Chicken & Rice - Lao Style

A simple dish that is perfect during the winter or cold/rainy days or when you are feeling under the weather. I know this dish hits the spot when you are craving pho or need some comfort food. 

Ingredients: 

• Jasmine Rice ( I used 1 1/2 cups for 2 people)
• Chicken Broth (see below)
• Garnish for Soup (see below)
• Condiments (see below)

For Chicken Broth (You can always use beef or veggie broth too, using pre-made stock or your own recipe. If you have pho broth already made, that is perfect. I made a simplified version of pho broth due to lack of time)

• 1 chicken or 2-3 lbs of chicken meat of your choice. (For me, it depends what I have. Usually I use a whole chicken or chicken thigh/breast)
• 4-6 quarts of water (depending on how much chicken you want)
• Medium Onion
• 2-3 inches of fresh ginger (depending on taste)
• 2 tablespoons of Salt  (adjust to your tase)
• Hoisin Sauce (depending on taste. I think I used about 1/3 cup, but you can add more depending on individual's taste)

Garnishes: (I used cilantro and green onion, but you can add whatever you would like)

• Cilantro
• Green Onion
• Jalapeno
• Bean Sprouts
• Mint
• Thai Basil
• Lime Wedges
• Fried Garlic (found in asian markets)

Condiments:

• Soy Sauce
• Hoisin  Sauce
• Spicy Chili Oil  (found in asian markets)

Directions:

1. In a large stock pot, ADD water, chicken, medium onion (whole or halved), fresh ginger, salt, and hoisin sauce. (You will be able to add salt and/or hoisin sauce to preferred taste) 
2. Bring to a boil for 10-15 minutes. 
3. Turn down heat,  simmer covered for about 30 minutes. 
4. Taste and add salt and hoisin sauce as desired. (I sometimes add 1-2 tsp of chicken boillon paste if I want a more flavorful broth)
5. Remove chicken pieces and place on separate plate/bowl to cool.
6. Continue to let broth simmer or keep warm.
7. Cut chicken into desired pieces or use fork to pull apart, and place in separate container until ready to serve. (You can always cut it all and put in container to use for other dishes or for leftovers.)
8. Remove the onion and ginger, or strain if needed. Some people keep it in there for flavor and strain as they divide  broth. 

Prepare Rice (For 2 people, I used 1 1/2 cups of jasmine rice. )

1. Pour 2-3 quarts of broth into a separate pot and turn on high heat.
2. Pour rice into pot, cover, and bring to a boil for about 20-30 min. or until rice is cooked.(Be sure to monitor as it is cooking. You can always add more broth for desired consistency or if you prefer more broth vs rice)
3. When rice is cooked, turn down heat and keep warm. 
4. Ladle desired amount of rice mixture  and  chicken to bowl. (add more broth if you want--for desired consistency)
5. Serve immediately with garnish and use condiments to flavor to your liking. 

Enjoy!