Name: Chicken and Ginger Congee Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: PT-490044H35M6S
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine or short-grain rice; 8 cups chicken broth or water; 1 cup cooked shredded chicken; 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced; 1 tbsp soy sauce; Salt and white pepper to taste; Green onions, chopped; Fried shallots; Sesame oil; Cilantro leaves; Chili oil

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If you have ever craved a bowl of warm comfort that feels like a hug from the inside, then you will absolutely adore this Chicken and Ginger Congee Recipe. This traditional Chinese-style rice porridge blends tender shredded chicken, fresh ginger, and a gently simmered broth to create a soothing, rich dish that is both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re seeking a cozy meal on a chilly day or something gentle to ease you when you’re under the weather, this recipe delivers simple ingredients transformed into a bowl of pure comfort and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of fresh cooking ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. At the center right, there is a white bowl lined with light brown parchment paper holding four plump, raw pieces of pink chicken. To the right of the bowl is a bunch of green onions with white roots, tied together with a blue band. Above the bowl, there is a square white plate holding two small containers filled with dark soy sauce. Above the plate, there are two small wrapped bouillon cubes with orange and white packaging. To the left of the bowl, there are three brown eggs, a beige piece of fresh ginger, and four cloves of garlic. Below the chicken bowl and eggs, there is a small light green bowl filled with dark red chili paste, and next to it on the right is a small light blue bowl containing a beige powder seasoning. At the top left, there is a light green bowl filled with white raw rice grains. All the items are neatly arranged with clear colors and textures photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Chicken and Ginger Congee Recipe comes from a few simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the creamy rice base to the fragrant ginger and savory chicken, creating a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and color.

1 cup jasmine or short-grain rice: Provides the creamy, naturally sticky base that gives congee its signature texture.
8 cups chicken broth or water: Forms the warming liquid foundation infused with flavor and richness.
1 cup cooked shredded chicken: Adds hearty protein and a wonderful, tender bite throughout the porridge.
2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced: Brings a bright, warming spice that complements the chicken perfectly.
1 tbsp soy sauce: Enhances the savory depth with a touch of umami and a subtle saltiness.
Salt and white pepper to taste: Fine-tunes the seasoning for that perfect balance of flavors.
Optional toppings (green onions, fried shallots, sesame oil, cilantro, chili oil): These elevate every spoonful with fresh brightness, crunch, aroma, or heat.

How to Make Chicken and Ginger Congee Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice and Broth

Start by giving your rice a good rinse to remove excess starch, which helps keep the congee from becoming overly gluey. Place the rinsed rice in a large pot along with the chicken broth or water. Add the sliced fresh ginger and the soy sauce right away, as they will infuse the entire porridge with their delicate but distinctive flavors during cooking.

Step 2: Simmer Until Creamy

Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered. Keep the heat low so that the rice slowly breaks down, releasing its starches and turning the broth into a silky, creamy base. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This step usually takes about one to one and a half hours, but the patience pays off in that smooth texture you’re after.

Step 3: Add Shredded Chicken and Season

Once your porridge has reached that luscious creaminess, stir in the cooked shredded chicken. This lets the chicken warm through and mingle with the flavors without drying out. Taste the congee and season with salt and white pepper as you like. The pepper adds a gentle warmth, while the salt lifts all the other ingredients.

Step 4: Serve Warm with Toppings

Now your Chicken and Ginger Congee Recipe is ready to serve! Ladle the porridge into bowls and bring out your favorite toppings to customize each serving to your taste and mood.

How to Serve Chicken and Ginger Congee Recipe

A white bowl holds a creamy rice porridge with a soft, slightly lumpy texture, topped with light brown strips of meat and small green onion pieces scattered across the surface. There are small puddles of a dark brown sauce drizzled unevenly over the dish. A silver spoon rests on the left side inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded brown cloth nearby. In the background, there is a clear glass filled with a light amber liquid and a small dark bowl with more chopped green onions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The best part about congee is how versatile it is when it comes to toppings. Fresh green onions add a lively crunch and color, fried shallots bring a crispy savoriness, and a drizzle of sesame oil can give your bowl a nutty fragrance. For an herbal pop, cilantro is a perfect match, and if you like a bit of heat, a splash of chili oil will give your congee a warming kick that awakens the palate.

Side Dishes

While this congee is filling on its own, it pairs beautifully with classic Chinese sides like pickled vegetables or steamed buns for dipping. You can also serve a simple plate of sautéed greens or some century eggs for a traditional touch that complements the soothing nature of the congee.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl and try serving your Chicken and Ginger Congee Recipe in individual ramekins for a chic dinner party starter or in sturdy mason jars as a grab-and-go breakfast option. Garnishing each portion with different toppings creates an interactive and fun eating experience that keeps everyone excited to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover congee keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Simply transfer it to an airtight container once cooled. The texture will thicken as it sits, but don’t worry—you can easily thin it out when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Chicken and Ginger Congee Recipe even longer, freezing is an option. Portion the congee into freezer-safe containers with a little extra broth or water to prevent it from becoming too dense once thawed. It will stay good for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat your congee gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in a splash of water or broth to bring back its creamy texture. This way, every bowl feels freshly made and just as comforting as the first.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a smart shortcut that makes this recipe even more convenient without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Is it possible to make this congee in an Instant Pot?

Yes, definitely. You can cook the rice and broth under high pressure for about 20 minutes, which significantly speeds up the process and still produces a beautifully creamy congee.

What if I don’t have chicken broth? Can I use water instead?

You can use water, but chicken broth adds richness and depth to the congee’s flavor. If using water, consider adding a bit more soy sauce or seasoning to compensate.

How do I adjust the thickness of my congee?

If you like it thicker, let it simmer longer uncovered to reduce the liquid. For a thinner porridge, add extra broth or water while cooking or when reheating.

Can I add other ingredients to the congee?

Definitely! Mushrooms, century eggs, or even diced vegetables work beautifully. Just add them during the simmering stage or as toppings, depending on the ingredient.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Ginger Congee Recipe is one of those soul-soothing dishes that never fail to bring warmth and comfort regardless of the season. It’s simple to make, forgiving with ingredients, and endlessly customizable with toppings or pairings. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find yourself reaching for it as your new favorite cozy meal that feels like home in a bowl.

Chicken and Ginger Congee Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need