Bubur Ayam (Chicken Rice Porridge)
A soft, savory rice porridge cooked in ginger chicken broth and topped with shredded chicken, soy sauce, fried shallots, spring onions, peanuts and crunchy crackers. Indonesia's favorite breakfast.
Servings
Ingredients
Nutrition
Per serving
Steps
Cook the chicken
In a large pot (4–5 litres) combine the stock, chicken, ginger, lemongrass and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to medium-low and let it bubble gently for about 20 minutes.
- 2 litres chicken stock
- 2 breasts or 3 thighs chicken
- 4cm piece ginger
- 1 stalk lemongrass
- 2 bay leaves
✅ Done when: chicken reaches 74°C/165°F and is no longer pink inside
Shred the chicken
Lift the chicken out onto a plate and let it cool for a few minutes so it is safe to handle. Pull it into thin shreds with two forks or your fingers, then set aside; leave the broth in the pot.
- all cooked chicken from step 1
Cook the rice
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Season
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Serve
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Cook the chicken
In a large pot (4–5 litres) combine the stock, chicken, ginger, lemongrass and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to medium-low and let it bubble gently for about 20 minutes.
- 2 litres chicken stock
- 2 breasts or 3 thighs chicken
- 4cm piece ginger
- 1 stalk lemongrass
- 2 bay leaves
✅ Done when: chicken reaches 74°C/165°F and is no longer pink inside
Shred the chicken
Lift the chicken out onto a plate and let it cool for a few minutes so it is safe to handle. Pull it into thin shreds with two forks or your fingers, then set aside; leave the broth in the pot.
- all cooked chicken from step 1
Cook the rice
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Season
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Serve
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The Story Behind the Dish
Rice porridge came to Indonesia from China, where it is called congee. Indonesian cooks added local touches like sweet soy sauce, fried shallots and crunchy toppings.
Every morning, bubur ayam sellers push carts through the streets, banging a spoon on a bowl to let people know they have arrived.
⭐ Why It's Famous
It is warm, gentle and filling, perfect for breakfast or when someone is feeling unwell.
💡 Fun Fact
Indonesians argue happily about whether you should stir all the toppings into the porridge or eat it without mixing. Both sides are very passionate.
Java, Indonesia
-6.92°S, 107.62°E
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