Description
Savor Cozy Cháo Gà is a comforting Vietnamese chicken porridge, perfect for chilly nights. It features tender shredded chicken and creamy jasmine rice, topped with crispy shallots and fresh herbs. This recipe is easy to prepare, meal prep friendly, and highly customizable.
Ingredients
- For the Broth:
- 3.5–4 lbs Whole Chicken
- 5 large Shallots
- 3-inch piece Ginger
- 1.5 tablespoons Salt
- 3 tablespoons Palm Sugar
- 3 liters Water
- For the Porridge:
- 1.5 cups Jasmine Rice
- 6 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 tablespoon Chicken Bouillon Powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Fish Sauce
- Black Pepper to taste
- For Topping:
- Fried Shallots
- 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.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot. Cool it in ice water, then shred into bite-sized pieces. Discard solids from the pot.
- Prepare Rice: Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear. In a separate pan, sauté minced shallots until translucent. Toast the washed rice for 5-6 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add toasted rice and 6 cups of chicken broth to the pot with the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil for 10 minutes, then simmer for 35-40 minutes until creamy, stirring occasionally.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot, topped with shredded chicken, black pepper, fried shallots, cilantro, and green onions.
Notes
- A squeeze of lime can brighten the dish.
- For meal prepping, store portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently, adding broth as needed.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped peanuts or cashews.
- Veggie Boost: Add carrots, peas, or spinach.
- Herb Explosion: Garnish with basil or mint.
- Spicy Kick: Add Thai chilis or chili oil.
- Coconut Richness: Mix in coconut milk.
- Seafood Fusion: Add shrimp or fish in the last few cooking moments.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling, Simmering, Shredding
- 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