Authentic Vietnamese Cháo (Rice Porridge) Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of Jasmine rice
6 cups of water
1 bone-in chicken thigh
1/2 inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1 handful of cilantro, chopped
Fish sauce, to taste
Fried shallots, for garnish

Steps and instructions

Wash the Jasmine rice in cold water, and drain. Repeat this step until the water becomes clear.
Place the washed rice in a large pot, add the water, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken thigh by removing the skin and any excess fat. Add the chicken to the pot of cooking rice.
Add the sliced ginger and minced garlic to the pot, and stir well to combine.
Lower the heat to medium, and let the mixture simmer, while occasionally stirring, until the rice breaks down and a porridge-like consistency is reached. This should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Remove the chicken from the pot, and let it cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into small pieces, then add it back into the pot.
Add the salt and white pepper, and stir well.
Adjust the flavor by adding fish sauce to your taste.
Before serving, garnish each bowl of Cháo with chopped green onions, cilantro, and fried shallots.

Tools for making

Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the rice and chicken mixture.
Knife - A knife is required to mince the garlic, slice the ginger, and shred the chicken.
Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for safely chopping and preparing ingredients.
Stirring spoon - A stirring spoon or spatula will be used to stir the rice mixture while it's cooking.
Bowl - A bowl is needed to garnish the Cháo with chopped green onions, cilantro, and fried shallots before serving.
Measuring cup - A measuring cup is essential to accurately measure the amount of rice and water used.

Recipe variations

Instead of chicken, use pork, beef, or seafood such as shrimp or fish.
Add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or corn kernels for extra flavor and texture.
For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as star anise, cinnamon, or lemongrass for added fragrance.
Try using different types of rice such as glutinous rice or brown rice for a different texture.
Add a spoonful of sesame oil or soy sauce for a richer flavor.
Garnish with chopped peanuts or crispy fried garlic for extra crunch.
Top with a soft-boiled or poached egg for added protein.
For a creamier texture, stir in a small amount of coconut milk or heavy cream.
Make it spicy by adding chili flakes, sriracha sauce, or sliced fresh chili peppers.

Recipe overview

Cháo, also known as Vietnamese Rice Porridge, is a comforting and traditional dish that is valued for its simplicity and versatility. A mainstay in Vietnamese cuisine, Cháo can be compared to Western chicken soup due to its healing qualities and reputation as a go-to meal when one is feeling under the weather. It's a humble and hearty dish with a creamy texture, similar to a light risotto but thinner. This recipe uses bone-in chicken thigh for flavor, and is garnished with green onions, cilantro, and fried shallots for added crunch and freshness. You can enjoy this delicious dish at any time of the day, whether it be breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a midnight snack. Expect a soothing, savory, and nourishing meal that will warm you from the inside out.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can use other types of rice such as long-grain rice or even brown rice, but the texture and cooking time may vary.
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but using bone-in chicken adds extra flavor to the Cháo.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thigh?
Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer, but chicken thigh is often used because it has more flavor and remains tender even after long cooking.
How can I make the Cháo vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth or mushroom broth instead of water. You can also add vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn for more flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you prefer not to use fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian option. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make Cháo in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking rice and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the rice and chicken mixture.
Knife - You will need a knife to thinly slice the ginger and mince the garlic.
Cutting board - A cutting board will be useful for chopping the green onions and cilantro.
Stirring spoon - A stirring spoon or ladle will be necessary to stir the rice mixture while it cooks.
Bowl - You will need bowls to serve the Cháo.
Fish sauce dispenser - A fish sauce dispenser is helpful for adding fish sauce to taste.
Fried shallot container - A container for fried shallots can be used for easy access when garnishing the Cháo.

Origin stories

Cháo, a type of rice porridge, holds a special place in the hearts of many Vietnamese people as it is often the first solid food eaten by babies. It's also a comfort food for when you're feeling unwell, and is often served to the sick due to its easy digestibility. The variety of toppings and flavorings make it a versatile dish, with the most popular being Cháo gà, or chicken porridge. Despite its simplicity, the dish requires patience and an intuitive sense of timing to achieve the right consistency and flavor. In many ways, the art of making Cháo is a metaphor for Vietnamese culture itself - simple ingredients coming together to create something complex and nourishing.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.