If you’ve ever craved something warm, hearty, and comforting, Chicken Arroz Caldo is your go-to dish. This Filipino chicken rice porridge is packed with flavors from ginger, garlic, and a rich, savory broth that makes every spoonful feel like a hug. Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re feeling under the weather, this is the perfect recipe to nourish your body and soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Arroz Caldo is one of those dishes that instantly makes you feel better, no matter what. It’s simple yet flavorful, and there’s something so satisfying about the combination of tender chicken, soft rice, and a deliciously aromatic broth. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can adjust the flavor to suit your taste and top it with all your favorite garnishes. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a side of crispy fried garlic, this dish is both comforting and full of homey goodness.
Ingredients:
The ingredients for Chicken Arroz Caldo are pretty straightforward, but they come together to create a perfectly comforting bowl. You’ll need chicken, rice, ginger, garlic, and some basic seasonings. You’ll also want a little fish sauce and lemongrass to enhance the depth of flavor. For the full ingredient list, make sure to check below.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Rice
Start by cooking your chicken. You can use bone-in chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks for extra flavor, but boneless chicken will work too. In a pot, combine your chicken with some water and bring it to a boil. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface, then add in your rice and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the rice begins to break down into that creamy, porridge-like texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the chicken and rice are cooking, sauté some ginger and garlic in a little bit of oil or butter until they’re fragrant and golden brown. This will infuse your Arroz Caldo with that warm, comforting aroma. If you want an extra layer of flavor, add a stalk of lemongrass to the pot while it simmers—it gives the dish a unique fragrance and subtle depth.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Once your chicken and rice are fully cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken back to the pot along with fish sauce, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes so that all the flavors can meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Adjust the Consistency
At this point, your Arroz Caldo should be thick and creamy, but if you prefer a more soupy consistency, simply add a little more water or chicken broth to thin it out. Adjust the seasoning to taste—if you like it a little saltier, add more fish sauce or soy sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the chicken rice porridge into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. A hard-boiled egg, some fried garlic, green onions, and a squeeze of calamansi (Filipino lime) or lemon really take it to the next level. Don’t forget a dash of freshly ground pepper!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken, like thighs or drumsticks, gives the broth a deeper, more flavorful taste. Plus, it helps tenderize the chicken as it simmers.
- Ginger is key: Fresh ginger is the star of this dish, adding that signature warmth and depth of flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add some chopped chili or a dash of chili flakes to your Arroz Caldo. You can also top it with some chili oil for an extra kick.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it a vegetarian dish.
- Quicker Version: If you don’t have time to simmer everything for a long period, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken and quick-cooking rice to speed up the process.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in some vegetables like carrots or peas to make the dish even heartier.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Chicken Arroz Caldo is a meal on its own, but if you want to make it more filling, serve it with a side of crispy fried shallots, or some Filipino longganisa (sausage). A side of fresh fruit like mango or papaya would also balance out the richness of the porridge.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Arroz Caldo keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice will continue to absorb the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little water or broth when reheating to return it to the desired consistency. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
4 FAQs
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, Arroz Caldo tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve. - Can I use white rice instead of jasmine rice?
You can, but jasmine rice adds a wonderful fragrance to the dish. If you’re using regular white rice, make sure to rinse it well before cooking to remove excess starch. - What’s the difference between Arroz Caldo and congee?
While both are rice porridge dishes, Arroz Caldo is typically made with chicken and has a more flavorful, savory broth, often seasoned with ginger, garlic, and lemongrass. Congee, on the other hand, is a more neutral rice porridge that can be served sweet or savory. - Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make it in a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients (chicken, rice, ginger, garlic, broth) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and season as needed.
Conclusion
Chicken Arroz Caldo is more than just a dish—it’s a bowl of comfort, warmth, and love. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of a hearty meal, this Filipino rice porridge is the perfect remedy. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and fragrant broth, it’s a dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. So the next time you want to cozy up with something comforting, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you.
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Chicken Arroz Caldo (Chicken Rice Porridge)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus cooking time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (including simmering and preparation)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Arroz Caldo is a Filipino comfort food that’s hearty, warm, and nourishing. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and a savory, fragrant broth flavored with ginger and garlic, this dish is perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Simple, flavorful, and incredibly comforting!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks (skinless optional)
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or white rice)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 stalks lemongrass, crushed (optional, for fragrance)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1–2 tbsp fish sauce (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 hard-boiled egg per serving (optional garnish)
- Green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
- 2 tbsp fried garlic (optional garnish)
- 1 calamansi or lemon (optional garnish)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for sautéing)
- Optional: chili flakes or chili oil (for spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Rice: In a large pot, combine the chicken and chicken broth (or water). Bring it to a boil, skimming off any scum. Add the rice and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked and the rice softens to a porridge-like texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the chicken and rice cook, heat oil or butter in a pan and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant and golden brown. If using, add lemongrass stalks to the pot as it simmers for added depth.
- Combine and Simmer: Remove the chicken from the pot once it’s cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot. Add fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the porridge is too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the Chicken Arroz Caldo into bowls. Top with a hard-boiled egg, fried garlic, green onions, and a squeeze of calamansi or lemon. Optionally, add chili flakes or chili oil for heat.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken enhances the flavor of the broth. If using boneless chicken, the flavor may be lighter.
- For extra fragrance, you can add a dash of soy sauce or fish sauce for a savory depth.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Quicker Version: Use leftover rotisserie chicken and quick-cooking rice for a faster version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg