Filipino Arroz Caldo is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for rainy days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This warm, hearty rice porridge is made with tender chicken, fragrant garlic, ginger, and a splash of fish sauce for a unique umami flavor. Inspired by Chinese congee, this classic Filipino dish is satisfying, delicious, and easy to make.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 5 chicken thighs (skinless, for better flavor and texture)

• 4 cups chicken bone broth

• 2 cups cooked rice (long-grain rice works best)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium onion, minced

• 3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced

• 2 pinches of saffron

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 2 bay leaves

• For garnish:

  • 6-minute hard-boiled egg

  • Chicken skin chicharron (crispy fried chicken skin)

  • Fried garlic (10 cloves, minced and fried)

  • Green onions, sliced

  • Lime wedges

  • Sriracha (optional for extra spice)

Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   Mince the onion, garlic, and ginger. Slice the chicken thighs and set aside the skin for later use in the chicharron topping.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a Dutch oven, brown the chicken on both sides. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics:
   In the same pot, sauté the minced onion, garlic, and ginger for about 5 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add Rice and Broth:
   Add the rinsed rice, bay leaves, turmeric, and bone broth. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a low simmer.

5. Season and Simmer:
   Add saffron, black pepper, and fish sauce to taste. Stir, then add the chicken back into the pot. Let it simmer on low-medium heat for about 30 minutes.

6. Prepare Toppings:
   While the arroz caldo is simmering, prepare your toppings: make crispy garlic, 6-minute jammy eggs, and chicken chicharron.

7. Serve:
   Once the arroz caldo is ready, serve it with the toppings and a squeeze of lime or sriracha for added zest and spice.

Nutrients

The Arroz Caldo recipe is rich in protein from the chicken, and offers a comforting balance of carbohydrates from the rice. The chicken bone broth provides added collagen for a nutritious, hearty meal. Here’s an estimate for one serving:

• Calories: 300-350 kcal

• Total Fat: 15-18 grams

  • Saturated Fat: 4-5 grams

• Cholesterol: 90-120 mg

• Sodium: 600-800 mg

• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams

  • Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams

  • Sugars: 1-3 grams

• Protein: 20-25 grams

• Calcium: 20-30 mg

• Iron: 2-3 mg

The Origins of Arroz Caldo

Arroz Caldo, which translates to “rice soup” in Spanish, is a Filipino variation of congee, a type of rice porridge commonly eaten in many Asian countries. While the dish shares similarities with congee, Filipino Arroz Caldo is distinct due to the infusion of local ingredients like fish sauce and chicken. The dish is often associated with comfort, being a go-to food for those feeling sick or cold.

Like many Filipino dishes, Arroz Caldo reflects the influences of various cultures, including Chinese, Spanish, and local Filipino ingredients and techniques. The combination of rice, ginger, and chicken stock creates a deeply satisfying meal, and the garnishes add an extra layer of texture and flavor that truly elevate the dish.

Why Arroz Caldo is Perfect for Comfort and Healing

One of the reasons Filipino Arroz Caldo is considered the ultimate comfort food is its nutritional benefits, especially when you’re feeling under the weather. The warm, easy-to-digest porridge is packed with protein from the chicken, providing energy and helping your body heal. The chicken bone broth is a great source of collagen, which can support joint health and aid in digestion, making it a nourishing choice when you’re looking for something soothing.

Additionally, the combination of garlic, ginger, and turmeric offers natural immune-boosting properties. Garlic and ginger have long been used in traditional medicine for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, while turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that supports overall health. These ingredients make Arroz Caldo not only a comforting meal but also a healthy one that can help support recovery during illness.

How to Make Filipino Arroz Caldo

Making Filipino Arroz Caldo is surprisingly easy and requires minimal ingredients. The first step is to prepare your chicken thighs, which are used to add both protein and flavor to the dish. Skinless, boneless chicken thighs work best because they’re tender and have a rich flavor. After browning the chicken in a Dutch oven, you set it aside and move on to the next steps.

The aromatics—onions, garlic, and ginger—are sautéed in the same pot, allowing the flavors to meld together and fill the kitchen with an irresistible fragrance. Once these ingredients have sautéed for a few minutes, the rice and chicken broth are added to the pot, forming the base of the porridge. A pinch of saffron and turmeric add color and a slight earthiness to the dish, while fish sauce brings a unique umami flavor that enhances the overall depth of the dish.

Simmering the ingredients together allows the flavors to blend, and after 30 minutes, the rice absorbs the rich chicken broth, creating a creamy texture that’s both satisfying and soothing. The chicken thighs are then shredded and returned to the pot, adding another layer of texture and flavor to the dish.

The Toppings: A Final Touch of Flavor

One of the best things about Filipino Arroz Caldo is the variety of toppings that can be added to suit personal preferences. The dish is typically topped with a hard-boiled egg, which adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the porridge. Chicken skin chicharron (crispy fried chicken skin) adds a crispy, salty crunch, providing a contrast to the soft, tender rice and chicken.

Fried garlic, a beloved Filipino garnish, is added for extra flavor, giving the dish an aromatic, crispy bite. Fresh green onions provide a hint of freshness, while lime wedges offer a burst of acidity to balance the richness of the dish. For those who enjoy a little heat, a drizzle of sriracha can be added for an extra layer of spice and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Filipino Arroz Caldo

Arroz Caldo is not only delicious, but it’s also a nutritious meal that provides a well-balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, helping to build and repair tissues, while the rice provides the necessary carbohydrates for energy. The chicken bone broth is rich in collagen, which supports joint and skin health.

The addition of garlic, ginger, and turmeric offers a boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help reduce inflammation and support overall wellness. The fish sauce and turmeric also provide important minerals, including iron, which is necessary for oxygen transport and immune function.

Although Arroz Caldo is a comforting, hearty meal, it remains relatively low in calories and offers a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion. The dish can be easily customized by adjusting the toppings or using low-sodium alternatives to further enhance its nutritional profile.

Why Filipino Arroz Caldo is a Staple in Filipino Homes

Filipino Arroz Caldo is not just a meal—it’s a tradition. In Filipino households, it’s a dish that is often made when someone is sick or during rainy days, as it provides comfort and warmth. It’s also a popular breakfast option or late-night snack, cherished for its heartiness and the nostalgic feeling it evokes.

This dish is also an example of Filipino hospitality, often shared with friends and family during gatherings. The addition of various toppings like hard-boiled eggs, chicharron, and fried garlic invites customization, making it a dish that can be tailored to personal tastes. Whether served for a simple family dinner or during a festive occasion, Filipino Arroz Caldo has a special place in Filipino culture and the hearts of those who enjoy it.

Conclusion

Filipino Arroz Caldo is a comforting, flavorful rice porridge that combines the rich flavors of chicken, ginger, garlic, and turmeric with a savory broth. With its nourishing qualities, it’s perfect for rainy days, recovery from illness, or simply when you need a warming, satisfying meal. The variety of toppings—such as hard-boiled eggs, crispy chicken skin, fried garlic, and fresh green onions—adds complexity and depth to the dish, making it not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Whether you’re a Filipino looking to enjoy a piece of home or someone new to Filipino cuisine, Arroz Caldo is a must-try dish that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Filipino cooking. Its simplicity, versatility, and comfort make it a timeless favorite that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.