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Delicious Chicken Congee: A Comforting 45-Minute Meal Recipe

4.8 from 149 reviews

This comforting Chicken Congee recipe offers a warm, hearty meal prepared in just 45 minutes. Tender shredded chicken mingles with soft, creamy rice porridge infused with ginger, garlic, and a hint of white pepper. Garnished with scallions and optional soft-boiled eggs, this classic Asian dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a soothing dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Garnish

  • Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
  • Soft-boiled eggs, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients: In a large pot, combine the chicken breasts, short-grain rice, chicken broth, peeled and sliced ginger, minced garlic, white pepper, and salt. This forms the flavorful base of the congee.
  2. Cook the congee: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 30-35 minutes until the rice breaks down and becomes very soft and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  3. Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken breasts directly in the pot into bite-sized pieces, allowing the flavors to meld thoroughly with the rice porridge.
  4. Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot chicken congee into bowls. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and, if desired, add soft-boiled eggs for extra richness and protein. Serve immediately for the best comforting experience.

Notes

  • Use short-grain rice for the creamiest texture; jasmine rice can also be used but the texture may be slightly different.
  • Adjust salt and white pepper to taste depending on your broth’s saltiness.
  • Soft-boiled eggs are optional but add great flavor and texture to the dish.
  • Leftover congee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with a bit of water or broth.
  • For extra flavor, add a dash of soy sauce or sesame oil when serving.

Keywords: Chicken congee, rice porridge, comforting meal, easy Asian recipe, chicken and rice, quick congee