Hawaiian Style Chicken Long Rice | Favorite Family Recipes (2024)

Chicken long rice is a favorite of locals in Hawaii. It is a flavorful, light dish that is great on its own, or with any of your favorite Hawaiian foods!

I first discovered chicken long rice when I worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii. At first, I was a bit skeptical. Growing up in southern Utah, I had never seen anything quite like it before. After trying it, I was immediately a huge fan. Chicken long rice can be a side dish or served more as a soup or a light meal. It is originally a Chinese dish but was adapted by Hawaiians and is now popular at luaus and restaurants throughout the islands. I love making this dish for my family in the summertime because it’s light and flavorful. The broth reminds me of Pho in a way. It is similar, but different. Try it for a special occasion or a casual evening supper.

What is Chicken Long Rice?

Chicken Long Rice is a well-known Hawaiian comfort food dish that consists of long rice noodles, tender chicken, and a flavorful broth infused with ginger and garlic. Originally inspired by Chinese cuisine and adapted to Hawaiian tastes, chicken long rice is often served at gatherings and family meals. Its a simple dish with yet satisfying flavors make it a go-to option for those seeking a taste of authentic Hawaiian cuisine.

Ingredients in Hawaiian Chicken Long Rice

Despite being an island favorite, you can find all the ingredients for this dish on the mainland too. Here’s what you need:

• Chicken broth – you can use a homemade stock mixture or low-sodium chicken broth.
• Soy sauce – about 3 tbsp
• Garlic– three cloves, minced
• Ginger– two tablespoons fresh ginger root. Peel and grate the sliced ginger.
• Sugar – one teaspoon
• Chicken thighs– boneless chicken thighs work great for this recipe. Shredded chicken thighs are easy to make and use. Shred meat after cooking in the instant pot or slow cooker. Using a cooked rotisserie chicken is also a great option for the shredded chicken. Just shred the cooked chicken into bite size pieces and add to the noodles.
• Bean thread noodles– aka cellophane noodles. See below for where to find them.
• Green onion– Use kitchen shears to cut a bunch of onions at the same time.

Additions and Substitutions:

While the traditional Chicken Long Rice recipe features long rice noodles, chicken, ginger, garlic, and chicken broth, there are several additional ingredients you can add to take your dish to the next level or adjust it to your tastes. Here are some ideas for adding a twist to the traditional flavors of this Chicken Long Rice recipe:

1. Vegetables: Add a variety of vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, celery, bok choy, green beans or spinach, to increase its nutritional value and add vibrant colors.
2. Mushrooms: Sliced shiitake or cremini mushrooms can impart a rich umami flavor to the broth.
3. Onions: Sliced sweet onion adds a refreshing, oniony bite to the dish and enhances the flavor of the broth. Add it at the same time you add the chicken to the broth.
4. Shredded Coconut: Incorporate shredded coconut to infuse a tropical, nutty flavor.
5. Chili Peppers: For a touch of heat, add sliced chili peppers like Thai chilies or jalapeños.
6. Lemongrass: For an aromatic twist, include a few stalks of lemongrass to infuse the broth with a citrusy fragrance.
7. Fish Sauce: A splash of fish sauce can enhance the umami taste and add a hint of brininess.
8. Coconut Milk: For a creamier version, replace some of the chicken broth with coconut milk, adding a smooth coconut flavor.
9. Tofu or Shrimp: Add cubes of firm tofu or cooked shrimp for an extra protein boost and a tasty textural contrast.
10. Cilantro: Garnish the finished dish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of herbal freshness.

Feel free to experiment with these additional ingredients to create your own unique spin on the classic Chicken Long Rice recipe. Whether you prefer a more traditional approach or a fusion of flavors, these additions can take this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Best Noodles for Chicken Long Rice

The long rice noodles can be called by many different names, but they are all the same thing. They can be called glass noodles, cellophane noodles, bean threads, Chinese vermicelli noodles, bean thread noodles, crystal noodles, mung bean noodles, or bean vermicelli. They are all thin, brittle, white noodles that turn clear and glassy when boiled. You may be able to find them at your local grocery store but you will definitely be able to find them at your local Asian market. This is what the package generally looks like.

Frequently Asked Questions

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• Hawaiian Mac Salad
• Hawaiian Beef Teriyaki
• Guava Cake
• Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
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• Haupia

How to Make Chicken Long Rice

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