Cháo Gà

Cháo gà is a type of Vietnamese rice porridge or congee with chicken as the main ingredient, commonly served with gỏi.

Truc Tran (Kris)

By Truc Tran (Kris)

Lastest Updated May 27, 2024
Verified by A-Z Cuisines Team
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Home » Dishes A-Z » Cháo Gà

Fact: In Vietnamese culture, offering cháo gà on the third day of Tết (Lunar New Year) is a part of the “lễ hóa vàng” ritual.

Basic Information

Cháo Gà: Basic Information

Pronunciation

/chow gah/

Alternative Name(s)

No

Dish Type

Porridge

Course

Main Course

Mealtime

Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Origin and Region

Cháo Gà: Origin and Region

Origin

Vietnam

Continent’s Region

Southeast Asia

Country’s Region

Nationwide Origin

Associated Region

Unspecified
Vietnam Map
A Deep Dive

Popular Cháo Gà Variations

Chao Ga Xe Phay

Cháo Gà Xé Phay

Chao Ga Chat

Cháo Gà Chặt

Chao Ga Ac

Cháo Gà Ác

Chao Ga Dau Xanh

Cháo Gà Đậu Xanh

Chao Ga Hat Sen

Cháo Gà Hạt Sen

Ingredients and Preparation

Cháo Gà: Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

Rice, chicken, and herbs (such as ginger, garlic, onions, scallions,..)

Main Cooking Method

Boiling and simmering

Preparation Process

Cook rice until porridge-like consistency, add cooked shredded chicken, season with ginger, garlic, and onions
A Deep Dive

Cháo Gà: A Deep Dive

Cultural Significance

Comfort food, often served when someone is ill or during cold weather

Taste

Savory

Texture

Soft, creamy porridge with tender chicken pieces

Aroma

Fragrant with hints of ginger and chicken broth

Color

Creamy white with hints of green (from onions) and yellow (from chicken)

Serving Style

In a bowl

Serving Temperature

Hot

Accompaniment

  1. Gỏi Gà
  2. Fresh herbs and vegetables

Occasions

New year, festivals

Seasons

Year-round, spring

Special Diets

Gluten-free

Calories

119 calories, according to data of MyFitnessPal for 1.4 ounces of cháo gà.

Popularity

Vietnam

Popular Similar Dishes

  • Cháo
  • Cháo Vịt
  • Cháo Lòng

Popular Dining Area

Home kitchens, street food stalls, and restaurants

Cháo gà is a Vietnamese dish that is essentially a type of rice porridge or congee made with chicken.

Chao Ga Infographic

The dish is made by simmering rice in a rich chicken broth until it breaks down into a soft, creamy texture. Pieces of chicken, usually shredded or cut into small chunks, are added to the porridge.

The flavor of cháo gà is typically enhanced with ingredients such as ginger, onions, and herbs.

It’s often served with a variety of garnishes like sliced scallions, fresh herbs (like cilantro or basil), fried shallots, and a squeeze of lime juice.

The dish is known for its comforting qualities and is enjoyed across Vietnam, often for breakfast or as a light meal.

Vietnamese tradition includes serving chicken porridge on the third day of Tết in the “lễ hóa vàng” ceremony, symbolizing respect for ancestors.

This special chicken rice porridge, prepared carefully as it represents prosperity and good fortune, marks the end of Tết celebrations and is a reverent farewell to ancestors.

Let me guide you through the features of the dish, its key components, various versions, side items, top dining spots, advantages and disadvantages, common queries, and dishes that are alike.

Key Points

  • Cháo gà is characterized by rice simmered in chicken broth until creamy, with added pieces of chicken (either shredded or in small chunks).
  • In Vietnamese tradition, cháo gà is served on the third day of Tết, symbolizing respect for ancestors and marking the end of Tết celebrations.
  • Commonly served with Vietnamese salad (Gỏi), fresh herbs, and vegetables.

Cháo Gà Images

What Are The Main Ingredients of Cháo Gà?

Cháo gà, a traditional Vietnamese rice porridge, primarily includes the following 3 main ingredients:

Chicken

Chicken

Usually, a whole chicken or chicken thighs are used for a richer flavor.

Long-grain Rice

Rice

Long-grain rice is typically used, sometimes jasmine rice. It’s the base of the congee.

Scallions

Seasonings

Ginger, onion, scallions, cilantro or mint

Exploring the diverse cháo gà variations reveals how these essential ingredients can be creatively adapted to suit different regional tastes and preferences.

What Are The Most Famous Variations of Cháo Gà?

Here are the 5 variations of Cháo Gà, along with their characteristics:

Chao Ga Xe Phay

Cháo Gà Xé Phay

This variation features finely shredded chicken in the porridge. It’s known for its delicate texture and is often seasoned with ginger and scallions for added flavor.
You can shred the chicken and mix it with salad to serve alongside the porridge

Chao Ga Chat

Cháo Gà Chặt

In this version, the chicken is chopped rather than shredded, providing a more substantial texture. It’s often served with additional toppings like fried shallots and herbs.

Chao Ga Ac

Cháo Gà Ác

This is made with a specific type of chicken known as “gà ác”, which is believed to have medicinal properties. The dish is often consumed for health benefits and has a richer flavor.

Chao Ga Dau Xanh

Cháo Gà Đậu Xanh

This variation includes mung beans along with chicken, adding a unique flavor and texture. The mung beans also contribute additional nutritional value.

Chao Ga Hat Sen

Cháo Gà Hạt Sen

Featuring lotus seeds, this version of cháo gà is known for its soothing and gentle flavors. Lotus seeds add a mild, sweet taste and are believed to have health benefits.

Each of these famous cháo gà variations, with their unique ingredients and textures, can be further enhanced by pairing them with suitable cháo gà accompaniments.

What to Serve with Cháo Gà?

Serving cháo gà, a Vietnamese chicken rice porridge, presents a delightful opportunity to create a balanced and flavorful meal. Here are 2 excellent accompaniments:

Goi Ga

Gỏi Gà

Gỏi is a type of Vietnamese salad often made with fresh, crisp vegetables and herbs, chicken pieces, and dressed in a light, tangy vinaigrette. This salad brings a refreshing balance to the warm and comforting cháo gà. When serving cháo gà, chicken pieces can be placed on top of gỏi, or served directly on top of the congee.

Herbs And Vegetables

Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

Garnishes like thinly sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and Thai basil add a burst of freshness. Additionally, bean sprouts and sliced chili peppers can provide a nice crunch and heat.

To fully appreciate cháo gà, consider exploring where to eat it, as the right setting can elevate the experience of enjoying it with these recommended accompaniments.

Where to Eat Cháo Gà?

Here are my recommendations for places to eat cháo gà in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang:

In Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Gà Ta Vân Hương
Address: 135 Trần Phú, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Cháo gà Cô Hiền
Address: 35 Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Gà Ta Ngon Số 1
Addresses:
72 Út Tịch, Tân Bình District, Ho Chi Minh City
120 Trương Công Định, Tân Bình District, Ho Chi Minh City
231 Trương Vĩnh Ký, Tân Phú District, Ho Chi Minh City

In Da Nang

Cháo Gà Bà Bảy
Address: 142 Lê Duẩn, Hải Châu District, Đà Nẵng City
Cháo Gà Lan
Address: 189 Lê Thanh Nghị, Hải Châu District, Đà Nẵng City
Cháo gà Dì Hoa
Address: 10 Lý Thường Kiệt, Hải Châu District, Đà Nẵng City

While these locations offer a variety of experiences for enjoying cháo gà, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of consuming this dish.

Pros and Cons of Eating Cháo Gà

Examining the positives and negatives of this dish.

Pros

  • Nutritional Value: Cháo gà is a good source of protein from chicken and carbohydrates from rice. It often includes ginger, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Digestive Ease: The dish is easy to digest, making it suitable for people with stomach ailments or those recovering from illness.
  • Comfort Food: It’s often considered comfort food, providing a warm and soothing meal, especially during colder weather or when feeling under the weather.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit personal tastes or dietary needs, adding vegetables, herbs, or different proteins.
  • Cultural and Traditional Significance: Cháo gà has a cultural significance in Vietnamese cuisine, often being a staple in households and a common dish in local restaurants.

Cons

  • Caloric Content: Depending on the preparation, it can be high in calories, especially if additional oils or fatty ingredients are used.
  • Limited Protein Diversity: For those seeking a variety of protein sources, cháo gà primarily focuses on chicken, which may not meet all dietary preferences.
  • Preparation Time: Traditional preparation can be time-consuming, particularly if starting with raw rice and making homemade chicken stock.

Moreover, don’t overlook the commonly asked questions.

Cháo Gà FAQs

Yes, it can be made in advance and reheated. The porridge may thicken when stored, so adding a bit of water or broth when reheating can help restore its consistency.

Cháo gà is naturally gluten-free, as long as all the ingredients used, including any sauces or seasonings, are free of gluten.

Similar Dishes of Cháo Gà

Chao

Cháo

Cháo is a Vietnamese rice porridge made by simmering rice in water or broth until it becomes soft and smooth.

Chao Vit

Cháo Vịt

Cháo vịt is a Vietnamese rice porridge that typically features tender duck pieces cooked in a flavorful broth with rice.

Chao Long

Cháo Lòng

Cháo lòng is a Vietnamese rice porridge dish that includes a sweet pork bone broth and pork offal, such as intestines, liver, and heart.

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Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)
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Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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