The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Savory Chicken Arroz Caldo

Name: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Savory Chicken Arroz Caldo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken cut into serving pieces; 3/4 cup Jasmine rice; 3/4 cup sweet rice (glutinous); 2 chicken bouillon cubes; 34 ounces water; 8 cloves garlic, chopped; 3 onions, chopped; 8 hard boiled eggs; 1 cup green onions, chopped; 3 thumbs ginger, julienned; 1 tablespoon safflower (kasubha); 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; Fish sauce and ground black pepper to taste; 5 tablespoons cooking oil

BY Emily Parker December 25, 2025

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There is something profoundly soul-warming about a steaming bowl of Filipino rice porridge, known locally as arroz caldo. While the name translates to “rice broth,” the dish itself is a thick, velvety infusion of aromatics and protein that serves as a staple for early mornings or rainy afternoons. This traditional recipe balances the bright, peppery bite of ginger with the deep savoriness of bone-in poultry. By utilizing a specific blend of rice varieties, you can achieve a texture that is both silky and substantial. Whether you are seeking a restorative meal or a hearty snack, Chicken Arroz Caldo offers a unique depth of flavor that transcends simple congee.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

The Base and Aromatics

Two pounds chicken, cut into manageable serving pieces (bone-in preferred)
Three quarters cup Jasmine rice
Three quarters cup sweet rice (glutinous or malagkit)
Three thumbs fresh ginger, peeled and julienned
Three yellow onions, finely chopped
Eight cloves garlic, minced
Thirty four ounces water (plus more as needed for consistency)

Seasonings and Color

Two chicken bouillon cubes
One teaspoon turmeric powder
One tablespoon safflower (kasubha)
Fish sauce to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
Five tablespoons neutral cooking oil

Essential Toppings

Eight hard-boiled eggs, peeled
One cup green onions, chopped
Fresh calamansi or lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Crisp the garlic in oil over low heat until it reaches a vibrant golden brown, then set the solids aside.
Sauté the onions and ginger in the infused garlic oil until the onions are translucent and the ginger is fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, searing them until the skin turns light brown and the juices begin to release.
Incorporate the Jasmine and sweet rice, stirring for thirty seconds to coat the grains in the flavorful oil.
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing the heat to a low simmer.
Stir in the chicken bouillon cubes and cover, allowing the mixture to cook for thirty five to fifty minutes.
Add the turmeric and safflower to the pot once the rice has broken down into a thick, creamy porridge.
Adjust the final seasoning with fish sauce and black pepper based on your personal preference.
Garnish each bowl with a boiled egg, toasted garlic, and a generous sprinkle of scallions before serving.

Step-by-Step Details

Infusing the Oil

Begin by placing your oil and minced garlic into a cold wok or heavy-bottomed pot. By heating them together gradually, you ensure the garlic toasts evenly without the bitter edge that comes from flash-frying. Keep a close eye on the color; as soon as it turns light golden, remove the garlic. The oil left behind is now liquid gold, infused with the essence of toasted alliums which will serve as the foundation for your Chicken Arroz Caldo.

Building the Flavor Base

The ginger is the heartbeat of this dish. When you sauté the julienned ginger with the onions, you are looking for that sharp, spicy aroma to fill your kitchen. When adding the chicken, don’t rush the browning process. Allowing the chicken to develop a slight crust adds a roasted dimension to the broth that boiling alone cannot achieve. Adding a splash of fish sauce during this stage helps the salt penetrate deep into the meat.

The Science of the Simmer

Combining Jasmine rice with sweet rice is a deliberate choice for texture. The Jasmine provides the floral aroma and structure, while the sweet rice provides the starch necessary for that signature thickness. As the water boils and you transition to a simmer, the rice grains will begin to swell and burst. Stirring every few minutes is crucial; the starch tends to settle at the bottom, and frequent movement prevents scorching while encouraging a creamy consistency.

Finishing Touches

In the final ten minutes of cooking, the turmeric provides a warm, earthy undertone and a beautiful yellow hue, while the safflower adds visual vibrance. If the porridge becomes too thick—resembling a paste rather than a soup—do not hesitate to add water in half-cup increments. The final consistency should be heavy enough to coat a spoon but fluid enough to pour.

Pro Tips

Bone-In for Body: Always prioritize bone-in chicken. The marrow and connective tissue breakdown during the long simmer, providing a natural gelatin that makes the broth significantly richer than using boneless breasts.
The Cold Start: Start your garlic in cold oil. This technique, often used in professional kitchens, guarantees a perfectly even, crunchy texture without the risk of burnt bits.
Rice Ratios: Do not skip the sweet rice. If you use only standard white rice, the dish will feel more like a soup with rice in it rather than a cohesive, thick porridge.
Ginger Generosity: If you are feeling under the weather, double the amount of ginger. The heat from the ginger provides a therapeutic quality that is synonymous with this dish in Filipino culture.
The Toasted Garlic Reserve: Save the garlic oil! If you have extra, drizzle a teaspoon over the top of the finished bowl for an extra punch of flavor.
Patience is Key: The best arroz caldo is cooked slowly. Rushing the heat will result in rice that is chalky in the center rather than fully bloomed and soft.

Variations or Substitutions

Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with thick slices of shiitake mushrooms and use vegetable bouillon. The mushrooms provide a similar umami depth.
The Saffron Swap: If you cannot find safflower (kasubha), a tiny pinch of real saffron threads can be used, though it will slightly alter the traditional flavor profile toward a more floral note.
Citrus Alternatives: While calamansi is traditional, a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon provides the necessary acidity to cut through the richness of the porridge.
Grain Variations: If sweet rice is unavailable, you can use arborio rice (risotto rice) in a pinch, as it also has a high starch content that aids in thickening.

Serving Suggestions

For a traditional experience, serve this porridge in deep ceramic bowls. It is best accompanied by a side of fried tofu and pork, known as tokwa’t baboy, which provides a crisp, vinegary contrast to the soft rice. Another excellent pairing is a side of crispy vegetable spring rolls. Always provide a small saucer of fish sauce with a few crushed bird’s eye chilies on the side, allowing each person to customize the salt and heat levels of their own portion.

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can adapt this for a slow cooker by sautéing the aromatics and chicken in a pan first, then transferring everything to the crockpot. Cook on low for six to eight hours, though you may need to adjust the water content as there is less evaporation in a sealed slow cooker.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Arroz caldo thickens significantly as it cools. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pot to loosen the consistency back to its original state.

Why is my arroz caldo white instead of yellow?

The yellow color comes specifically from the turmeric and safflower. If you omit these, the dish will be a natural creamy white. While the color doesn’t change the core flavor drastically, the turmeric adds an essential earthy note.

Is this dish the same as Congee?

While they share similarities, this version is distinct due to the heavy use of ginger and the specific inclusion of fish sauce and toasted garlic. It is generally more robust and savory than many Chinese-style congees.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	516 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbs	43 g
Fat	26 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	149 mg

Nutrition Information Disclaimer

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on preparation and ingredients used.

The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Savory Chicken Arroz Caldo