Filipino Chicken Rice Porridge: Classic Lugaw at Its Best
There’s nothing quite like a hot bowl of Filipino Chicken Rice Porridge on a rainy day or when you need a little comfort. This beloved lugaw dish is thick, gingery, and rich with flavor from bone-in chicken, fried garlic, and rice that’s been simmered until silky. It’s simple but nourishing—something every Filipino household has turned to for healing, warmth, or just a comforting merienda.
Chef Tip: For best texture when making Arroz Caldo Chicken Porridge, soak the rice overnight or at least an hour before cooking. It helps it break down faster and gives your lugaw that perfect creamy consistency without overcooking.
How to Make Arroz Caldo Chicken Porridge
Serves: 4 to 5
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
Cook Time: 45 minutes
INGREDIENTS
Set A – Base
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red onion, minced
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2 tablespoons ginger, minced
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600g chicken (bone-in cuts like wings, thighs, or backbones)
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Salt, to taste
Set B – Rice & Broth
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½ cup regular rice
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½ cup malagkit (sticky rice), soaked 1 hour or overnight
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6 cups water
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1 Maggi Chicken Cube
Set C – Seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 sachet Maggi Magic Sarap
GARNISH
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Fried garlic
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Sliced boiled egg
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Chopped spring onion
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A few drops of sesame oil
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Optional: calamansi, patis, or chili oil
Procedure:
Step A – Sauté the Base
Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger in a pot until fragrant. Add the chicken and salt, then cook until the pieces are lightly browned and aromatic. You can set aside the chicken if you’d like to shred it before serving.
Step B – Simmer the Rice and Broth
Add the soaked rice and pour in water. Drop in the Maggi Chicken Cube and stir. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer gently until the rice breaks down into a thick, creamy porridge—about 35–45 minutes. Stir regularly to avoid sticking.
Step C – Season and Finish
Return the chicken if removed. Season the Filipino Chicken Rice Porridge with salt, pepper, and Maggi Magic Sarap. Adjust taste and consistency to your preference.
TO SERVE
Ladle into bowls and top with fried garlic, boiled egg slices, and spring onion. Drizzle a few drops of sesame oil before serving. Add calamansi or patis on the side, if desired.
Perfect with Tokwa’t Baboy for a classic Filipino comfort meal combo.
VARIATIONS & ADD-ONS
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Add shrimp and clams during the last 10 minutes for a seafood version.
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Top with diced salted egg for creamy-savory contrast.
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Stir in coconut milk for a richer, more indulgent bowl.
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Go meatless with mushroom broth and crispy tofu.
CHEF TIP
Use bone-in chicken for a deeper, more flavorful broth. Stir often, keep the heat low, and always soak your rice ahead—it’s the secret to that silky lugaw texture.
TRY THIS AT HOME
Make this Filipino Chicken Rice Porridge and tag @SimpolPH! Show us your toppings, twists, and table moments—because #LugawIsEssential and your version deserves the spotlight.
#SimpolRecipe #FilipinoChickenRicePorridge #FilipinoComfortFood #LugawIsEssential #TokwatBaboy
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