This slow-cooker chicken and ginger congee is a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. Congee, also known as jook, is a traditional Chinese rice porridge that is slow-cooked until it reaches a creamy, velvety texture. Infused with fresh ginger, scallions, and tender shredded chicken, this dish is both warming and flavorful—perfect for cold days or when you need a soothing meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (canned or homemade)
• 4 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger (peeled)
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 medium bunch fresh cilantro, leaves torn or chopped
• Sambal oelek (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1
In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, water, jasmine rice, and salt. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, until the rice is soft and reaches a porridge-like consistency.

Step 2
Once done, stir in the grated ginger and sliced scallions to enhance the flavor.

Step 3
Ladle the congee into bowls and top each serving with shredded chicken and fresh cilantro. Serve with sambal oelek on the side for an optional spicy kick.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Protein: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fat: ~5g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sodium: ~500mg

Why This Slow-Cooker Congee is a Must-Try

• Ultra Creamy and Comforting: The rice breaks down naturally over time, resulting in a silky, smooth texture that is easy to eat and digest.
• Packed with Flavor: Fresh ginger, scallions, and cilantro add brightness, while shredded chicken provides a savory depth.
• Effortless to Make: The slow cooker does all the work, making it an easy hands-off dish.
• Versatile and Customizable: Can be adapted with different toppings, broths, or proteins to suit personal preferences.
• Healthy and Nutritious: This dish is light yet filling, providing lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and immune-boosting ingredients like ginger.

The History and Significance of Congee

Congee has been a staple in Asian cuisine for thousands of years, often eaten for breakfast, as a healing food, or as a simple, budget-friendly meal. It is commonly served in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, with regional variations in ingredients and preparation.

• In China, it is typically made with plain rice and water or broth, sometimes flavored with soy sauce, scallions, and pickled vegetables.
• In Vietnam, it is known as cháo gà, often cooked with shredded chicken and fish sauce for extra depth.
• In Thailand, congee (known as jok) is served with ground pork, fried garlic, and a soft-boiled egg.

This slow-cooker version brings classic Cantonese congee flavors into a simple, modern preparation, making it easy to enjoy this traditional dish with minimal effort.

How Slow Cooking Enhances the Texture of Congee

One of the defining features of congee is its silky-smooth texture, and the slow-cooking method helps achieve this effortlessly. Unlike stovetop methods, which require frequent stirring to prevent sticking, using a slow cooker allows the rice to break down gradually, releasing starches and naturally thickening the broth.

• Perfect Ratio of Liquid to Rice: Using 8 cups of broth and 4 cups of water ensures that the rice fully absorbs the liquid while maintaining the right consistency.
• Cooking Time Matters: Cooking on high for 4 hours results in a perfectly creamy texture. If you prefer a thinner congee, you can add more broth at the end.
• Rice Choice Makes a Difference: Jasmine rice is ideal for this recipe because it has a fragrant aroma and breaks down well when slow-cooked, creating a smooth and luxurious consistency.

The Healing Benefits of Ginger in Congee

Ginger is an essential ingredient in this recipe, bringing not only flavor but also numerous health benefits.

• Soothes Digestion: Ginger is known to ease nausea, reduce bloating, and promote gut health.
• Boosts Immunity: With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, ginger helps fight colds and infections.
• Enhances Warmth and Comfort: The natural spicy warmth of ginger makes congee extra soothing, especially in colder months.

Adding grated fresh ginger at the end of cooking ensures that its aromatic, slightly spicy flavor shines through without becoming overpowering.

Shredded Chicken – The Perfect Protein Addition

Chicken congee is one of the most popular variations, as shredded chicken provides a lean protein boost while keeping the dish light and comforting.

• Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this dish even easier to prepare. The shredded meat soaks up the congee’s flavors beautifully.
• Poached Chicken for Extra Tenderness: If you prefer, you can cook raw chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker, then shred them before serving. This method infuses the broth with even more flavor.
• Alternative Proteins: While chicken is traditional, you can also use tofu, ground turkey, shrimp, or even pork for variation.

Toppings That Elevate This Dish

One of the best things about congee is its ability to be customized with toppings. The right garnishes can add extra texture, spice, and flavor to your bowl.

• Scallions and Cilantro: Add freshness and a slight bite that balances the creamy congee.
• Sambal Oelek or Chili Oil: For those who enjoy spice, a spoonful of sambal oelek, chili oil, or Sriracha can take the flavor up a notch.
• Crispy Shallots or Garlic: Fried shallots or garlic chips add a crunchy contrast and a deeper savory flavor.
• Soy Sauce or Fish Sauce: A splash of soy sauce enhances umami flavors, while fish sauce adds a Southeast Asian twist.
• Soft-Boiled Egg: A jammy, runny egg yolk stirred into the congee makes it extra rich and luxurious.

Pairing Congee with Other Dishes

Although congee is a satisfying meal on its own, it can also be served with side dishes for a complete dining experience.

• Steamed or Stir-Fried Vegetables: A side of bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms complements the mild flavors of congee.
• Chinese Doughnuts (Youtiao): These crispy, deep-fried dough sticks are commonly dipped into congee for added texture.
• Pickled Vegetables: A small serving of pickled radish or cucumbers adds tanginess and crunch.
• Tea or Warm Herbal Drink: A cup of green tea or ginger tea pairs well with the warm, comforting nature of congee.

Storing and Reheating Congee

Congee can be made ahead of time and stored for later use, making it an excellent meal-prep option.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Add a little extra broth or water before reheating on the stovetop or microwave, as congee thickens when cooled.
• Freezing: While congee can be frozen for up to 3 months, its texture may change slightly upon thawing. Stir well while reheating to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

Slow-cooker chicken and ginger congee is the ultimate comfort food, offering a creamy texture, warming spices, and nourishing ingredients that make it perfect for any time of day. The slow-cooking process ensures a rich and flavorful dish with minimal effort, making it an excellent option for busy days, meal prepping, or when you need a soothing, wholesome meal.