Description
Savor Cozy Cháo Gà is a comforting Vietnamese chicken porridge that nourishes both body and soul with its inviting aroma and creamy texture. It is easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Broth
- 3.5–4 lbs Whole Chicken (Choose free-range for richer flavor)
- 5 large Shallots (Halved)
- 3 inches Ginger (Peeled and sliced)
- 1.5 tablespoons Salt
- 3 tablespoons Palm Sugar
- 3 liters Water
- For the Porridge
- 1.5 cups Jasmine Rice (Washed)
- 6 cups Chicken Broth (Substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon Chicken Bouillon Powder (Optional)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Fish Sauce (Can swap with soy sauce for vegetarian version)
- Black Pepper (To taste)
- For Topping
- Fried Shallots (For garnish)
- 1 bunch Cilantro (Chopped – optional)
- 4 stalks Green Onions (Sliced)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, combine the whole chicken, halved shallots, sliced ginger, salt, palm sugar, and 3 liters of water. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then cover and let it rest off heat for an hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and cool it in ice water for about 3 minutes. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside, discarding the solids from the pot.
- Prepare Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate pan, sauté minced shallots in a little oil until they become translucent. Then, toast the washed rice for about 5-6 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: To the pot with the chicken broth, add the toasted rice and 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil for 10 minutes, then simmer for 35-40 minutes until the porridge turns creamy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Serve: Taste your porridge and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Serve hot, topped with shredded chicken, a sprinkle of black pepper, crispy fried shallots, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions for that extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Optional: A squeeze of lime can brighten up the dish.
- If meal prepping, store portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months. Just reheat gently and add broth as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg