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Cháo Gà (Vietnamese Chicken and Rice Porridge)

Comforting Cháo Gà: Heartwarming Vietnamese Chicken Porridge

Cháo Gà is a comforting Vietnamese chicken and rice porridge that warms the soul with tender chicken and fragrant ginger.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Broth Ingredients
  • 1 whole Chicken The star of the show, providing rich flavor and protein.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Enhances the broth's depth; shallots can be used if desired.
  • 2 teaspoon Sea Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste.
  • 1 inch Ginger Fresh ginger infuses warmth and aroma; powdered ginger can substitute in a pinch.
Porridge Ingredients
  • 1 cup Jasmine Rice The key ingredient for creamy texture; opt for short-grain rice if that's what you have.
  • 2 tablespoon Fish Sauce Adds a savory depth to the broth; adjust to your liking.
  • 1 teaspoon Rock or Granulated Sugar Balances the flavors; can be omitted based on personal preference.
Dipping Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar Adds a tangy kick to your dipping sauce.
Frying Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoon Vegetable Cooking Oil Perfect for frying shallots; neutral oils work well too.
Optional Garnishes
  • Crispy Fried Shallots Adds a delightful crunch on top!
  • Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Scallions) Brighten up the dish and enhance flavor.
  • Shredded Vegetables (Cabbage, Carrots) For extra flavor and texture.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • small bowl
  • Skillet

Method
 

Preparation Instructions
  1. In a large pot, place a whole chicken along with a quartered yellow onion and a generous pinch of sea salt. Cover the chicken with water and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, skim off any foam that forms, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  2. After the chicken is tender, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. Strain the broth to eliminate any solids, returning the clear liquid to the pot. Rinse one cup of jasmine rice until the water runs clear, then add it along with sliced ginger and a touch of sugar to the strained broth. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice thickens into a creamy porridge.
  3. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, shredding the meat into bite-sized pieces. This tender chicken will serve as a topping for the Cháo Gà. Keep the shredded chicken warm as you prepare the rest of the dish.
  4. In a small bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, a spoonful of sugar, and a splash of fish sauce. Stir this mixture until the sugar dissolves, creating a tangy dipping sauce that complements the flavors of Cháo Gà. Set it aside for serving.
  5. In a small skillet, heat vegetable cooking oil over medium heat. Once hot, add thinly sliced shallots and sauté until they're golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the fried shallots to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and keep them crispy for garnish.
  6. Stir a few drops of fish sauce and freshly ground black pepper into the thickened porridge. To serve, ladle the Cháo Gà into bowls, topping each with shredded chicken, crispy fried shallots, and your choice of fresh herbs. Don't forget to offer the tangy dipping sauce and sliced chilis on the side for a delightful finishing touch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Enjoy your Cháo Gà warm, garnished with crispy shallots and fresh herbs for a comforting meal that feels like home!

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