Instant Pot Chao Ga (Vietnamese Rice Porridge)
This Instant Pot Chao Ga is perfect for weeknight dinner or when you're feeling under the weather. White rice, chicken, and ginger are simmered to make a fragrant porridge that's both healthy and healing. It's quick, comforting, and perfectly delicious.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 30 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- ½ - ¾ lb boneless skinless chicken breast (about 1-2 breasts)
- 1 cup white rice (rinsed)
- ½ tbsp cooking oil
- ½ onion (sliced)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced; about ½ tbsp)
- 1½" knob ginger (peeled and grated; about 1 tbsp)
- 3 cups unsalted or low sodium chicken broth (plus more to finish)
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
- Cilantro
- Green onion (thinly sliced)
- Fried shallots
- Chili oil
- Bean sprouts
- Soft-boiled eggs
Instructions
- 1
Season chicken breast with 1½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper all over. Set aside.
- 2
On the Instant Pot, turn Sauté (Normal) mode on. When it reads "Hot", add oil. Let heat up for a couple seconds.
- 3
Add onion and a pinch of salt. Let cook for 1-2 minutes to soften lightly, then stir in garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Turn off Instant Pot. If needed, add a splash of water to deglaze and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot.
- 4
Next, add the rice, chicken broth, water, fish sauce, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Stir to mix. Then nestle the chicken breasts in the middle, making sure it's fully submerged in liquid.
- 5
Seal the Instant Pot. Turn on Pressure Cook (Normal) mode and set timer to 10 minutes. Afterwards, let release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- 6
Carefully remove the lid. The congee will look liquidy but it'll continue to thicken. Meanwhile, transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Carefully shred (it'll be hot!) before returning to the Instant Pot.
- 7
The porridge should've thickened up a bit more by now. Stir vigorously and add more chicken broth if you prefer a looser congee. Season to taste with fish sauce and/or salt and pepper.
- 8
Serve the cháo in bowls and top with freshly cracked pepper and your choice of toppings.