Slow-Cooked Chicken Congee
This chicken congee is a gut-friendly, comforting meal that’s easy to digest and gentle on the stomach! The slow-cooked rice breaks down into a soft, porridge-like texture that supports digestion. Ingredients like ginger assists in supporting gut motility (great bowel movements!) and onion provides prebiotic fibres that build beneficial gut bacteria.
It’s also great for supporting your immune system. The chicken broth and drumsticks release minerals, collagen, and amino acids that help the body recover and stay resilient. Vegetables like carrots and leafy greens add essential vitamins, while dried shiitake mushrooms and ginger bring natural immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
On top of that, it’s incredibly tasty and satisfying! The long cooking time allows all the flavours to blend into a rich, savoury base with subtle sweetness and deep umami notes. Optional toppings like fresh shallots, sesame oil and chilli oil add extra texture and flavour, making each bowl both nourishing and delicious!
Ingredients
4 cups filtered water
4 cups chicken broth or stock
6-8 chicken drumsticks
1 cup rice
1-2 carrots
1 zucchini
1 onion
3-5cm ginger knob
3 dried shitake mushrooms
1 tbl sea salt
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS
2 shallots (sliced)
Handful of leafy greens
1 tsp sesame seeds
1 tsp sesame seed oil
1 tsp chilli oil
TIME: 5-10 hours // SERVES: 6-8 adultsPrepare the rice for steaming by rinsing under running water three times, or until the water runs semi-clear. Once rinsed, add to the slow-cooker. Add in the filtered water, chicken broth or stock and chicken drumsticks.
Prepare your vegetables by cutting them to your desired size. The smaller you cut them, the better they will integrate into the final congee consistency. Add the sea salt and mix all the ingredients until combined.
Place on high heat for 5 hours or low heat for 8-10 hours. The end consistency should be similar to porridge, and if it gets to thick, add more liquid.
Remove the chicken drumsticks and strip the meat away, before placing it back into the congee.
Serve with the optional toppings.
Enjoy!
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