🌾 Filipino Arroz Caldo (Chicken Rice Porridge)
⏱ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Course: Main / Comfort Food
❤️ A Warm Filipino Story
There’s something deeply comforting about a steaming bowl of Arroz Caldo. Growing up in a Filipino home, this dish was more than just food — it was love in a bowl.
Whether someone was feeling under the weather, it was raining outside, or we just needed something warm and filling, arroz caldo was always there. The aroma of ginger, garlic, and chicken simmering together would fill the kitchen, instantly making everything feel safe and cozy.
This humble rice porridge is inspired by Chinese congee but has become a true Filipino favorite, often enjoyed with boiled eggs, calamansi, and crispy fried garlic on top.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Fried garlic
- Green onions
- Calamansi or lemon
- Chili oil (optional)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Ginger – essential for that signature comforting flavor
- Chicken thighs – more flavorful than breast
- Fish sauce – adds authentic Filipino depth
- Jasmine rice – creates a creamy, soft texture
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Chicken
Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
Step 3: Add Rice
Stir in the rice and coat it with the aromatics.
Step 4: Pour Broth
Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer
Lower heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Season
Add fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot with toppings like egg, green onions, and calamansi.
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Reheat with a little water or broth
- Freeze for up to 1 month
🔄 Substitutions
- Brown rice (longer cook time)
- Turkey instead of chicken
- Vegetable broth for lighter version
🥗 Nutrition Notes (Approximate)
- Calories: 250–350 per serving
- High protein
- Easy to digest
- Great for cold/flu recovery
💡 Tips for Best Results
✔ Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
✔ Add more broth for thinner consistency
✔ Use fresh ginger for best flavor
✔ Don’t skip toppings — they elevate the dish
🌶 Variations
- Arroz Caldo with saffron (restaurant style)
- Spicy arroz caldo with chili oil
- Garlic-loaded version for extra flavor
- Egg drop version for richness
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use leftover rice?
Yes! Just reduce cooking time.
Q: Why is my arroz caldo too thick?
Add more broth or water while reheating.
Q: Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Yes, but stovetop gives better flavor.
🖨 Printable Recipe Card
Filipino Arroz Caldo
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Total: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken
- 1 cup rice
- 6 cups broth
- garlic, onion, ginger
- fish sauce
Instructions:
- Sauté aromatics
- Add chicken
- Add rice
- Add broth
- Simmer
- Season
- Serve
