This Congee Rice Porridge Recipe is creamy, comforting, and easy to make with jasmine rice, chicken, and ginger. A cozy, classic dish!
Let’s be honest—sometimes, you just need a bowl of something warm, soothing, and uncomplicated. That’s exactly what this Congee Rice Porridge Recipe delivers. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, whether you’re feeling under the weather, need a quick breakfast, or just craving something cozy.
For me, congee isn’t just food; it’s a memory. It takes me back to lazy Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house, where a big pot would be bubbling away on the stove. The scent of ginger and simmering broth filled the kitchen, and we’d all gather around, topping our bowls with whatever we could find—green onions, crispy shallots, sometimes even a soft-boiled egg if we were lucky.
So, if you’ve never made congee before, don’t worry. It’s ridiculously easy, and I promise it’s about to become your new go-to comfort meal. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Congee Rice Porridge Recipe?
- Minimal effort, big reward – Just toss everything in a pot and let it do its thing.
- Perfect for any meal – Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, congee always hits the spot.
- Customizable – Dress it up with toppings or keep it simple—your choice!
- Healing & easy to digest – The ultimate sick day or reset meal.
- Great for meal prep – It stores well and even tastes better the next day!
Ingredient Notes:
The beauty of congee is in its simplicity. Just a few key ingredients work together to create something deeply satisfying.
- Jasmine Rice – The secret to that smooth, creamy texture. You can use other varieties, but jasmine rice gives the best consistency.
- Chicken Drumsticks – They add richness and depth to the broth. You can also use chicken thighs, a whole chicken, or even bone-in pork.
- Ginger – This is non-negotiable! It brings a warm, slightly spicy kick and adds a subtle healing quality.
- Water or Chicken Broth – Broth gives a deeper umami flavor, but water keeps it light and clean.
- Salt & Pepper – Keep it simple and let the natural flavors shine.
- Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended) – Green onions, chili oil, sesame oil, crispy shallots, or a jammy egg. Each one brings something different!
How To Make Congee Rice Porridge?
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Before you start cooking, rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step gets rid of extra starch, keeping your congee smooth and silky rather than gummy.
Step 2: Simmer Everything Together
In a large pot, add the rinsed rice, water (or broth), ginger, and chicken. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 3 hours.
Step 3: Stir Occasionally
Give the pot a stir every 30 minutes or so to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom. Over time, the rice will start to break down and create a thick, creamy porridge.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken & Season
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Once the congee is creamy and thick, remove the chicken, shred the meat, and discard the bones. Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Customize & Serve
Ladle the hot congee into bowls and go crazy with toppings! A drizzle of chili oil, a sprinkle of green onions, or even a handful of crispy garlic bits will take it over the top.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
- Reheating Tip: Congee thickens as it sits, so add a little broth or water when reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.
Variations and Substitutions:
Congee is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative with it!
- Swap the Protein – Use pork, beef, shrimp, tofu, or even just vegetables.
- Try a Different Grain – Brown rice, quinoa, or millet can work too!
- Boost the Flavor – Stir in a spoonful of miso paste, soy sauce, or fish sauce for extra umami.
- Make It Vegetarian – Skip the meat and use a rich vegetable broth instead.
What to Serve with Congee Rice Porridge?
While congee is amazing on its own, a few side dishes make it even better.
- Chinese Doughnuts (Youtiao) – The classic pairing for dipping.
- Pickled Vegetables – A tangy contrast to the creamy porridge.
- Soft-Boiled Egg – Because a jammy egg makes everything better.
- Crispy Garlic or Shallots – A little crunch goes a long way.
- Soy Sauce or Chili Oil – Drizzle a little on top for extra depth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make congee in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just dump everything into a slow cooker and let it go on low for 6-8 hours. No babysitting required!
Why does my congee get so thick?
That’s totally normal! It thickens as it cools. Just add more broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
Can I make congee with leftover rice?
Absolutely! If using cooked rice, the cooking time is way shorter—around 30-40 minutes instead of 3 hours.
This Congee Rice Porridge Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, comforting tradition that’s been loved for generations. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need an easy meal, or just craving something cozy, this recipe will never let you down.
So, what’s your favorite way to enjoy congee? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Congee Rice Porridge Recipe
Ingredients
For the Congee:
- 2 cups jasmine rice rinsed thoroughly
- 14 cups water or chicken broth for richer flavor
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger thinly sliced
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon salt & pepper mix
For Garnishing (Optional but Recommended):
- Green onions thinly sliced
- Chili oil for a spicy kick
- Sesame oil for added depth of flavor
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency rather than a gummy texture.
Simmer the Ingredients
- In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice, water or broth, sliced ginger, and chicken drumsticks. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for approximately 3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Remove the Chicken & Adjust Seasoning
- Once the congee reaches a thick, creamy consistency, carefully remove the chicken drumsticks. Allow them to cool slightly, then shred the meat, discarding the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the congee and stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve & Add Toppings
- Ladle the congee into serving bowls while hot. Garnish with sliced green onions, a drizzle of chili oil, and a few drops of sesame oil for additional flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
