What is Chicken Arroz Caldo and how is it different from regular rice porridge?

Chicken Arroz Caldo is a Filipino rice porridge made with chicken, ginger, garlic, and usually garnished with fried garlic, green onions, and calamansi or lemon. Unlike plain rice porridge, Arroz Caldo has a savory broth infused with ginger and chicken flavors, giving it a comforting and aromatic taste. It is often eaten as a breakfast dish or snack and is known for its hearty and warming qualities.

What type of rice should I use to get the best texture for Chicken Arroz Caldo?

For a creamy and slightly sticky texture in Chicken Arroz Caldo, use a mix of jasmine rice for fragrance and glutinous (sticky) rice to help thicken the porridge. This combination creates a rich, smooth consistency, making the dish more satisfying and authentic.

Can I make Chicken Arroz Caldo without bones, or is bone-in chicken necessary?

While bone-in chicken is preferred because it adds more depth and richness to the broth, you can use boneless chicken if you’re short on time or want easier eating. If using boneless chicken, consider adding chicken broth or bones to the cooking liquid to retain the full flavor.

What are common toppings and side condiments to serve with Chicken Arroz Caldo?

Popular toppings for Chicken Arroz Caldo include fried garlic, chopped green onions, boiled eggs, and freshly ground black pepper. Common side condiments are calamansi or lemon juice, fish sauce, and chili oil or fresh chili for those who prefer a bit of heat. These toppings and condiments add layers of flavor and enhance the comforting appeal of the dish.

Can I substitute safflower with something else when making Chicken Arroz Caldo?

Yes, safflower is traditionally used to add color and a subtle flavor, but saffron is an excellent substitute if available. Saffron imparts a delicate aroma and a vibrant golden color, making the dish visually appealing. Turmeric can also be used as a budget-friendly alternative for color, although the flavor will be different.

Chicken Arroz Caldo Recipe Filipino Chicken Rice Porridge

Name: Chicken Arroz Caldo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: – 2 pounds chicken, preferably bone-in; – 3/4 cup jasmine rice; – 3/4 cup sweet glutinous rice; – 8 cloves garlic, chopped; – 3 onions, chopped; – 3 pieces ginger, julienned; – 2 tablespoons fish sauce; – 34 ounces water; – 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; – 1 tablespoon safflower; – Ground black pepper, to taste; – Additional fish sauce, to taste; – 8 hard boiled eggs for garnish; – 1 cup green onions, chopped, for garnish; – Toasted fried garlic made from the initial 8 cloves garlic fried until golden, for garnish

Description

🍲 Experience the warmth and comfort of traditional Filipino Chicken Arroz Caldo, a creamy rice porridge packed with savory flavors.
🐔 This hearty dish is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or when you need a nourishing meal to soothe and satisfy.

Ingredients

– 2 pounds chicken, preferably bone-in

– 3/4 cup jasmine rice

– 3/4 cup sweet glutinous rice

– 8 cloves garlic, chopped

– 3 onions, chopped

– 3 pieces ginger, julienned

– 2 tablespoons fish sauce

– 34 ounces water

– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

– 1 tablespoon safflower

– Ground black pepper, to taste

– Additional fish sauce, to taste

– 8 hard boiled eggs for garnish

– 1 cup green onions, chopped, for garnish

– Toasted fried garlic made from the initial 8 cloves garlic fried until golden, for garnish

Instructions

1-Preparing the Ingredients: First, rinse the 3/4 cup jasmine rice and 3/4 cup sweet glutinous rice under cold water until it runs clear, then set aside. Chop 8 cloves of garlic and 3 onions, and julienne 3 pieces of ginger to release their aromas. Cut the 2 pounds of chicken into pieces if needed, ensuring it’s ready for sautéing.

2-Cooking Steps: In a large pot, sauté the chopped garlic, onions, and julienned ginger in oil over medium heat until they smell amazing and soften. Add the 2 pounds of chicken and stir in 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, cooking until the chicken browns lightly. Pour in 34 ounces of water, then mix in the rinsed rice and bring everything to a boil.

3-Let the mixture simmer for 35 to 50 minutes, stirring now and then to avoid sticking and adding more water if it thickens too fast.

4-Stir in 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 tablespoon of safflower for a nice color, along with ground black pepper and extra fish sauce to taste.

5-Once thickened and creamy, remove from heat and prepare the garnishes: slice the 8 hard boiled eggs and chop 1 cup of green onions.

6-Serve hot, topping with the fried garlic, chopped green onions, and hard boiled eggs for extra flavor.

Notes

🍋 Add fresh calamansi or lime juice just before serving for a bright, tangy twist.
🍚 Stir frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent the rice from sticking and ensure even cooking.
🥄 Adjust the porridge consistency to your liking by adding more water or simmering longer to thicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Porridge
Method: Simmering, Sautéing
Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Arroz Caldo, Filipino porridge, Chicken rice porridge, Traditional Filipino