After I had absolutely phenomenal congee in a restaurant in Hanoi, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
So of course I had to try recreating something similar at home.
This is my version — a very soft, creamy rice porridge cooked in chicken broth, finished with shredded chicken, egg, nori and fresh herbs. And my little twist: a few drops of Tabasco Chipotle for a subtle smoky kick.
It’s warm, soothing and incredibly comforting.
Honestly, this is top-tier comfort food.
What is Congee?
Congee is a traditional rice porridge popular across many Asian cuisines. In Vietnam it’s known as cháo and is often served with chicken, herbs and various toppings.
The secret is simple: rice cooked slowly with plenty of liquid until it breaks down into a silky porridge.
Ingredients
For the congee
- 100 g white rice
- 800 ml chicken broth
- 1 small pinch turmeric
- salt to taste
Toppings
- 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 egg
- 1 sheet nori, cut into thin strips
- a small handful fresh dill
- a few drops Tabasco Chipotle
Optional:
- green onions
- fried garlic
- chili oil
Instructions
- Cook the rice
Rinse the rice and place it in a pot with the chicken broth and turmeric.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The rice should become very soft and creamy, almost breaking apart into a porridge.
If it becomes too thick, simply add a little more broth or hot water.
- Add the chicken
Stir the shredded chicken directly into the congee and warm it through for a few minutes. Season with salt to taste.
- Add the egg
You can prepare the egg however you prefer:
- soft boiled
- poached
- or cracked directly into the hot congee and gently stirred
- Finish with toppings
Serve the congee in bowls and top with:
- thin strips of nori
- fresh dill
- a few drops of Tabasco Chipotle
The smoky chili sauce adds a surprisingly perfect final note.
Tips
- The longer you cook the rice, the creamier the texture becomes.
- Congee thickens as it cools, so add extra broth when reheating.
- Leftover roast chicken works perfectly in this recipe.
Why I Love This Recipe
This bowl is warm, soft, slightly smoky and incredibly comforting.
It’s the kind of food that feels simple but deeply satisfying.
If you’re looking for something cozy and nourishing, this Hanoi-inspired congee is a must-try.
