Hainanese Chicken Rice

Although originating from Hainan Island in China, chicken rice has been perfected in Malaysia and is considered one of the country's essential dishes. The chicken is gently poached in a barely simmering stock until impossibly silky and tender, then plunged into ice water for a distinctive jelly-like skin. The rice, cooked in chicken fat, garlic, and ginger-infused stock, is fragrant and flavorful enough to eat on its own.