Traditionally made with rice, congee is a comfort food staple in Chinese cuisine, but this lighter take on the classic porridge swaps rice for oats. With the addition of spices, veggies and lean protein with chicken, you have a delicious meal in 15 minutes for about 400 calories.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes

Chicken Congee

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
• 2 shallots, chopped fine
• 3.5oz (100g) boneless, skinless cooked chicken breast, minced 
• 1/2 tsp low-sodium soy sauce 
• 2 cups (500g) water
• 1/2 tsp low-sodium chicken bouillon powder
• 1 cup (100g) quick-cooking oats
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the chopped garlic and shallot to the pan. Sauté until both are browned. Add the minced chicken and soy sauce. Mix well and set aside.

Cook the oats with the water and chicken bouillon powder until thickened to your liking. Add the seasoned chicken to the porridge and stir well. 

Divide into 2 bowls and garnish with the celery, sesame oil and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Serves: 2 | Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 419; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 13g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 43mg; Sodium: 419mg; Carbohydrate: 37g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 21g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 663mg; Iron: 16%; Vitamin C: 7%; Calcium: 7%

Originally published November 20, 2018; Updated July 2026