If you’re craving a bowl of warmth that wraps you up in all the good feelings, this Comforting Chicken Congee Recipe for Cozy Evenings Recipe is exactly what you need. This silken, creamy rice porridge, infused with tender chicken and aromatic ginger, is a soul-soothing meal that’s perfect for chilly nights or whenever you want a gentle hug from your food. It’s simple to make yet full of layers of flavor that feel like a big cozy blanket on your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully selected ingredients that work together to create a rich, comforting bowl. Each component adds a unique touch, whether it’s the texture, flavor, or aroma.
- 8 oz Chicken Breast or Thigh: Choose thigh for a richer, juicier taste that melts into the congee.
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing Wine: Adds a subtle depth and complexity to the chicken’s flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a silky texture when cooked.
- 1/2 cup Short Grain White Rice: The cornerstone of creamy, luscious congee texture.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth: Quality broth makes all the difference, giving the dish a flavorful base.
- 2 large slices Ginger: Adds warm, aromatic brightness that balances the richness.
- 2 Green Onions: Thinly sliced, these add freshness and a mild crunch as garnish.
- 1/4 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon (optional): For an extra boost of savory goodness if you like.
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil: Finishes off the congee with a nutty, fragrant richness.
How to Make Comforting Chicken Congee Recipe for Cozy Evenings Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Rice and Broth
Start by rinsing your rice several times under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is important because it washes away excess starch, helping your congee reach that perfect creamy yet light texture. Then, in an Instant Pot or a large pot on the stove, combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, Shaoxing wine, and ginger slices. This is where the foundation of your congee forms with the fragrant broth gently cooking the rice into a comforting porridge.
Step 2: Cooking the Rice
If you’re using an Instant Pot, cook the mixture on high pressure for 15 minutes. For stovetop cooking, bring your pot to a simmer, leave the lid slightly ajar, and let it gently cook for about 30 minutes. The difference is minimal, but the stovetop method allows you to watch the consistency closely while the Instant Pot gives you a hands-off, timed approach perfect for a busy evening.
Step 3: Marinating the Chicken
While the congee simmers, slice your chicken thinly and marinate it with Shaoxing wine, salt, and cornstarch. This quick marinade is more than flavor; the cornstarch helps the chicken stay tender and silky once added to the hot congee.
Step 4: Combining Chicken and Final Cooking
When your congee is just about done, stir in the marinated chicken and thinly sliced green onions. Let it cook for an additional two minutes so the chicken cooks through perfectly without losing its tenderness. This step ensures the chicken infuses the congee with its hearty goodness.
Step 5: Final Flavor Touches
Finish by stirring in toasted sesame oil for a fragrant boost that elevates the entire bowl of congee. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve it hot because that’s when this Comforting Chicken Congee Recipe for Cozy Evenings Recipe truly shines—like a warm embrace after a long day.
How to Serve Comforting Chicken Congee Recipe for Cozy Evenings Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes make your bowl not only look inviting but add depth to each spoonful. Thinly sliced green onions bring fresh, crisp notes while a drizzle of sesame oil enhances warmth and fragrance. You could also add a sprinkle of white pepper or some crispy fried shallots for texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This congee pairs wonderfully with simple sides like pickled vegetables, which add a tangy, crunchy counterpoint. For a heartier meal, steamed greens like bok choy or sautéed mushrooms complement the mild flavors beautifully and boost your vitamin intake for a nourishing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner? Serve your congee in individual bowls with a variety of toppings set out buffet-style so everyone can customize their bowl. Another fun idea is to swirl in a soft-boiled egg or scatter fresh herbs like cilantro to add color and that garden-fresh element everyone appreciates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover congee can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because congee thickens as it cools, you may find it much thicker when you reheat, but that’s easy to fix with a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.
Freezing
You can freeze congee in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Portion it out before freezing so you can thaw exactly what you need without waste. Just remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat gently from frozen.
Reheating
Reheating your congee is a breeze—warm gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding broth or water to regain the desired creamy consistency. Stir often to prevent sticking, and once hot, add a dash more sesame oil if you want to revive that freshly made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this congee?
Brown rice has a nuttier flavor and takes longer to cook, so the congee won’t be as creamy and the cooking time will increase significantly. For the classic silky texture, stick to short grain white rice.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this Comforting Chicken Congee Recipe for Cozy Evenings Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and add mushrooms or tofu for texture and protein. The ginger and sesame oil will still provide plenty of flavor.
Can I make this congee without an Instant Pot?
Yes, the stovetop method works perfectly well. Just simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice breaks down and it reaches that beautiful porridge consistency.
What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
You can substitute dry sherry or a mild white wine. If you prefer alcohol-free, a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with a little water can mimic the acidity, though the flavor depth won’t be exactly the same.
How can I make the chicken extra tender in this recipe?
The marinating step with cornstarch and Shaoxing wine is key. Also, slicing the chicken thinly and adding it at the end of cooking helps it stay tender instead of turning rubbery.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring joy and warmth to your table, this Comforting Chicken Congee Recipe for Cozy Evenings Recipe is your new go-to. It’s incredibly simple yet so deeply satisfying, guaranteed to become a favorite that you’ll turn to again and again whenever you want a delicious hug in a bowl. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Comforting Chicken Congee Recipe for Cozy Evenings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes Instant Pot / 30 minutes stovetop
- Total Time: 25 minutes Instant Pot / 40 minutes stovetop
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This comforting chicken congee recipe is perfect for cozy evenings, offering a warm and soothing bowl of creamy rice porridge infused with tender marinated chicken, aromatic ginger, and a touch of toasted sesame oil. With options for instant pot or stovetop preparation, it’s a versatile dish that highlights traditional Asian flavors in a simple, hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Congee Base
- 1/2 cup Short Grain White Rice
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 large slices Ginger
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing Wine (for congee)
- 1/4 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon (optional)
For the Chicken Marinade & Add-in
- 8 oz Chicken Breast or Thigh (thigh preferred for richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing Wine (for marinade)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (for marinade)
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 2 Green Onions (thinly sliced for garnish)
Finishing Touches
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the short grain white rice multiple times under cold running water until the water is clear, ensuring the removal of excess starch for a creamier congee texture.
- Cook the Congee Base: Instant Pot method: Combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine, and ginger slices in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Stovetop method: Place rinsed rice, ginger slices, and chicken broth in a large pot and bring to a simmer. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and let simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breast or thigh. In a bowl, mix the chicken slices with 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Incorporate the Chicken and Green Onions: Once the congee has finished cooking, stir in the marinated chicken slices and the thinly sliced green onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the green onions are fragrant.
- Finish with Flavor: Stir in 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil to enhance the aroma and richness. Taste and adjust salt as needed for seasoning.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the creamy chicken congee into bowls and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts to achieve a richer, more flavorful congee.
- The chicken bouillon powder is optional but can add an extra layer of umami to the broth.
- If using the stovetop method, stirring occasionally prevents rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Adjust the water or broth quantity slightly if you prefer thicker or thinner congee consistency.
- Adding toppings like fried shallots, boiled egg, or sliced chili can personalize this dish further.
- Shaoxing wine is a Chinese cooking wine that enhances flavor but can be omitted or replaced with dry sherry if unavailable.
