Name: Chicken Arroz Caldo Recipe: A Comforting Filipino Rice Porridge
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups uncooked rice (225 g, glutinous or regular); 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks (450 g); 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced; 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 L); 2 tbsp fish sauce (30 ml); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 boiled eggs, halved; 2 tbsp toasted garlic; 2 stalks green onions, chopped; 2 calamansi or lemon wedges

Chicken Arroz Caldo Recipe: A Comforting Filipino Rice Porridge

Warm up with this chicken arroz caldo recipe, a Filipino rice porridge with tender chicken, ginger, and comforting flavors.

How to Make an Authentic Chicken Arroz Caldo Recipe

Chicken Arroz Caldo Recipe (Filipino Rice Porridge)

A warm bowl of chicken arroz caldo recipe is one of the most comforting dishes in Filipino cuisine. This rice porridge combines tender chicken, fragrant ginger, and soft rice simmered in broth until thick and flavorful. Families often enjoy it on rainy days, cool evenings, or when someone needs a nourishing meal. What makes this dish special is its simple ingredients that come together to create a filling and soothing bowl of food.

Arroz caldo is a Filipino rice porridge similar to congee but has its own identity. The flavor comes from sautéed garlic, onion, and ginger that blend into the broth. The rice cooks until it breaks down and forms a creamy texture. The chicken adds protein while the garnishes—boiled eggs, toasted garlic, calamansi, and green onions—add color and freshness. This dish is often called the Filipino version of chicken congee, but the use of fish sauce and calamansi sets it apart.

The aroma of ginger and garlic fills the kitchen while arroz caldo simmers. The broth slowly thickens as the rice releases its starch, and the chicken stays juicy and tender. It is food that warms both the body and spirit. Every spoonful is rich, savory, and balanced with a touch of citrus from calamansi. For many, this dish brings back memories of childhood, family meals, or comfort during sick days.

Chicken Arroz Caldo Recipe Ingredients (for 4 servings)

1 ½ cups uncooked rice (225 g, glutinous or regular)
1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks (450 g)
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
6 cups chicken broth (1.4 L)
2 tbsp fish sauce (30 ml)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 boiled eggs, halved
2 tbsp toasted garlic
2 stalks green onions, chopped
2 calamansi or lemon wedges

Chicken Arroz Caldo Recipe Cooking Instructions

Heat oil in a pot. Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
Add chicken pieces. Cook until lightly browned.
Pour in chicken broth. Add rice. Bring to a boil.
Lower heat and simmer until rice is soft and broth thickens. Stir occasionally.
Season with fish sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Serve hot. Top with boiled eggs, toasted garlic, green onions, and calamansi.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This arroz caldo Filipino recipe is both hearty and simple. It is affordable, quick to prepare, and perfect for sharing. The thick porridge makes it filling, while the ginger and garlic keep it light. Many people also enjoy this as a breakfast or late-night meal.

If you want a traditional Filipino comfort food, arroz caldo should be on your list. It has a balance of savory broth, tender chicken, and creamy rice. The garnish of green onions, garlic, and calamansi provides freshness and crunch. Adding a boiled egg makes it even more satisfying.

Helpful Tips

Use glutinous rice if you want a creamier texture. Regular rice also works if you prefer it lighter.
Simmer on low heat and stir often to prevent rice from sticking.
Adjust thickness by adding more broth if needed.
For extra flavor, top with fried shallots or drizzle a little sesame oil.

Variations

Try arroz caldo with egg for more protein.
Make it with shredded chicken breast if you prefer lean meat.
Add vegetables like carrots or cabbage for extra nutrition.
Serve with chili oil if you like heat.

A steaming bowl of arroz caldo with chicken is a dish that never fails to bring comfort. Whether you prepare it for family gatherings, recovery meals, or a cozy evening, it delivers both taste and warmth. With its rich ginger broth, creamy rice base, and simple garnishes, this recipe proves why arroz caldo is one of the best-loved dishes in Filipino cooking.

Best-seller Filipino Cookbooks:

Chicken Arroz Caldo Recipe: A Comforting Filipino Rice Porridge

Recipe by Yummy Food

Recipe rating: N/A

Course: MainCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

535

kcal

Total time

minutes

Warm up with this chicken arroz caldo recipe, a Filipino rice porridge with tender chicken, ginger, and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups uncooked rice (225 g, glutinous or regular)
1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks (450 g)
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
6 cups chicken broth (1.4 L)
2 tbsp fish sauce (30 ml)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 boiled eggs, halved
2 tbsp toasted garlic
2 stalks green onions, chopped
2 calamansi or lemon wedges

Directions

Heat oil in a pot. Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
Add chicken pieces. Cook until lightly browned.
Pour in chicken broth. Add rice. Bring to a boil.
Lower heat and simmer until rice is soft and broth thickens. Stir occasionally.
Season with fish sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Serve hot. Top with boiled eggs, toasted garlic, green onions, and calamansi.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: ~596 g

Servings Per Recipe: 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories 535

Total Fat 23g

Saturated Fat 6g

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 160mg

Sodium 970mg

Total Carbohydrates 47g

Dietary Fiber 2g

Total Sugars 2g

Protein 36g

Vitamin D 2mcg Calcium 55mg

Iron 4mg Potassium 520mg

Best-seller Diabetic Cookbooks

Related Recipes:

By Cooking Method: Boiling | Sautéing | Simmering | Stewing

By Cuisine: Filipino

By Diet or Lifestyle: Budget-Friendly | Dairy-Free | Meal Prep Friendly

By Dish Type: One-Pot Meals | Rice Dishes | Soups & Stews

By Main Ingredient: Chicken | Eggs | Rice

By Meal Type: Breakfast | Dinner | Lunch

Other Useful Categories: Beginner Recipes | Comfort Food | Traditional & Authentic

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Filipino Balbacua Beef Stew: A Rich and Hearty Slow-Cooked Recipe

Filipino Balbacua Beef Stew made with beef shank, oxtail, and veggies in a rich slow-cooked broth. A hearty Filipino comfort food.

How to Cook Filipino Balbacua Beef Stew at Home

A bowl of Filipino Balbacua Beef Stew brings comfort with its rich broth, tender meat, and sticky texture from beef skin, shank, or oxtail. This dish is popular in Visayas and Mindanao, where families enjoy it during gatherings or slow weekend meals. The stew combines tomato, ginger, garlic, and star anise, creating a deep flavor that sets it apart from other beef dishes. Every spoonful feels hearty and warm, making it one of the best Filipino comfort food recipes for any season.

The stew’s charm lies in its gelatinous sauce. By slow-cooking beef shank, skin, or oxtail, the broth thickens naturally and develops a glossy finish. The flavor grows stronger as it simmers, and the addition of vegetables like carrots and radish gives it balance. Some cooks add saba banana for natural sweetness or peanut butter for a richer base. Whichever version you prepare, this authentic Balbacua stew always delivers both taste and texture.

Why People Love Balbacua

This stew has a reputation as a slow-cooked Filipino beef stew that rewards patience. The long cooking process melts the collagen in the beef parts, giving the soup a smooth and sticky body. Families often prepare it a day ahead because Balbacua tastes better after resting. Reheating enhances the aroma of star anise and bay leaves, while the meat becomes softer. Many say the dish feels like a mix of tradition and home cooking in one pot.

Unlike other stews, Balbacua uses beef cuts that shine through long cooking. Oxtail, shank, skin, or tendon give character and nutrition. Each bowl is filling, rich, and made for serving with hot steamed rice. Some even enjoy it with bread to soak up the sauce. No matter the side, Balbacua brings warmth and satisfaction in every serving.

Filipino Balbacua Beef Stew Ingredients (for 4 servings)

800 g (1.7 lbs) beef shank, oxtail, or beef skin
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
2 pcs star anise
1 pc bay leaf
200 ml (¾ cup) tomato sauce
1 tbsp peanut butter (optional)
1 small saba banana, sliced (optional)
1 medium carrot, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 medium radish (labanos), chopped (about 1 cup)
1.5 liters (6 cups) water
1 tbsp cooking oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 stalk green onion, chopped, for garnish

Filipino Balbacua Beef Stew Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Meat
Heat oil in a large pot. Brown the beef on all sides, then set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Return the beef.

Step 3: Build the Base
Add tomato sauce, peanut butter, star anise, bay leaf, and water. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer until Tender
Cook on low heat for 2–3 hours, adding water if needed. For a faster method, cook in a pressure cooker for 45 minutes.

Step 5: Add Vegetables
Once the meat is fork-tender, add carrots, radish, and saba banana if using. Simmer until vegetables are soft.

Step 6: Serve
Ladle into bowls, garnish with green onion, and serve hot with rice.

Cooking Tips

Use beef tendon or skin to create the sticky and gelatinous texture.
Do not skip star anise, as it gives the stew its unique aroma.
The stew thickens and tastes richer the next day.

Final Thoughts

Balbacua is a dish rooted in Filipino culture, often shared during special meals. Whether you make it with beef shank, oxtail, or a mix of both, the flavor and texture stand out. Try this authentic Balbacua recipe and enjoy how simple ingredients turn into a hearty bowl of slow-cooked goodness. From Visayan beef stew to Mindanao beef stew, every region adds its own touch, but the soul of the dish remains the same: rich, filling, and satisfying.

This oxtail Balbacua recipe shows why Filipino food continues to comfort and bring people together.