Chicken Congee: Cozy Rice Porridge for Little Tummies
A simple and soothing rice porridge with chicken and a hint of ginger, perfect for babies and toddlers. It's gentle on the tummy and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup jasmine or short-grain rice, rinsed
- 4 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 2 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh
- 1 slice fresh ginger (1/8 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cool running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for a smoother congee.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, chicken breast (whole or diced), and ginger slice.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Watch carefully to prevent it from boiling over.
Step 4: Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. The liquid should be barely bubbling.
Step 5: Cook and Stir: Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally (every 10-15 minutes), for 45 minutes, or until the rice has broken down and the mixture is thick and porridge-like.
Step 6: Check Consistency: The congee should have a thick, soupy consistency similar to yogurt or pudding. If it becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.
Step 7: Remove Ginger and Chicken: Carefully remove the ginger slice from the pot and discard it. Remove the chicken breast from the pot.
Step 8: Shred or Dice Chicken: Place the chicken on a clean cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, if you diced it before cooking, you can mash it with a fork.
Step 9: Return Chicken to Pot: Add the shredded or diced chicken back into the pot with the rice porridge.
Step 10: Stir to Combine: Stir the chicken into the congee until it is evenly distributed.
Step 11: Add Sesame Oil (Optional): If using, add the sesame oil to the congee and stir to combine. This adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Step 12: Cool Slightly: Allow the congee to cool slightly before serving. It should be warm, not hot, to avoid burning the baby's mouth.
Step 13: Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the chicken congee into a bowl and serve to your little one. You can refrigerate the rest for later use.
Step 14: Storage: Store leftover congee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving, adding a little extra broth if needed to loosen it up.
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required during cooking.
- Ensure the congee is cooled to a safe temperature before serving to avoid burns.
- Check for any small bones in the chicken before serving, even if using boneless chicken.
- Reheat thoroughly to ensure all bacteria are killed.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 80 kcal per serving
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 2g