Bubur Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Rice Porridge)
In short: A thick, silky rice porridge simmered in ginger chicken broth, topped with shredded chicken, crackers, celery, fried shallots and sweet soy sauce. It takes about 1 h 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Bubur ayam is Indonesia's favorite breakfast, sold in the early morning from pushcarts and small stalls. Rice is cooked in a ginger and garlic chicken broth until it melts into a thick, silky porridge, then topped with shredded chicken, celery, crackers, fried shallots and a drizzle of sweet soy sauce. The porridge is mild, so the toppings and sambal do the talking.
Instructions
- Put the chicken, water, ginger, garlic, bay leaves and 1 tsp salt in a large pot. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam and simmer gently for 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Lift out the chicken and strain the broth. Return 1.5 liters (6 cups) of broth to the pot. Shred the chicken, discarding the skin and bones.
- Add the rinsed rice to the broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer partly covered for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring often, until the rice breaks down into a thick, creamy porridge.
- Add hot water if the porridge becomes too thick. Season with the remaining salt and the pepper.
- Ladle the porridge into bowls. Top with the shredded chicken, celery, spring onions and fried shallots.
- Serve with crackers, kecap manis, sambal and lime wedges so everyone can season their own bowl.
Tips
- Stir often during the last 20 minutes, since the starch makes the porridge catch on the bottom. A pinch of ground white pepper brightens the whole bowl.
- Make it in a slow cooker by combining rice, 1.5 liters of broth and salt on low for 5 hours. Many stalls also add fried soybeans and a soft egg.
Questions and answers
What rice is best for bubur?
Jasmine rice or any short or medium grain rice breaks down well into a creamy porridge. Basmati stays separate and will not give the right texture.
Can I freeze bubur ayam?
Freeze the porridge without toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with a splash of water or broth, stirring until smooth.
Do Indonesians stir the toppings into the porridge?
Some do and some do not, and it is a famous friendly debate. Either way, stir in the sambal and sweet soy to taste so each spoonful has seasoning.
How long does it take to make Bubur Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Rice Porridge)?
About 1 h 45 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bubur Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Rice Porridge)?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 17 g of protein, 52 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 1500 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
