My Recipe Box

Chicken and Black Sesame Congee

A comforting and flavorful traditional Chinese rice porridge dish infused with the nutty taste of black sesame and tender chicken.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 15-20 mins
Cook: 40-50 mins
Serves: 4
Author: CrisP18

4.3 / 5 (855)


Ingredients

Grains
  • Japanese short-grain rice

    1 cup

  • water

    as needed

Protein
  • boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

    1 pound

Flavorings
  • black sesame seeds

    2 tablespoons

  • vegetable oil

    for frying

  • ginger

    1 inch

  • green onions

    1 bunch

  • soy sauce

    2 tablespoons

  • salt

    to taste


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by rinsing the rice thoroughly and soaking it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.

    Rinsing the rice is crucial to remove any impurities and excess starch, which helps in achieving the right consistency for the congee. Soaking the rice allows it to rehydrate, making it easier to cook and giving the congee a smoother texture.

  • 2
    Drain and add the soaked rice to a large pot with a significant amount of water, bringing it to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer.

    Using a large pot is essential because the rice will expand significantly. Bringing the water to a boil first helps to distribute the heat evenly, then reducing it to a simmer allows for a gentle cooking process that won’t burn the rice.

  • 3
    While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken by cutting it into small pieces and seasoning with a bit of soy sauce and salt.

    Cutting the chicken into small pieces ensures it cooks quickly and evenly. Seasoning with soy sauce and salt enhances the flavor of the chicken.

  • 4
    In a separate pan, heat some oil and cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked, then set it aside.

    Cooking the chicken separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the congee. It’s also a good way to control the doneness of the chicken.

  • 5
    In the same pan, add more oil if necessary, and sauté the sliced ginger and green onions until fragrant.

    Sautéing the ginger and green onions brings out their natural oils and intensifies their flavors, which will complement the dish nicely.

  • 6
    Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, stir in the black sesame seeds, and season with additional soy sauce if needed.

    The black sesame seeds provide a distinct nutty flavor and a nice texture contrast to the soft congee and chicken.

  • 7
    After the rice has cooked to a porridge consistency, which may take about 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the heat and the rice, stir in the chicken and sesame mixture.

    The cooking time may vary, so it’s essential to check the consistency of the congee regularly. It should be creamy and the rice should have broken down significantly.

  • 8
    Serve the congee hot, garnished with additional green onions and a drizzle of soy sauce if desired.

    Serving the congee hot ensures the best flavor and texture. Adding garnishes allows each person to customize their dish to their taste.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

453

4

250

3

108

2

15

1

29

Reviews

  • ZSK21

    This traditional Chinese congee recipe is not bad, but it doesn't align with my typical preferences. As a Pakistani food enthusiast, I was expecting more spices and bold flavors. The use of black sesame seeds is interesting, but I would have liked to see some cumin, coriander, or cinnamon added to give it a more familiar taste. The recipe seems to be halal-friendly, which is a plus. However, I'm not a fan of ginger and green onions, so I would have substituted those with some garlic and cilantro instead. Overall, it's a decent recipe, but I wouldn't make it again. Maybe with some tweaks to make it more Pakistani-inspired, I'd consider it.

  • Yarita88

    I must admit, I was quite excited to try this Chicken and Black Sesame Congee recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the spot for me. As a pescatarian with a love for vibrant flavors, I found the dish to be a bit too bland and simplistic. The ingredients and steps seemed straightforward, but I felt that it lacked the depth and richness I've come to expect from my favorite Brazilian dishes like feijoada. That being said, I do appreciate the comforting nature of a warm, soothing congee, and I can see how it might appeal to someone looking for a gentle, easy-to-digest meal. Perhaps with some tweaks to incorporate more aromatic spices and herbs, this recipe could become a true favorite. For now, it's a decent 3 stars from me.

  • LeaLaRue

    Although I appreciate the soothing essence of traditional Chinese cuisine, I regret to say that the Chicken and Black Sesame Congee recipe does not align with my personal preferences. As a vegetarian, the presence of chicken in the dish is a significant drawback for me. Furthermore, the recipe's reliance on Japanese short-grain rice, which contains gluten, may not be suitable for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. On a positive note, I admire the creative combination of black sesame seeds and ginger, which adds a fascinating depth to the congee. The use of green onions as a garnish also demonstrates a thoughtful attention to detail. If a vegetarian and gluten-free version of this recipe were available, I would be eager to explore it further. Perhaps a substitution of chicken with a plant-based protein source and the use of gluten-free rice could make this dish more inclusive and appealing to a wider range of palates.

  • JazzVDM

    Congee game, strong! This Chicken and Black Sesame Congee recipe is a sick fusion of traditional Chinese flavors with a modern twist. I love that it's a flexitarian-friendly dish that's easy on the meat - I'm all about reducing my meat intake, you know? The use of black sesame seeds is a nice touch, adds a nice nutty flavor and texture. Only downside is that it's not super quick to make, but trust me, it's worth the wait. Would def make again, maybe with some tofu or tempeh for extra protein. Overall, a pretty chill and satisfying meal that's perfect for a laid-back day.

  • FatimaZ92

    I tried this Chicken and Black Sesame Congee recipe and it was 😊 delicious! I loved the combination of flavors, especially the nutty taste of black sesame seeds. The congee was creamy and comforting, perfect for a cold day ❄️. I was a bit worried about the chicken cooking separately, but it turned out great and wasn't mushy at all 👍. I also appreciated that the recipe didn't include any nuts, which is great for me since I'm allergic to almonds 🌰. The only thing that kept it from being 5 stars is that I had to adjust the seasoning a bit to suit my taste 😐. Overall, I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and yummy! 👌

  • CemOne

    I try dis Chicken and Black Sesame Congee recipe, and eet ees quite nice, yes. I like how dey combine simple ingredients to make somethin' comforting. I appreciate dat dey use chicken, my favorite, and black sesame seeds give eet a nice nutty flavor. I wish dey had more meat in eet, but overall, eet ees a good dish. I like dat eet ees not too complicated to make, but I must admit, I find some steps a bit fiddly, like soaking rice and cooking chicken separately. I give eet 4 stars, would try again with some modifications.

  • AvaLaMexicana

    ### A Disappointing Recipe for a Vegetarian Like Me I must say that I was quite disappointed with this recipe for Chicken and Black Sesame Congee. As a vegetarian, I do not eat chicken or any other type of meat. The recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, which immediately made it unappealing to me. Additionally, I noticed that the recipe includes Japanese short-grain rice, which may contain gluten. As someone who prefers to avoid gluten, I would have to substitute this ingredient with a gluten-free alternative. However, I must commend the recipe for its detailed instructions and emphasis on achieving the right consistency for the congee. The use of black sesame seeds and ginger also sounds intriguing and flavorful. If I were to modify this recipe to suit my dietary preferences, I would consider substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein source, such as tofu or tempeh, and using gluten-free rice. I would also consider adding some Mexican-inspired flavors, such as cumin or chili powder, to give the dish a unique twist. Overall, while this recipe may not be suitable for me, I can appreciate its potential for those who enjoy chicken and are looking for a comforting and flavorful dish.

  • ZahraA2002

    Assalamu alaikum, I tried this Chicken and Black Sesame Congee recipe and it was very nice, but I had to be careful with the sesame seeds because of my nut allergy. I liked the flavors and how it was not too sweet, which I prefer. The recipe seemed a bit complicated for me, but I managed to make it okay. I wish there was a machboos version of congee! The dish was comforting and I enjoyed the chicken and ginger flavors. I will try it again, but maybe with some changes to make it more suitable for my taste.

  • MajaN92

    A fascinating take on traditional Chinese cuisine, but I'm not sure if I'd make it again given my low-carb diet goals. The ingredients seem relatively simple, but I do wish there were some alternatives to rice that could make this dish more keto-friendly. That being said, I appreciate the emphasis on texture and flavor contrast in this recipe. The addition of ginger, green onions, and black sesame seeds sounds intriguing, and I can imagine it would be a comforting meal on a chilly day. Perhaps I'll experiment with cauliflower rice or other low-carb substitutes to make it work for my diet. Overall, a nice change of pace from my usual pierogi and bigos, but not a staple in my low-carb rotation just yet.

  • KDong91

    Congee game strong! I tried this Chicken and Black Sesame Congee recipe and it was pretty solid. As a non-veg lover, I was stoked to see chicken as the protein. The black sesame seeds added a sick nutty flavor that I was vibing with. However, I gotta say, it was a bit too bland for my spicy-loving taste buds. I mean, where's the kick? I added some extra chili flakes to give it a boost. Also, I'm trying to cut down on sodium, so I used low-sodium soy sauce. The instructions were pretty clear, but I felt like it could've been cooked a bit faster with some tweaks. Overall, it's a comforting dish that's perfect for a chill day. I'd def make it again with some mods to level up the flavor. It's like a mini gaming session for my taste buds - got my eyes on the next play, and it's all about balance, you feel me?