Instant Pot Chicken Congee

Instant Pot Chicken Congee is an easy dish that gives me warmth and comfort. Its soothing qualities make this recipe my go-to dish, especially during the winter season or when feeling under the weather.

I’m actually sick with a cold as I’m writing this blog post. Also, it is -40C outside right now where I live. The wind is just brutal. I’m staying inside until this cold snap ends.

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What is Instant Pot Chicken Congee?

Congee, also known as rice porridge or jook, has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal on a rainy day or seeking solace in a comforting bowl of goodness, this dish has got you covered. Traditionally, congee cooks over a stove for hours, but here, the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time without compromising on flavor.

Here’s Why You Will Love Instant Pot Chicken Congee

• Speedy Preparation: With the Instant Pot, you can have a bowl of hearty congee in a fraction of the time, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. Gone are the days of waiting hours for the rice to break down into a silky texture.
• Versatility: You can customize Instant Pot Chicken Congee endlessly by adding various ingredients like chili oil, ginger, green onions, mushrooms, or even a soft-boiled egg on top. The possibilities are endless!
• Nutritious and Comforting: Congee isn’t just delicious; it’s also a great comfort food with potential health benefits. Its easily digestible nature makes it a suitable choice for individuals with upset stomachs or those seeking a gentle meal. Plus, with the addition of chicken and vegetables, it becomes a wholesome and nourishing option.

Equipment and Tools to Make Instant Pot Chicken Congee

Instant Pot

Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

Alright, let’s make our shopping list! To make this recipe, you will need…

Jasmine rice: only 6 tbsp is needed to serve four bowls

Water

Chicken drumsticks

Ginger

Salt, Pepper and Chicken Bouillon

Garnishes: green onion, long donut or anything else your heart desires

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Congee

Let’s make this dish!

Prepare the Instant Pot: Add rinsed jasmine rice, water, chicken drumsticks, sliced ginger and chicken bouillon to the Instant Pot. Close the lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.

Natural Release and Shredding: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening the valve to release any remaining pressure. Remove the ginger slices and chicken drumsticks. Shred chicken using two forks. Discard bone and set aside the meat.

Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: Stir the congee, breaking down the rice grains further if necessary for a smoother texture. If the congee appears watery, heat up the Instant Pot using the Sauté function. Stir the congee until desired thickness & consistency. Then, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Garnish: Ladle the congee into bowls and top with the shredded chicken. Add your choice of toppings such as chopped green onions, sliced mushrooms, crispy fried shallots, a drizzle of soy sauce, a dash of sesame oil, or a soft-boiled egg. Enjoy!

Instant Pot Chicken Congee Options and Substitutions

Want to mix things up with this recipe? Feel free to…

• Add more chicken pieces if you like more meat or use pork instead.
• Substitute jasmine rice with brown rice for a healthier twist. Keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time, so adjust the Instant Pot settings accordingly.
• Introduce a seafood twist by adding shrimp, fish, or crab meat during the last few minutes of cooking. You can add tofu at the end too.
• Get a nice umami factor by adding a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce. Drizzle some sesame oil for a nutty flavour.
• Spice it up with Sriracha, chili crisp or chili oil.
• Add some fresh green onions or cilantro to brighten the dish.
• Top your congee with crispy fried shallots or garlic.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: If you have any leftover Instant Pot Chicken Congee, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy reference.

Freezing: While congee is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for longer storage for 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw frozen congee in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating on the stove top: For optimal texture, consider reheating congee on the stovetop. Place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency if needed.

Reheating in the microwave: Place the congee in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe plate or lid, and heat in short intervals, stirring between each one. This helps distribute the heat evenly.

Make Ahead Options

While this dish comes quickly together, you can cut your vegetables, slice ginger, and measure out rice and other dry ingredients ahead of time. Store them in separate containers or bags, making it easy to assemble when you’re ready to cook.

If you’re using brown rice, consider soaking them overnight. This reduces cooking time and promotes better digestion. In the morning, simply drain the soaked rice and proceed with the Instant Pot cooking process.

Recipe Tips

Use chicken broth in lieu of water for a rich a flavourful base.

Opt for jasmine rice for its fragrance and the creamy texture in congee.

Increase the depth of flavor by adding more aromatics. Consider using both ginger and garlic for a more complex and aromatic base.

Use a variety of toppings to add flavor and texture. Crispy fried shallots, chopped green onions, sliced mushrooms, and a drizzle of sesame oil can transform your congee into a gourmet experience.

Add a dash of soy sauce, fish sauce, or even a pinch of white pepper for extra depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Instant Pot Chicken Congee taste like? Congee, also known as rice porridge, has a mild and comforting flavor profile. The taste is creamy, subtle and soothing. Congee is generally mild in flavor and serves as a neutral base for a variety of additions and toppings.

What goes well with Chicken Congee? Crispy fried shallots, chopped green onions, sliced mushrooms, and a drizzle of chili oil can transform your congee into a gourmet experience. The possibilities are endless! I like to eat mine with Chinese long donut.

Is Chicken Congee healthy? Congee is a good source of carbohyrates, easily digestible and low in fat. This meal is a great option for anyone who is sick or has an upset stomach.

What is Chicken Congee made out of? It is made of jasmine rice, water, chicken and ginger slices. Season to taste.

Hungry for More Chinese Recipes?

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Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp

Chinese Braised Mushrooms

Jellyfish Salad

Mango Pudding

Lastly, if you make my Instant Pot Chicken Congee be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.