Warm, nourishing, and deeply soothing—just like a hug in a bowl.

Arroz Caldo is a beloved Filipino rice porridge made with chicken, ginger, and garlic. It’s the ultimate rainy day comfort dish, served hot with toppings like hard-boiled eggs, fried garlic, and a squeeze of calamansi or lemon. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something warm, this dish brings soothing nourishment with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Naturally gluten-free and wholesome
• Gently flavored with garlic and ginger
• Made in one pot with pantry staples
• Comforting, nourishing, and perfect for meal prep

Ingredients

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 lb chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Fish sauce, to taste
• Oil, for sautéing
• Toppings (optional but classic):
  • Fried garlic
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Green onions
  • Calamansi or lemon wedges
  • Black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add chicken pieces and brown slightly on all sides.
3. Stir in the rice and coat it well with the aromatics.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Lower heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 40–50 minutes, until rice breaks down and thickens.
6. Season with fish sauce and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with toppings of choice.

Pro Tips & Substitutions

• Use leftover roasted chicken or shredded rotisserie for quick prep
• Add more broth or water if it thickens too much—arroz caldo loves to drink up liquid
• Skip fish sauce and use salt for a more neutral flavor
• Top with crispy shallots for an extra texture

Storage & Reheating

• Store in fridge for up to 3 days
• Add water or broth when reheating—it thickens as it sits
• Reheat gently over the stove for best texture

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with lemon wedges or calamansi on the side
• Pair with salted egg or tofu for variety
• Great with crispy garlic and a soft-boiled egg on top

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Did You Try This Recipe?

Leave a comment below or tag @comfortdishesofficial on Instagram—I’d love to see how your bowl turned out!