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Sometimes, the simplest dishes evoke the most comfort. As the cold weather settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Chicken Congee to soothe your soul. I stumbled upon this recipe one rainy afternoon when comfort food was calling, and the ingredients seemed to align perfectly with what I had at home.

Imagine the fluffy rice slowly absorbing rich chicken broth, infused with ginger and topped with tender slices of marinated chicken. The first spoonful transports you to a cozy corner of your kitchen, where warmth radiates from the pot and fills the room with an inviting aroma. It’s a dish that requires minimal fuss yet delivers maximum flavor—perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch.

What makes Chicken Congee shine is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your taste, layering in fresh herbs or spices, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready to whip up your own batch of comfort? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe!

Why is Chicken Congee your new favorite?

Comforting warmth: This Chicken Congee envelops you in cozy flavors, making it the perfect dish for chilly nights.
Simplicity at its best: With just a few ingredients, this recipe is easy to whip up, even for beginner cooks.
Versatile delight: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings, like fresh herbs or roasted nuts, to make it your own.
Quick cooking: Whether using an Instant Pot or stovetop, you’ll be enjoying this hearty meal in just 40 minutes!
Nourishing goodness: Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s a wholesome dish that fuels your body while comforting your soul.

Transform your mealtime with this delicious Chicken Congee, and don’t forget to check out other hearty recipes for more inspiration!

Chicken Congee Ingredients

Elevate your cozy dish with these essentials!

For the Chicken
• 8 oz chicken breast, thigh, or tender – Choose your favorite for tenderness and flavor.
• 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine – This adds a delightful richness; it’s a must for authentic taste!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to your preference for a balanced taste.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch – This helps to tenderize the chicken and create a silky texture.

For the Congee
• 1/2 cup uncooked short grain white rice – Opt for short grain for that creamy consistency we love in congee.
• 4 cups chicken broth – The heart of this dish, adding depth and nourishment.
• 2 large slices of ginger – A warm, zesty touch that uplifts the broth’s flavor.

For the Finish
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced – Fresh and fragrant, they add a crunchy finish to each bowl.
• 1/4 teaspoon chicken bouillon – Boosts the umami flavor for a richer broth.
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil – This drizzle provides a nutty note to elevate the dish.

With these wholesome Chicken Congee ingredients, you’ll create a heartwarming dish that not only fills your tummy but also warms your heart! Ready to cook? Let’s go!

How to Make Chicken Congee

Rinse the Rice: Begin by adding the rice into a medium-sized bowl and covering it with water. Gently rinse the rice with your fingers a few times, then drain. Repeat one to two more times and drain well to remove excess starch.
Choose Your Cooking Method: For the Instant Pot: Combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, 2 teaspoons of Shaoxing wine, and ginger slices in the Instant Pot. Set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure quickly.
For Stovetop: In a large pot, combine the rice, chicken broth, and 4 cups of water. Heat over medium-high until it simmers, then reduce heat, cover (leaving a finger-wide gap for steam), and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
Marinate the Chicken: While the congee is cooking, take the thinly sliced chicken and place it in a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated, then set aside to marinate.
Add Chicken to Congee: Once the congee is cooked to a creamy consistency, stir in the marinated chicken, sliced green onions, and 1/4 teaspoon chicken bouillon. Increase the heat to medium, stirring constantly to separate the chicken pieces until they turn white, which should take about 2 minutes.
Finish the Dish: Drizzle in 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil and give it a good stir. Taste your congee and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary for balance.
Serve Warm: Spoon the Chicken Congee into small bowls, garnishing with additional green onions if desired, and serve hot for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Optional: For extra texture, sprinkle some chopped herbs or crushed peanuts on top before serving.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Chicken Congee?

Warm up your mealtime with delightful complements that elevate your Chicken Congee experience.

Steamed Bok Choy: The tender, slightly crunchy greens add a fresh note, balancing the rich, creamy texture of the congee perfectly.
Crispy Spring Rolls: These flaky, golden bites filled with vibrant veggies provide a satisfying crunch, making every meal more festive and fun.
Pickled Vegetables: A tangy side of pickled cucumbers or radishes offers a zesty contrast, brightening up each spoonful of congee.
Sesame Broccoli: The nutty flavor of sesame oil drizzled over lightly sautéed broccoli pairs beautifully with the savory broth, enhancing the wholesome dining experience.
Soft Boiled Eggs: Creamy yolks add a richness that melds seamlessly with the congee, creating a hearty and comforting bowl.
Ginger Tea: Sip on warm ginger tea alongside your meal to amplify the comforting vibes and aid digestion, wrapping you in a cozy embrace.
Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, the sweet and sticky rice with ripe mango serves as the perfect ending, balancing flavors while maintaining that cozy feeling.

Each pairing brings its own unique flavor and texture to your Chicken Congee, transforming it into a memorable feast. Enjoy the warmth and comfort these dishes provide!

Make Ahead Options

Chicken Congee is a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken with Shaoxing wine, salt, and cornstarch up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it in the refrigerator to ensure maximum flavor. Additionally, prepare the rice and broth combination, cooking it only when you’re ready to serve, as the congee can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To finish, simply reheat the congee, stir in the marinated chicken, and cook until the chicken is just white, about 2 minutes. This way, you’re guaranteed a warm, hearty meal that feels fresh and satisfying, just like homemade!

Expert Tips for Chicken Congee

Perfect Rice Rinse: Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch; this prevents your congee from becoming gummy and helps achieve that creamy texture.
Season with Care: Taste your congee before serving. Chicken bouillon adds flavor, but too much salt can overpower; adjust according to your preference.
Avoid Overcooking Chicken: When adding the marinated chicken, stir gently and cook just until it turns white. Overcooking can result in tough, dry chicken pieces.
Customize Your Broth: Experiment with different broths like vegetable or beef for unique flavor profiles. Just ensure your Chicken Congee is well-seasoned for a balanced taste.
Relax and Enjoy: Congee is best enjoyed warm. Let it sit for a few minutes after cooking to absorb flavors and cool slightly before serving!

Chicken Congee Variations

Get ready to explore delightful twists that elevate your Chicken Congee experience!

Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based dish bursting with flavor. Marinate in soy sauce for an umami boost.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha for a fiery kick that warms up your senses, perfect for those chilly nights.
Creamy Coconut: Use coconut milk instead of broth for a creamy, sweet touch that brings a whole new dimension to your congee. Just let it simmer for extra richness!
Savory Seafood: Replace chicken with shrimp or fish for a delightful seafood twist, bringing the taste of the ocean right to your bowl.
Herbal Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil before serving for a bright, aromatic layer of flavor that enhances every sip.
Nutty Crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy texture beautifully.
Golden Turmeric: Stir in a teaspoon of turmeric for a healthful boost and vibrant color, enriching the dish with a warm, earthy undertone.
Umami Explosion: Incorporate a tablespoon of miso paste for incredible depth of flavor—it’s a simple way to pack a punch into every bowl!

Feel free to get creative and tailor these variations to suit your palate! Each additional ingredient tells a story and transforms every serving into a love letter to comfort food.

Storage Tips for Chicken Congee

Room Temperature: Allow Chicken Congee to cool to room temperature before storing; it can sit out for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacteria growth.
Fridge: Store any leftover Chicken Congee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth for best results.
Freezer: To freeze, portion the Chicken Congee into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on low heat on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth or water to achieve the desired consistency. Stir frequently until warmed through.

Chicken Congee Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best chicken for my Chicken Congee?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and tenderness, I recommend using chicken breast or thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breast meat is leaner. Make sure the chicken is fresh, not overly pink, and has a pleasant smell. Opt for free-range chicken, if possible, for higher quality.

What’s the best way to store leftover Chicken Congee?
You can store your Chicken Congee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature first—it’s essential to keep it safe from bacteria. When reheating, add a splash of broth for moisture and stir frequently on low heat until warmed through.

Can I freeze Chicken Congee, and if so, how?
Of course! To freeze Chicken Congee, first allow it to cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then gently warm it in a pot with a bit of water or broth.

What should I do if my congee turns out too thick?
Very common! If your Chicken Congee is thicker than you’d like, simply stir in a bit of hot water or broth until you achieve your desired consistency. This allows you to adjust it to your personal preference, ensuring every bowl is perfect.

Is Chicken Congee a good option for special diets or allergies?
Yes! Chicken Congee can be easily customized for various dietary needs. If you’re gluten-sensitive, check that your chicken bouillon is gluten-free. For a lighter version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms. Just ensure any toppings or additions cater to any specific allergies, like nuts or certain herbs.

What if I can’t find Shaoxing wine? Can I use something else?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, a good alternative is dry sherry or white wine mixed with a little rice vinegar for acidity. If you’d prefer to skip the alcohol altogether, you can simply use chicken broth or a bit of ginger juice to enhance the flavor.

Chicken Congee Recipe FAQs