Why We Love This Congee Recipe
I spent a summer in China after my senior year of high school. Each morning we would leave our dorm and head to the dining hall for a hearty bowl of Chinese rice porridge for breakfast. Offering the same appeal as oatmeal or grits, Congee is a very comforting meal, any time of day. Congee, also called Jook in southern China, is a soft soupy rice porridge that can be served sweet or savory, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Today I’m making a savory chicken congee, that can be prepared in an Instant Pot or on the Stovetop. It is hearty and comforting, like the Chinese equivalent of southern chicken and dumplings. We load our bowls of this jook recipe with fried onions, fresh scallions, and a luscious soft-boiled egg for a deliciously satisfying meal. This easy pressure cooker recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, and will certainly mix up your midweek dinner time rut!
Ingredients You Need
Chicken breast – boneless and skinless, sliced thin Oyster sauce – in a pinch you can use hoisin or soy sauce, but note that the flavor will be slightly different Cornstarch – to thicken the rice porridge Chicken base – or chicken bouillon to make a savory chicken broth Sesame oil – or a high-heat and neutral flavored oil like rapeseed, sunflower, or avocado oil Scallions – greens onions with the white separated and chopped Fresh ginger – grated Jasmine rice – a long-grain white rice Water
Plus your favorite tasty jook garnishes! (More on those below!)
How to Make Instant Pot Congee
First, marinate the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and place them in a small mixing bowl. Add the oyster sauce, cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of chicken base, and toss well to mix and coat. Set aside. Next, add the rice to another small bowl. Fill it with cold water and stir the rice with your hand to wash the grains. Drain off the water and rinse the rice again two or three more times to remove the extra rice starches. Set aside. Set out a large 6 to 8-quart Instant Pot. Set the pressure cooker on SAUTE and add in the sesame oil, scallion whites, and grated ginger. Stir and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes to soften. Then stir in the washed jasmine rice, remaining chicken base, and water. Lock the Instant Pot lid into place. Set the IP on HIGH PRESSURE for 23 minutes. Once the beeper goes off, perform a natural release (AKA don’t touch it!). When the steam button valve drops, it is safe to open the Instant Pot. Now set the Instant Pot back on the SAUTE setting. Stir in the chicken and marinade, stirring well to separate the chicken pieces. Simmer the chicken congee for several minutes to cook the chicken and thicken the porridge. Taste, and add salt and pepper to taste. Then ladle the congee into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes! Get the Complete (Printable!) Chicken Jook Recipe Below. Enjoy!
How to Make Stovetop Rice Porridge
No pressure cooker? No problem! This classic congee recipe is easy to make on the stovetop, too.
Serving Suggestions
One of the (many) reasons we love this jook recipe is how fun it is to customize your bowl. Make your chicken congee bowls fancier with any goodies you like! Here are a few of our favorite savory rice porridge toppings:
Fried onions – crispy, crunchy, and delightfully salty Soft-boiled eggs – our Easy Ramen Egg recipe makes perfectly rich and silky eggs every time Crushed red pepper – for a kick of spicy heat Furikake – a Japanese seasoning blend that usually includes sesame seeds, chopped dry seaweed, dried fish, sugar, and salt
Enjoy your loaded bowl for a warm, filling breakfast on a cold morning. Or serve for dinner with homemade Chinese dumplings, a fresh green salad, or your favorite breakfast side dish.
Looking for More Amazing Instant Pot Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Instant Pot Butter Chicken Curry Creamy White Chicken Chili (3 Ways!) Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken Easy Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
Check the printable recipe card below for the prep time, cook time, total time, and nutrition information. Make sure to share this recipe on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest Share This Recipe With Friends!
