This Chicken Congee is the ultimate comfort food—warm, gentle on the stomach, and deeply nourishing. With fragrant ginger, garlic, and scallions infusing the rice, each spoonful offers a delicate blend of soothing and savory flavors.
Traditionally enjoyed across Asia as breakfast or a healing dish, this gluten-free version brings the same cozy vibes with easy, wholesome ingredients. Customize with your favorite toppings like a soft-boiled egg, fried shallots, or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need something warm and filling, this congee is the answer.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup jasmine rice
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10 cups water or chicken broth
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1 cup shredded cooked chicken (preferably from bone-in chicken for more flavor)
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, julienned
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
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Salt to taste
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White pepper to taste
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Optional toppings: soft-boiled egg, fried shallots, cilantro, chili oil, extra scallions
Directions:
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Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
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In a large pot, combine rice and water or broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.
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Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more liquid if needed to reach desired consistency.
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When the rice has broken down into a thick porridge-like texture, add shredded chicken, ginger, garlic, and the white part of the scallions. Cook for another 10 minutes.
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Stir in sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, and white pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, topped with green scallions and any optional toppings you prefer.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 90 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
What is Chicken Congee?
Chicken Congee, often simply called “congee,” is a traditional rice porridge deeply rooted in various Asian cuisines. Known for its gentle, soothing texture and mild flavor, congee has long been a go-to dish for breakfast, healing, or comfort meals across cultures. In China, it’s known as jook; in the Philippines, it’s lugaw; in Thailand, jok; and in Vietnam, cháo gà.
The dish is commonly made by simmering rice in a generous amount of water or broth until the grains break down into a creamy, porridge-like consistency. Chicken, ginger, garlic, and scallions are classic additions that provide both flavor and nourishment. While it’s often enjoyed plain or with minimal seasoning, congee can be dressed up with a variety of toppings, making it both humble and versatile.
A Cultural Staple Across Asia
The beauty of congee lies in its adaptability and universality. Almost every Asian country has its own version of rice porridge, shaped by local ingredients, climate, and dietary habits. It’s often regarded as the Asian equivalent of chicken noodle soup—soothing when you’re sick, easy on the stomach, and full of love and tradition.
In Chinese households, congee is regularly served for breakfast, paired with side dishes like fermented tofu, pickled vegetables, or century eggs. In Southeast Asia, it’s a popular street food, often enhanced with minced pork, fish, or fried garlic. The long cooking time and gentle simmering method are believed to “unlock” the nutrients in rice, making it ideal for recovery or digestive healing.
Nutritional Benefits and Healing Properties
Chicken Congee is not only comforting but also highly nourishing. It provides a complete balance of carbs and protein while remaining light and easy to digest. The use of bone-in chicken (if chosen) brings added richness and nutritional depth through collagen and minerals that seep into the broth during cooking.
Ginger and garlic, two key components in this congee, offer natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Ginger aids digestion, alleviates nausea, and warms the body, while garlic supports immune function and adds a subtle depth of flavor. Scallions bring freshness, color, and a mild pungency that balances the gentle flavor of the rice.
Additionally, congee is naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This makes it an excellent option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Versatility and Customization
One of the greatest strengths of Chicken Congee is how customizable it is. The base recipe is extremely simple—rice and water or broth—but what you add on top is entirely up to you. Some people prefer it plain and light, while others enjoy it rich and loaded with toppings.
Popular additions include:
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Soft or hard-boiled eggs
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Fried garlic or shallots
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Cilantro or Thai basil
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Shredded chicken, pork, or tofu
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Pickled mustard greens
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Drizzles of sesame oil or chili oil
It can also be adjusted to fit dietary preferences or needs. For example, a vegetarian version can easily be made using vegetable broth and tofu instead of chicken. Those on a low-sodium diet can skip soy sauce and rely on natural aromatics for flavor.
Why This Recipe is Ideal for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a comforting meal for a loved one, need a quick meal prep solution for the week, or simply crave a nourishing and warm dish, Chicken Congee checks every box. It’s incredibly affordable, relying on pantry staples like rice, chicken, and broth, and it can be made in large batches with little effort.
You can make it even more convenient by using a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Just toss in the ingredients and let the magic happen while you go about your day. It stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days, and reheating it with a bit of water or broth brings it back to its original creamy texture.
Common Questions About Congee
Can I use leftover rice to make congee?
Yes, using pre-cooked rice is actually a shortcut many people use. It cuts down on cooking time significantly, although the texture may be slightly different from traditional congee made with raw rice.
Is it okay to freeze congee?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm gently on the stove or in a microwave, adding water or broth as needed.
What kind of rice is best?
Jasmine rice is a favorite due to its fragrance and slightly sticky texture when broken down. However, short-grain or sushi rice also works well. Brown rice or black rice can be used for a more fibrous and earthy alternative, though they may require longer cooking times.
Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Just use a rich vegetable broth and substitute the chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or legumes. Season well to enhance the umami depth.
Pairing Suggestions
Although congee is a complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks. You might enjoy:
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Chinese crullers (youtiao) for a savory crunch
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Pickled vegetables or kimchi for contrast
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Green tea or jasmine tea for a cleansing drink
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A simple cucumber salad with vinegar and sesame seeds
These pairings add different textures and tastes, turning a bowl of porridge into a full culinary experience.
The Joy of Slow Food in a Fast World
In today’s fast-paced world, we often seek quick meals that compromise nutrition or comfort. Congee reminds us of the joy and value of slow food—a meal that simmers over time, developing flavors and textures that nourish body and soul. It encourages mindfulness, both in the kitchen and at the table.
The aroma that fills your kitchen as congee cooks is therapeutic in itself. The process of stirring the rice, watching it thicken, and customizing your toppings makes this dish more than just food—it becomes an experience of care, simplicity, and comfort.
Conclusion
Chicken Congee is more than just a humble rice porridge—it’s a symbol of comfort, wellness, and cultural tradition. From its historical roots in Asian households to its modern-day adaptations in health-conscious kitchens, this dish bridges the gap between nourishment and flavor in the most heartfelt way. Its gentle ingredients soothe the body, while its slow preparation soothes the soul.
Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, nursing a cold, or simply needing a warm bowl after a long day, Chicken Congee delivers. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile—proving that the best meals don’t always come with bells and whistles, but with time, care, and love.