Chicken Arroz Caldo is a Filipino comfort food that’s perfect for cozy meals. This savory rice porridge is made with tender chicken, ginger, garlic, and a rich broth, offering warmth and nourishment. It’s simple to make and filled with flavor, perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is flavorful, comforting, and hearty, offering both nutrition and satisfaction. The tender chicken, paired with the fragrant ginger and garlic, creates a perfect balance of flavors. With its soothing texture and nourishing qualities, Chicken Arroz Caldo is ideal for a quick and filling meal, and it’s also great for serving to family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless, cut into pieces
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 boiled eggs (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon calamansi juice (or lime juice), for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the rice to the pot, stirring to coat the grains in the oil and seasonings.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fish sauce (if using). Adjust to taste.
- Serve the arroz caldo in bowls, garnished with green onions, a boiled egg, and a squeeze of calamansi juice.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Add some vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- If you want more spice, add a sliced chili pepper or cayenne pepper.
- Try using chicken breast for a leaner option.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit more broth if necessary.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, though thighs provide a richer flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How can I make the arroz caldo thicker?
Let it simmer for a bit longer, or add a little more rice to thicken the broth.
Can I use instant rice?
For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to use regular jasmine rice, but instant rice can work in a pinch.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice should be fully soft and broken down, adding to the porridge-like consistency.
Can I freeze leftover arroz caldo?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Can I add other toppings to arroz caldo?
You can add fried garlic, crispy onions, or a dash of soy sauce for added flavor.
What is calamansi juice, and can I substitute it?
Calamansi is a small citrus fruit commonly used in Filipino cuisine. You can substitute lime juice if it’s not available.
Can I make arroz caldo in advance?
Yes, arroz caldo can be made ahead of time and reheated. It also gets more flavorful the longer it sits.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can cook the arroz caldo in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and the rice is cooked.
Conclusion
Chicken Arroz Caldo is a soothing, flavorful dish that brings comfort and warmth. With its savory chicken, rice, and aromatic spices, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion, whether you need a cozy dinner or a hearty breakfast. This dish is easy to make and offers endless possibilities for customization, making it a beloved classic!
Print
Chicken Arroz Caldo (Chicken Rice Porridge)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Arroz Caldo (Chicken Rice Porridge) is a comforting Filipino dish made with tender chicken, fragrant ginger, garlic, and a rich broth. This hearty rice porridge is perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal. It’s simple to make, flavorful, and offers soothing warmth for the soul.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless, cut into pieces
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 boiled eggs (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon calamansi juice (or lime juice), for serving
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the rice, coating the grains with oil and seasonings.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is cooked and soup thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fish sauce (if using). Adjust to taste.
- Serve arroz caldo in bowls, garnished with green onions, boiled eggs, and a squeeze of calamansi juice.
Notes
- To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding extra broth if necessary.
- Variations: Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition, or spice it up with chili peppers.
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