Vietnamese Chicken Porridge Chao Ga Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chicken porridge to soothe the soul, and let me tell you, this one takes comfort food to a whole new level with a fragrant blend of jasmine rice, fresh ginger, and savory broth that comes together in the most heartwarming way. 🌿🍲

When I explore my recipe for Vietnamese Chicken Porridge, I find comfort in the core ingredients: delicate jasmine rice simmered with a whole chicken and aromatic fresh ginger. This classic “Chao Ga” is rich in protein, but the real magic is in the bold flavor that comes from the fish sauce and the ample chopped green onions that are stirred in at the finish, along with fresh cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime.

Ingredients

• Whole Chicken: Rich in protein, provides flavor and body to broth.
• Jasmine Rice: Offers carbohydrates, adds creamy texture to porridge.
• Fresh Ginger: Aids digestion, adds warmth and mild spiciness.
• Fish Sauce: Adds umami depth and enhances savory notes.
• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor, rich in vitamins.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, citrusy herb, high in antioxidants.
• Lime Wedges: Adds acidity, brightens and balances flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 to 4 pounds)
• 10 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
• 4 green onions, finely chopped
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Fresh lime wedges
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
• Fried shallots (optional)
• Extra fish sauce or soy sauce, for serving

How to Make this

1. In a sizable pot, put the entire chicken, water, and cut ginger into it. Heat on high until the pot boils, then lower the heat and let it keep simmering for about 45-60 minutes. Any foam that tries to lift itself to the surface should be removed.

2. After the chicken is completely done and soft, take it out from the pot and set it aside to allow it to cool. Pour the broth through a fine strainer to get rid of any little bits or junk and put it back in the pot.

3. In a tiny saucepan, warm the vegetable oil over a moderate flame and pour in the jasmine rice. Stir the rice, and my goodness, don’t stop, or I can almost guarantee you that it will scorch. You want to keep stirring until the rice becomes slightly translucent, 2-3 minutes at most.

4. Combine the chicken broth and browned rice in a pot. Add the salt and fish sauce, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

5. Lower the heat and let the porridge simmer, stirring now and then, until the rice softens to a very tender state and the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency, about 40-50 minutes.

6. As the porridge cooks, cool the chicken down enough to handle it, so you can shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard any skin or bones with the shredded chicken.

7. When the porridge has reached your preferred texture, return the shredded chicken to the pot and allow it to heat through. Season to taste with salt or fish sauce, if necessary.

8. Present the hot porridge in bowls. Add to each bowl a garnish of finely chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, and some coarsely ground black pepper.

9. Serve lime wedges, bean sprouts, and fried shallots on the side for extra flavor and texture.

10. If desired, make available additional fish sauce or soy sauce for each individual’s preferred level of seasoning.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Fine strainer
3. Small saucepan
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Cutting board
6. Chef’s knife
7. Tongs
8. Ladle
9. Bowls for serving
10. Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

• What type of rice should I use for Chao Ga?For its floral aroma and its sticky texture, Jasmine rice is recommended, which makes for a creamy and smooth porridge.
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?Although you can use chicken breasts or thighs, the flavor might be less intense. A whole chicken provides a richer broth.
• How can I make the porridge thicker or thinner?For the right consistency, you can add more water for a thinner porridge or let it simmer and reduce for a thicker porridge.
• What’s the purpose of fish sauce in the recipe?Fish sauce contributes depth and umami to the dish, elevating the overall flavor profile of the porridge.
• Can I prepare this recipe in advance?Chao Ga can, indeed, be made ahead of time. To do so, store it in the refrigerator and reheat, adding a little water or broth to adjust the thickness, if necessary.
• Are there any alternatives to cilantro and green onions for garnish?If you don’t prefer cilantro or green onions, then parsley or chives can be used as a substitute.
• Do I have to use bean sprouts?Optional bean sprouts can be omitted if not desired. If included, they add a crunchy texture.

Vietnamese Chicken Porridge Chao Ga Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use basmati rice or sushi rice instead of jasmine rice for a different texture.
Use canola oil or sunflower oil in place of vegetable oil.
Should fresh ginger not be available, use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Substitute soy sauce for fish sauce for a flavor that’s less intense, and try tamari for a gluten-free option.
If cilantro is not accessible, use parsley as a substitute for garnishing.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Flavor of the Broth Roast the ginger slices and a few garlic cloves before adding them to the pot in Step 1. This will give the broth a deeper, more complex flavor.

2. Extra Fluffiness and Fragrance for Rice Before toasting the jasmine rice, try rinsing it in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice with enhanced aroma once cooked.

3. Chicken Cooling Trick To speed up the cooling process for the chicken in Step 2, place it in an ice bath briefly after removing it from the pot. This also helps lock in the juices, making the chicken more succulent when shredded.

4. Porridge Thickness Adjustment After the porridge is cooked, if it is too thick for your liking, you can adjust the consistency by adding extra hot water or broth a little at a time until it reaches your desired thickness.

5. Finishing Touch with Lime Just before serving, squeeze some fresh lime juice directly into the porridge for a refreshing and tangy uplift. This balances the rich flavors with a hint of acidity.