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Lately, we have become obsessed with congee. After finding a sweet new Chinese bakery nearby, that serves delicious congee, (as well as tasty bao buns, check out Zao Bakery), we were reminded how easy it is to make congee at home with an Instant Pot.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food is viewed as medicine, and congee— rice porridge—is a foundational dish for nourishing the body. Congee is typically served when the body is in need of warmth, healing, and balance. It is gentle on the digestive system and provides easily absorbable nutrients that support overall vitality.

Chicken ginger congee is especially beneficial during colder months or when you’re feeling run down or recovering from a cold or flu (post-holiday ‘ick is definitely around). This dish is ideal for boosting your defenses, promoting digestive health, and giving your body the nourishment it needs to stay resilient, especially after illness or periods of stress.

Typically, it takes hours to make a good congee, but we have made it shorter by utilizing the popular Instant Pot pressure cooker. Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Ginger Congee, with the added benefit of being easy to make in a pressure cooker for convenience and depth of flavor.

Chicken Ginger Congee Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2-3 cups roasted chicken, shredded or cut into bite size chunks (dark meat
• recommended for richness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 4-5 slices of fresh ginger root (quarter size thickness)

To Serve (optional):

• Cooked greens (bok choy, kale, chard or spinach work great)
• Chopped romaine lettuce
• Sliced scallions
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil or chili oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice Base: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures a smoother, creamier porridge.

2. Combine Ingredients: In your pressure cooker, combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, water, shredded roasted chicken, salt, and white pepper. If you’re adding fresh ginger for extra flavor and warmth, grate or thinly slice the ginger and add it to the pot.

3. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to cook on high for 30 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. This helps the flavors meld together and creates a beautifully silky congee.

4. Serve: Once the pressure has released and the congee has finished cooking, give it a good stir. The rice should have broken down, creating a creamy, comforting texture.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if desired.

5. Garnish: Serve the congee hot, topped with cooked greens, chopped romaine lettuce, sliced scallions, and a drizzle of soy sauce. For an extra burst of flavor, add a few drops of sesame oil or chili oil.

Why Chicken Ginger Congee Supports Immunity

In TCM, congee is considered a nourishing dish that helps build Qi and support the digestive system. By using chicken and ginger, this recipe aligns with ancient wisdom to enhance vitality and immune function:

• Chicken: Known for its ability to tonify Qi and nourish blood, chicken is considered a restorative food in TCM.
• Ginger: Ginger is a powerful herb in Chinese medicine that is warming in nature. It helps move Qi (energy) and improves circulation, while also strengthening the digestive system. Fresh ginger is commonly used to relieve nausea, clear phlegm, and combat cold-related symptoms. It is often added to dishes to aid digestion, support the immune system and ward off external pathogens.
• Rice: Rice is considered a neutral food that supports the digestive system. It strengthens Qi and is easy to digest, making congee an excellent choice for maintaining internal balance.

Together, these ingredients create a comforting, warming dish that helps to regulate the body, restore energy, and support overall health.

Serving Variations and Tips

• For Extra Warmth: If you’re feeling particularly under the weather, consider adding more fresh ginger, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with mushrooms (shiitake or maitake are great choices) for their immune-boosting properties.
• Customize the Garnishes: Feel free to experiment with your toppings. A squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add a fresh burst of flavor to balance the warmth of the congee.

Chicken Ginger Congee is more than just a comfort food—it’s a nourishing dish that supports your health and immunity. Whether you’re recovering from illness, looking for a cozy meal to combat cold weather, or simply in need of some grounding warmth, this recipe provides a delicious way to give your body the fuel it needs to thrive.

Enjoy this simple yet powerful dish and feel the nurturing effects on your body!