Hearty and Comforting Chicken Porridge (Dakjuk)
Hearty and Comforting Chicken Porridge (Dakjuk)
Simple Recipe for Delicious Homemade Chicken Porridge
Introducing a recipe for a rich and creamy chicken porridge made with glutinous rice, perfect for warming you up on a chilly day. We use chicken thighs for a deep, savory flavor and simple steps make it easy for anyone to prepare at home. It’s an ideal, nourishing meal for when you need comfort or a gentle meal.
Chicken Porridge Ingredients- 400g chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup glutinous rice (approx. 180g)
- 1.5L water (approx. 6 cups)
- 2 Tbsp minced carrot
- 2 Tbsp minced onion
- 1/2 Tbsp tuna extract or soy sauce (for seasoning)
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (for boiling chicken)
- 2/3 stalk green onion (white parts mainly)
- 1/2 onion
- 10 whole garlic cloves
- 1 inch ginger (about the size of garlic clove)
- 6 whole black peppercorns
- 4 red dates (optional, adds sweetness and aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To achieve a soft texture, thoroughly rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. This pre-soaking helps the rice cook faster and results in a creamier porridge.
Step 2
Rinse the chicken thighs under cold running water. To remove any gamey smell, blanch the chicken by pouring boiling water over it for about 1 minute, then rinse under cold water, drain, and pat dry. This step is crucial for a clean-tasting broth.
Step 3
Drain the soaked glutinous rice well. To prevent the rice from clumping together during cooking, place it in a piece of cheesecloth or a mesh bag used for making broth. This ensures a smooth and even porridge.
Step 4
Pour 1.5 liters of fresh water into a pot. Add the aromatics for the chicken broth: the white parts of the green onion, 10 whole garlic cloves, 1 inch of ginger, 6 whole black peppercorns, and 4 red dates (if using). These ingredients will help remove any unwanted odor from the chicken and add depth to the flavor.
Step 5
Add the rice bag and the prepared chicken thighs to the pot. Also, add 1/2 tablespoon of salt, which will subtly season the broth as the chicken cooks.
Step 6
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the chicken to release its flavor into the broth.
Step 7
Finely mince the carrot and onion that will be added to the porridge. Mincing them very small ensures they cook evenly and blend well into the texture of the porridge.
Step 8
After the broth has simmered, carefully remove the chicken thighs. Let them cool slightly, then remove and discard the bones and skin. Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces. This will allow you to incorporate tender chicken meat throughout the porridge.
Step 9
To achieve a clear broth, strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Return the clear broth to the pot, then add the rice bag, the shredded chicken, and the minced carrot and onion.
Step 10
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom, until the porridge reaches your desired consistency. Continue cooking for about 15-20 minutes, or until the glutinous rice is fully cooked and the porridge is thick and creamy. Adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred thickness.
Step 11
Finally, adjust the seasoning to your taste. Taste the porridge and add tuna extract, soy sauce, or chicken stock if needed for more savory depth. Finish with salt to reach your desired flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, if desired, and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken porridge!
