20‑Minute Instant Pot Cháo (Vietnamese Rice Porridge)
A warm, comforting Vietnamese rice porridge made fast in the Instant Pot. Clean, soothing, and gently gingery — perfect for busy days when you want something nourishing with minimal effort
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, dinner, lunch, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Vietnamese
- 1 cup jasmine rice rinsed
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 1-2 inches fresh ginger sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- Optional toppings: scallions, cilantro, white pepper, fried shallots, fish sauce
Add the rinsed rice, water or broth, ginger slices, and salt to the Instant Pot.
Close the lid and set to High Pressure for 15 minutes.
Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
Open the lid and stir — the cháo will thicken as you mix. Add more water or broth if you prefer a looser texture.
Stir in shredded chicken if using.
Ladle into bowls and top with scallions, cilantro, white pepper, or a splash of fish sauce.
- For extra creaminess, simmer on sauté mode for 2–3 minutes after pressure cooking.
- Cháo thickens as it cools — add hot water to loosen before serving.
- Great base for leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Ginger can be removed before serving for a cleaner texture.
Keyword chicken congee, easy chao recipe, ginger rice porridge, instant pot chao, modern Vietnamese cooking, Vietnamese rice porridge, weeknight Vietnamese recipes