Every culture has its own version of soft rice dishes that serve as comfort food. Whether it is an Indian Khichadi, Filipino Arroz Caldo, Vietnamese Chao Ga, Korean dakjuk, Cambodian Babaw, or Chinese Chicken Congee, nothing beats what really amounts to overcooked rice with savories.
What Is Chicken Congee And Why It’s So Good
Also known as Jook, congee is a savory porridge with rice that has been well-cooked…Okay let’s be honest, it’s been overcooked–with lots of water. It serves as a blank canvas upon which you can paint with all the savory flavors of your choice. When I started with this Chicken Congee recipe, I didn’t consult any sources. I was sick, and I decided to put things in an Instant Pot that sounded good, and that would feel comforting, and just ran with it. I then posted in my Facebook Group to ask members what we should call it. Everyone agreed it was Chicken Congee, but one of my readers Frances (who is a fantastic cook, by the way) said it was very much like a Hong Kong-style Chinese Chicken Congee, so that’s what we are going with. She also suggested we call it Smooth as Jazz Chicken Congee, which I really like, but doesn’t quite roll off the tongue as easily. While it is traditionally eaten as a breakfast food or when you’re sick (kind of like chicken soup), I see no reason to wait until I’m sick before I make this Instant Pot Chicken Congee again!
What Does Chicken Congee Taste Like?
Chicken Congee can be very bland if not seasoned well. It has a slightly sweet taste of rice with a hint of chicken in its purest form. For this recipe, I decided to add a little flair with some oils and spices to give it a little more flavor without making it a dish that variates too far from a traditional congee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs- cut these into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly along with the rice. Minced GingerMinced Garlic- Everything tastes better with a little (or a lot) of garlic.Sesame Oil- Gives an earthy and nutty flavor that really elevates this chicken congee. Soy Sauce- For a touch of umami deliciousness. Jasmine Rice- You can use any short-grain rice you prefer. Kosher Salt- Helps to elevate the other savory flavors in the dish.Ground Black Pepper
How To Make Chicken Jook
My version involves throwing everything into your Instant Pot or pressure cooker, pressing the Porridge button, and walking away. Dump and cook, just the way I like it.
What Do You Eat With It?
Congee is such a blank canvas, there are a plethora of sides that pair well with it. Here are some of the things most commonly eaten with Chicken Congee:
Fried Bean SticksSalted Duck EggsSmashed Cucumber Salad
How Long Does Jook Last?
One of the reasons congee is so great for eating when you’re sick is because it stores well and can be reheated for days while you’re recovering from whatever ails you. For the best bite, enjoy this Chicken Congee recipe within 5 days of preparing it.
More Great Rice Recipes
Basmati Rice Pilau - This Instant Pot recipe is certainly one of my favorite basmati rice recipes Jamaican Peas and Rice - Authentic Jamaican Peas and Rice at home in a flash.Chicken Biryani - Make an authentic biryani right in your pressure cooker. Caldo de Pollo - A warming soup that’s bursting with Mexican flavors!Instant Pot Dolma Recipe - A fantastic way to make dolma without having to wrap it.Instant Pot Sabzi Polo - Make a perfect Persian Herbed Rice in your pressure cooker.Perfect Pressure Cooker Rice - Learn how to make white rice, jasmine rice, black rice, brown rice, and arborio rice in your Instant Pot.6+ Best Healthy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipes - A fantastic collection of healthy chicken and rice recipes. 12+ Best Pressure Cooker Rice One Pot Meals - Here’s a whole slew of recipes that use basmati rice for you to enjoy!
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This Chicken Congee recipe is the perfect dish dinner for those nights when you just need a simple and delicious dump and cook recipe. Make sure to share this recipe with your friends on Pinterest and Facebook so they can enjoy it as well!
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