Easy Chicken Congee Recipe

Chicken congee is a type of porridge made primarily from chicken and rice. It has a delicate and smooth texture and is heartwarming and comforting. It’s a popular and delicious dish that I often enjoy. My grandmother's specialty is chicken congee, and she passed down her recipe to me. Today, I’m excited to share this mouthwatering recipe with you all.

This chicken congee recipe is simple, using common ingredients found in everyday life. However, to make the congee tender and delicate, there are a few key points to keep in mind. Let’s take a look together!

1.About Chicken Congee

Chicken congee is one type of congee, also known as porridge. Congee is a thick, mushy food made by cooking grains such as rice, millet, or corn. It is a traditional Chinese food with origins that can be traced back to the time of the Yellow Emperor, who is said to have "cooked grains into congee." 

Congee has long been used for health and nutrition by ancient people. According to "Records of the Grand Historian" (Shiji), a famous doctor from the Western Han dynasty, Chunyu Yi (Cang Gong), used "fire congee" to treat the King of Qi. In the "Treatise on Cold Damage" by Zhang Zhongjing, a renowned physician of the Eastern Han dynasty, it is mentioned that drinking hot congee after taking cinnamon twig decoction helps enhance the efficacy of the medicine.

Chicken congee is made with chicken and rice as the primary ingredients. It is rich, aromatic, and has the benefits of boosting energy and strengthening the body. It is particularly suitable for pregnant women as it helps to maintain health and prevent illness.

2.Ingredients and Substitutions

The main ingredient for making congee is rice, but you can pair it with various foods according to your preferences, such as preserved eggs, mushrooms, shrimp, etc., to create delicious congee. Below are the ingredients I used for this recipe.

Millet: This time, I used millet. It has small grains and a rich flavor, which I particularly enjoy. For making congee, you can also use other types of rice such as white rice, japonica rice, or indica rice. Choose the type you prefer the most.

Shredded Chicken Breast: I chose chicken breast because it is low in fat and pairs well with millet. However, you can use any part of the chicken if you prefer not to use chicken breast.

Vegetables: I also prepared minced onions, minced celery, diced carrots, and green peas, which are my favorite vegetables. You can substitute them with vegetables you like, such as mushrooms or corn.

Seasoning: Making congee doesn’t require many seasonings; the simpler, the better the congee tastes. I prepared chicken broth and butter.

3.Tips for Washing Rice

Are you surprised that I'm talking about washing rice? While it may seem simple, many people don't realize that there are specific techniques involved.

Frequency and Duration: To clean the rice thoroughly, some people wash it multiple times. However, it is recommended to wash the rice gently 1-2 times to avoid losing nutrients. The washing time should not be too long to prevent excessive nutrient loss. Studies show that after one gentle wash, the rice loses 4% of its protein, 10% of its fat, and 5% of its minerals.

Water Temperature: The water temperature should not be too high when washing rice, as this can cause the nutrients on the rice's surface to be lost. It is best to use cold water to rinse the rice, which helps preserve its nutritional content.

Gentleness: Do not scrub the rice vigorously, as this can wash away the surface starch where most of the rice's nutrients are located. Gently stir the rice to let impurities and dirt float to the surface, then pour off the water.

4.Can It Be Made Vegetarian?

Of course! Congee originally started as a simple dish made from rice and water, making it inherently vegetarian. Over time, people have developed various ways to enjoy congee. So, if you follow a vegetarian diet, you can simply cook plain rice congee or add some of your favorite vegetables, such as cabbage or lettuce.

5. Can the Cooking Time Be Shortened?

Under normal circumstances, it is best to cook congee on medium-low heat, allowing it to simmer gently, which usually takes about an hour. Avoid cooking on high heat, as this can cause the rice to stick to the bottom of the pot and burn.

If you're short on time, you can reduce the cooking time by rinsing and soaking the rice overnight. The softened rice allows the hot water to distribute heat more quickly and evenly, speeding up the cooking process. Some chefs take it a step further by soaking the rice and then freezing it. This method breaks the rice grains, increasing the surface area and further reducing the cooking time. These steps require a bit of advance planning, so be sure to plan accordingly.

6.Who Should Avoid Chicken Congee?

Chicken congee is highly nutritious, and generally, most people can enjoy it in moderation. However, if you have digestive issues, it is advisable to eat less, as rice is high in starch and can be difficult to digest for those with sensitive stomachs.

Additionally, if you are allergic to chicken, you should avoid adding chicken to your congee.

Alright, now that we've covered so much information about chicken congee, I believe you have a good idea of how to make a delicious bowl of chicken congee. So, let's get started and make this comforting and tasty dish together~