Khao Man Gai Thai Chicken And Rice (Healthy Version) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

5 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Rice:
3 cups uncooked jasmine rice
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup sliced ginger
2 tablespoons crushed garlic
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water, or as needed
5 pandan leaves
3 cups chicken stock
Sauce:
1 cup chopped ginger
1/2 cup coarsely chopped garlic
15 Thai bird chile peppers
6 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup dark soy sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup salted soybean paste
10 sprigs fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules (optional)
1 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Place chicken breasts in a large pot and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until no longer pink in the center, about 20 minutes. Drain and cool until easily handled.
Pour rice into a strainer. Rinse with cold water and drain. Repeat once more.
Heat oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add 1/2 cup sliced ginger and 2 tablespoons crushed garlic; saute until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in rice; reduce heat to medium. Season rice with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook and stir until rice turns white, adding water to prevent it from burning, about 10 minutes.
Remove rice from heat and add pandan leaves. Transfer to a rice cooker. Pour in chicken stock. Cook rice according to manufacturer's instructions until tender. Fluff lightly with a rice paddle.
Combine 1 cup chopped ginger, 1/2 cup chopped garlic, chile peppers, 6 tablespoons sugar, dark soy sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, vinegar, soybean paste, cilantro, chicken bouillon granules, and 1 teaspoon salt in a blender; blend into a smooth sauce.
Pour sauce into a pot over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Slice chicken and serve over rice, with sauce alongside.