Description
Chicken Arroz Caldo is a comforting Filipino rice porridge, also known as “chicken congee.” Made with tender chicken, glutinous rice, and a flavorful broth, this dish is perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s simple, hearty, and nourishing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless chicken thighs/breasts)
- 1 cup glutinous rice (Malagkit rice)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 lemon or 3-4 calamansi (for juice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnishes:
- Crispy garlic chips
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fried shallots
Instructions
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Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
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Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
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Add the glutinous rice and stir to coat it with garlic and ginger. Pour in the chicken broth and fish sauce, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Remove the chicken from the pot, cool slightly, and shred the meat, discarding the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
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Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the porridge reaches a creamy consistency. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or water if desired.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more fish sauce. Squeeze in fresh lemon or calamansi juice for brightness.
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Serve hot, garnished with crispy garlic chips, sliced hard-boiled eggs, green onions, and fried shallots. Optionally, add more fish sauce or calamansi juice to taste.
Notes
- Substitutions: Use short-grain rice if glutinous rice is unavailable. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or vegetables, and use vegetable broth.
- Fish Sauce Alternative: If you dislike the flavor of fish sauce, substitute with soy sauce or miso for a different umami depth.
- Crispy Garlic Chips: Fry thinly sliced garlic in oil until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg