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chao rice porridge

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
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, dinner, lunch, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
  • Measuring cups
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Notes

  • 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