Chicken Congee is a warm, silky Chinese rice porridge simmered low and slow until creamy, then topped with tender shredded chicken, ginger, and green onions. This comforting bowl of goodness is a staple in many Chinese households and is especially popular when you want something nourishing, light, and easy to digest.
Course: Breakfast, Lunch, or Light Dinner
Origin: Chinese recipe, commonly associated with Cantonese cuisine
This easy chicken congee recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or soothing sick days. It’s a naturally dairy-free rice porridge and can easily be adapted into a gluten-free or vegetarian congee variation.
Why This Chicken Congee Is So Popular
Traditional Cantonese chicken jook has been enjoyed for centuries across China and Southeast Asia. It’s considered comfort food, healing food, and everyday food all in one bowl. The long-simmered rice breaks down into a creamy texture without cream, making it incredibly satisfying while remaining light.
This homemade chicken rice porridge is popular because it:
- Uses affordable pantry staples
- Is easy to digest
- Feels soothing and nourishing
- Can be customized with endless toppings
- Works as a meal prep congee for the week
In Chinese culture, congee is often eaten for breakfast, during recovery from illness, or as a late-night comfort meal. Its gentle flavor makes it ideal for all ages.
Recipe for 4 Servings
INGREDIENTS FOR CHICKEN CONGEE
Rice: jasmine rice or medium-grain white rice
Protein: boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast
Aromatics: fresh ginger, green onions
Liquid: low-sodium chicken broth, water
Seasonings: salt, white pepper, sesame oil
Optional toppings: soft-boiled egg, crispy shallots, cilantro, chili oil, soy sauce
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN CONGEE
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
- Add rice, chicken broth, and water to a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Add the chicken pieces and sliced ginger.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- As the rice breaks down, stir more frequently to create a creamy rice porridge texture.
- Remove the cooked chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Season with salt, white pepper, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions and desired toppings.
DIETARY INFORMATION
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free (ensure broth is certified gluten-free)
- Low-Fat
- Easily adaptable to vegetarian or vegan
Vegetarian/Vegan Substitution
Replace chicken and chicken broth with shiitake mushrooms and vegetable broth. Add cubed tofu for protein.
Lower-Calorie Option
Use chicken breast instead of thighs and reduce sesame oil to ½ teaspoon.
Gluten-Free Option
Skip soy sauce toppings or use gluten-free tamari.
Easy Chicken Congee (Cantonese Chicken Jook Rice Porridge)
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs or 1 large breast
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Rinse rice until water runs mostly clear.
- In a large pot, combine rice, broth, and water. Bring to a boil.
- Add chicken and ginger. Reduce heat to low.
- Simmer uncovered for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
- Season with salt, white pepper, and sesame oil.
- Serve hot with sliced green onions.
Notes
Calories: 260 (13% DV)
Carbohydrates: 38g (14% DV)
Protein: 20g (40% DV)
Fat: 6g (8% DV)
Saturated Fat: 1.5g (8% DV)
Cholesterol: 55mg (18% DV)
Sodium: 620mg (27% DV)
Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
Sugar: 1g
Recipe Tips
- Stir more often toward the end for ultra-creamy texture.
- For thicker congee, simmer longer or reduce liquid slightly.
- For thinner congee, add hot water as needed.
- Freeze rice beforehand to help it break down faster during cooking.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add water when reheating since congee thickens overnight.
Serving Ideas
Serve this Cantonese chicken rice porridge with:
- Chinese tea eggs
- Stir-fried Chinese broccoli (gai lan)
- Crispy Chinese dough sticks (youtiao)
- Simple cucumber salad
- Chili oil or pickled mustard greens
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @wokwithsam on Instagram and hashtag it #wokwithsam.
