Chao Ga (Chicken Congee)

Chao ga is Vietnamese chicken congee, the universal comfort food for cold days and under-the-weather nights. Rice simmers in chicken broth until it breaks down into a silky, porridge-like bowl, loaded with shredded chicken and ginger. Every family has a pot on the stove when someone needs taking care of. It is also the first solid food many Vietnamese children eat, and the flavor sticks for life.

Silky, ginger-warm rice porridge with tender chicken

The congee is thick and creamy, with the gentle bite of ginger warming every spoonful. Shredded chicken, scallions, and a drift of white pepper make it savory and soothing, and a squeeze of lime brightens it at the end. Stir it often so the rice breaks down evenly into that velvety texture. A soft-boiled egg stirred into the bowl is a beloved addition. Serve it in deep bowls with all the toppings on the side — it is the kind of bowl that makes you feel better before you finish it.

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