Day Before (Optional): Season chicken thighs generously with salt on both sides. Place on a plate and refrigerate uncovered overnight.
Start the Chicken: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in a COLD pan (no oil needed). Turn heat to medium and cook for 15-20 minutes without moving, allowing the skin to slowly render and crisp.
Make the Slaw: While chicken cooks, combine cabbage, celery, and carrot in a bowl. Dress with rice vinegar and olive oil, season with salt, and toss well.
Finish the Chicken: Once skin is golden and crispy, turn heat to high. Flip chicken and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Make Ginger Scallion Oil: Using the rendered chicken fat in the pan (add neutral oil if needed), sauté minced ginger and chopped scallions over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Serve: Place rice in bowls, top with slaw, slice chicken thighs and arrange on top, then spoon the ginger scallion oil generously over the chicken.
