt. Bring the water to the boil with the ginger, garlic and coriander roots, lower in the chicken breast-side down, and bring back to a bare simmer. Cover and cook 35 to 40 minutes with the water barely trembling, until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 74°C.
Tip: Do not boil it. Water at a bare tremble keeps the meat silky; a rolling boil tightens and dries it.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Khao man gai take?
1 hr 25 min all in — 25 min prep, 1 hr cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 plates. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Soy, Wheat. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Stockpot, Saucepan, Mortar and pestle, Chef's knife, Cutting board.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tbsp.
How much sugar?
1 tbsp of Sugar.
How much vinegar?
2 tbsp (white) of Vinegar.
How much dark soy sauce?
1 tbsp of Dark soy sauce.
What can I use instead?
Whole chicken → 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs. Poach them for 25 minutes and render some of their skin for the rice fat. Yellow bean sauce → White miso loosened with a little water. Close in salt and depth but without the whole beans. Use a little less.
Any tips from this recipe?
The rice is the real test. If it is not glossy and savoury, the broth was too thin or the fat too little. Strain and freeze the leftover broth. It is the start of next week's soup.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Strain and freeze the leftover broth. It is the start of next week's soup.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.