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
Units
Scale
- 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