Chicken congee is a savory rice porridge that I grew up eating as a comfort food. It's made by simmering rice in chicken broth with chicken and veggies - the ultimate comforting dish for when I wasn't feeling well or just wanted something to warm me up!
Jump to:
What is Congee?
Congee (aka 粥 or 稀飯) is a savory rice porridge that is popular in many Asian countries such as Taiwan, China, Korean, Japan and more (though the name may vary).
It is made by simmering rice in water or broth until the rice is soft and mushy. Congee can be served plain or with side dishes such as meat, fish or seafood, veggies, and condiments. You can also cook congee with various veggies and meat.
If you discover you love congee, check out my fish congee recipe too!
What is Chicken Congee?
Chicken congee is a congee that is cooked with chicken broth and chicken, and often times also some sort of veggie such as Taiwanese cabbage.
Some popular toppings include shredded chicken, green onions, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Health benefits of chicken congee
Chicken congee is a good choice for people who are sick or have digestive problems. It is also a good choice for people who are looking for a healthy and filling meal.
It is a tasty, nutritious, and versatile dish that is perfect for any time of day. It is easy to make and is very customizable. So next time you are looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, you can try making chicken congee!
How to make chicken congee (Step by Step)
First, gather your ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- ½ head of Taiwanese cabbage, shredded
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast
- White pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- Green onions, chopped (optional)
Rinse and drain the rice.
In a large pot, combine the rice and chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Allow it to cook for about half an hour, stirring occasionally so that the rice doesn't stick to the pot.
Add shredded cabbage, and allow it to cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Now add the shredded chicken breast, and allow it to cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with white pepper and salt to taste.
I actually buy this white pepper salt:
Sprinkle with green onions (optional) and serve!
Storage, Reheat, and FAQ
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding water or broth as needed to loosen the texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended-rice tends to break down too much.
What rice works best for congee?
Short-grain or medium-grain white rice gives the best creamy texture, but long-grain also works.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook on high for 20 minutes with natural release, then add cabbage and chicken to simmer.
Is congee good when you're sick?
Yes-congee is light, easy to digest, and soothing, making it a traditional go-to comfort food when you're under the weather.
Chicken Congee Recipe
Chicken Congee is a savory rice porridge simmered with chicken and cabbage in a flavorful broth. It’s cozy, nourishing, and the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 6 cups chicken broth or water*
- ½ head of Taiwanese cabbage, shredded
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast
- White pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- Green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the rice.
- In a large pot, combine the rice and chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Allow it to cook for about half an hour, stirring occasionally so that the rice doesn’t stick to the pot.
- Add shredded cabbage, and allow it to cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Now add the shredded chicken breast, and allow it to cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with white pepper and salt to taste.
- Sprinkle with green onions (optional) and serve!
Notes
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 302Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 1632mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 34g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
More Delicious Comfort Food Recipes!
Comforting, nourishing, and full of flavor-these recipes are perfect for cozy nights and soothing meals.
- Fish Congee - Another comforting Asian rice porridge - it made by simmering rice in broth with white fish and veggies.
- Chinese Chicken Mushroom Soup - A traditional Chinese soup made with whole chicken, shiitake mushrooms, red dates, and goji berries. Rich, warming, and perfect for when you need a nourishing boost.
- Chicken Egg Drop Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms - Silky ribbons of egg swirled into a light chicken broth with mushrooms. A quick, comforting soup with depth from shiitake and sesame oil.
- Taiwanese Sesame Oil Chicken (麻油雞 Ma You Ji) - A classic Taiwanese dish made by simmering chicken in sesame oil, ginger, and rice wine. Rich, aromatic, and you can serve as a soup (by adding more water) or as a stew with rice or noodles!
- Taiwanese Pickled Chili Chicken Soup (剝皮辣椒雞湯) - A flavorful, lightly spicy soup made with pickled green chilies and chicken. Soothing and slightly fiery-great with rice and even better the next day.
Pin for later!
Got questions or comments? Drop them below!