This is my quick and easy, fast and speedy way of making Arroz Caldo. I can get it done in just about half an hour, perfect for weeknight dinners. When I have extra time, I also have a weekend version, which I originally published several years ago here.
11 1/2-inch piecegingerpeeled and sliced in thick chunks
2lbschicken tenderloinor a combination of boneless, skinless thighs and breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1-2tablespoonsfish saucepatis, to taste. If you don’t have this handy, just use salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepperto taste
8cupschicken broth
1cupsushi riceor jasmine rice
2 to 3teaspoonslemon juicefresh, from about half a lemon
4scallionsfinely sliced
1halflemonsliced into wedges, for garnish
Instructions
Stovetop Method
In a large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and ginger over medium-low heat and sauté until onion starts to become transparent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add chicken, fish sauce and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly all cooked.
Stir in the chicken broth and rice. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer.
Cover and continue to cook until chicken is very tender and the rice is fluffed and cooked, about 20 minutes. Stir frequently.
Take out the medallions of ginger (no one really likes biting into chunks of ginger!).
Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
Garnish with scallions and freshly ground black pepper before serving. Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges on the side.
Pressure Cooker Method
Preheat the insert of the pressure cooker (e.g. Instant Pot) on the sauté function. Add the oil and heat until warm. Add the onion, garlic and ginger over medium-low heat and sauté until onion starts to become transparent, about 5 minutes.
Add chicken, fish sauce and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly all cooked.
Stir in 5 cups of chicken broth and rice.
Lock in the pressure cooker lid. Pressure cook on high for about 20 minutes.
Depressurize the Instant Pot/pressure cooker, and place on simmer mode. Stir in remaining broth. While the soup continues to simmer, shred the chicken, then return to the pot.
Take out the medallions of ginger (no one really likes biting into chunks of ginger!).
Stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
Garnish with scallions and freshly ground black pepper before serving. Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges on the side.
Video
Notes
This recipe for Arroz Caldo first appeared here on February 23, 2010.Arroz Caldo Notes/FAQs
What kind of rice works best for arroz caldo? I recommend using sushi rice or jasmine rice for arroz caldo. Sushi rice gives you a creamy consistency and works especially well, however, jasmine rice is just as delicious!
What kind of chicken should I use? Chicken tenderloins (chicken tenders) are a great choice for this quick and easy version. However, I have also traditionally made this with a combination of chicken thighs and chicken breast. You can also use all chicken thighs.