This Chicken Congee is warm and cozy, perfect for when you need a comforting meal. Made with tender chicken and rice, it cooks up quickly in the Instant Pot!
I love how easy it is to prepare this dish. Just throw everything in the pot, and let it work its magic! It’s like a big hug in a bowl—who wouldn’t want that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This rice gives congee its lovely texture and subtle fragrance. You can substitute with short-grain rice or even brown rice, but cooking times may change. Just rinse it well!
Water or Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth enhances the flavor greatly. If you want a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works too! Just ensure it’s low sodium so you can control seasoning later.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and shred beautifully. For more flavor, you could use thighs or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These two ingredients add warmth and depth. If you don’t have fresh, powdered ginger can work in a pinch, but use less since it’s stronger. Garlic powder is an alternative for garlic cloves.
Green Onions: They brighten up the congee with fresh flavor. If you don’t have green onions, chives or even parsley can be a nice alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Congee Is Creamy?
Achieving that creamy, comforting consistency is key in congee. The method of cooking the rice slowly releases starches, thickening the congee beautifully. Here are some tips:
- Always rinse the rice well; this removes excess starch and avoids clumping.
- When cooking in the Instant Pot, use enough liquid. A good rule of thumb is 1 part rice to 8 parts liquid.
- For a creamier texture, use a potato masher or whisk after cooking to break up some rice grains.
- Letting it rest for a few minutes before serving helps thicken it up as well.
Play around with liquids and cooking times to find your perfect creamy congee! Enjoy your delicious bowl of comfort! 🥣
How to Make Chicken Congee (Instant Pot Version Included)
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 8 cups water or chicken broth (for richer flavor)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 slices fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- White pepper or chili oil, for garnish
Time Estimate
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot. If you are using the stovetop method, it will take about 1 to 1.5 hours for a cozy bubble. Altogether, it’s a quick and delightful dish to put together!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients:
Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch that can make the congee gummy. After that, clean the chicken breasts and set them aside for cooking.
2. Cooking in the Instant Pot:
In the Instant Pot, place the rinsed rice, water or broth, chicken breasts, ginger slices, garlic, and salt. Close the lid securely, set the valve to sealing, and choose the “Porridge” setting or manual high pressure for 20 minutes. Once cooking is done, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then switch to quick release for any remaining pressure.
3. Stovetop Cooking (if you prefer):
For the stovetop method, combine the rinsed rice, water or broth, chicken breasts, ginger slices, garlic, and salt in a large pot. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking, adding more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it, shred it with forks, and return it to the pot.
4. Finish and Serve:
If you prefer, you can remove the ginger slices and garlic before serving. Stir in the soy sauce (if using) and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt to taste. Ladle the congee into bowls, top with the shredded chicken, and add some sliced green onions. Finish with a sprinkle of white pepper or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick!
5. Enjoy:
Serve the chicken congee hot, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! This comforting bowl is sure to warm your heart and soothe your soul every time you dig in.
Bon appétit! 🥣
img src=”https://familydinnermagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/chicken-congee-instant-pot-version-included.webp” alt=””>
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Jasmine Rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook. If using brown rice, you might need to increase the cooking time in the Instant Pot to about 30-40 minutes.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu or just omit it altogether, using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to maintain flavor. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms or carrots to enrich the dish.
How Do I Store Leftover Congee?
Store leftover congee in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water, as it can thicken in the fridge.
Can I Add Other Toppings to This Congee?
Definitely! Feel free to top your congee with ingredients like chopped peanuts, sesame oil, pickled vegetables, or even a soft-boiled egg for extra flavor!
