Name: 30-Minute Korean Chicken Rice Porridge (Dak Juk) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 cup leftover cooked white rice (jasmine, sushi, or sticky rice); 2 cups water or bone broth or chicken broth; 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about ½-¾ pound); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup onion, finely minced; 1 small carrot, finely minced; Sea salt; Coconut aminos or tamari or soy sauce; Chopped green onions; Sesame seeds

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If you’re craving something comforting, nourishing, and incredibly simple to make, this 30-Minute Korean Chicken Rice Porridge (Dak Juk) Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With tender chicken, velvety porridge made from leftover rice, and a gentle hint of sesame oil, this dish perfectly balances health and heartiness. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little cozy boost without spending hours cooking. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to transform leftover rice into something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of a food processor containing a smooth white liquid filling about two-thirds of its clear container, placed on a wooden surface. To the right, there is a white bowl filled halfway with cooked white rice, and a wooden spoon resting inside the bowl with some rice on it. To the left of the food processor, there are five pieces of fresh green onions with vivid green stalks laying on the wooden surface. A light gray cloth is casually placed in the upper right corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this 30-Minute Korean Chicken Rice Porridge (Dak Juk) Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role in building a comforting bowl that tastes like it simmered all day, even though it’s done in a flash!

1 cup leftover cooked white rice: Using leftover rice helps break down into a creamy base for the porridge without extra prep.
2 cups water or bone broth or chicken broth: Choosing broth adds depth, while water keeps it lighter but still delicious.
2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about ½-¾ pound): Thighs stay juicy and tender, perfect for shredding into the porridge.
1 tbsp sesame oil: The star flavor booster that infuses the porridge with fragrant nuttiness.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic gives a subtle punch of warmth and helps round out the flavor.
¼ cup onion, finely minced: Adds sweetness and body to the base.
1 small carrot, finely minced: Brings a touch of color, natural sweetness, and a bit of texture.
Sea salt (to taste): For seasoning right at the table, so everyone can customize.
Coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce (to taste): Adds savory umami and richness when served.
Chopped green onions: For that fresh, crisp bite on top.
Sesame seeds: A finishing touch that adds crunch and extra flavor.

How to Make 30-Minute Korean Chicken Rice Porridge (Dak Juk) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Mixture

The magic begins by transforming your leftover rice. Blend the rice with water until the grains are broken down into tiny pieces and the mixture turns cloudy. This step ensures your porridge achieves that famously smooth and creamy texture without clumps. It’s the secret to a silky base that feels indulgent yet light.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Cut each boneless, skinless chicken thigh into halves for quicker cooking and easier shredding later. Using thighs instead of breasts keeps the meat juicy and tender, which is essential for melding seamlessly into this porridge.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, onion, and carrot, then sauté them until they’re fragrant and softened — about 4 to 5 minutes. This step deepens the flavor profile, creating a warm, inviting base for your Dak Juk.

Step 4: Cook the Porridge

Pour the blended rice mixture and the chicken pieces into the saucepan with the aromatics. Bring everything to a boil, stir well, cover, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. After that, uncover and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently so it doesn’t stick. The chicken will cook through, and the porridge will thicken up to the perfect consistency. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of water to loosen it.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once cooked, turn off the heat and carefully remove the chicken pieces. Shred half the chicken right in the pot, stirring it through the porridge to infuse it with flavor. Divide the porridge into two bowls and top each with the rest of the shredded chicken for texture contrast. Now it’s ready for your favorite garnishes!

How to Serve 30-Minute Korean Chicken Rice Porridge (Dak Juk) Recipe

A deep white bowl holds a creamy white porridge with small bits of orange carrot mixed in, topped with shredded light brown chicken pieces in the center, garnished with bright green sliced spring onions and small white sesame seeds scattered on top. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl, and a fresh whole green spring onion lies beside it on a white marbled surface, with soft white fabric in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The right toppings elevate this comforting dish into a feast of flavors and textures. Sprinkle chopped green onions for a peppery crunch and a pop of color. Toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness and a slight crunch, while a dash of sea salt and a drizzle of coconut aminos or tamari provide the final seasoning flourish. These finishing touches allow each bowl to be perfectly customized to taste.

Side Dishes

This porridge is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with simple sides like kimchi for tang and spice, steamed vegetables for added nutrition, or even pickled radishes to cut through the creaminess. These sides provide balance and let you enjoy the porridge as part of a satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress friends, serve the Dak Juk in individual mini crockpots or rustic bowls with separate small plates of toppings. Alternatively, add a soft-boiled egg or a drizzle of chili oil for heat. Experiment with presentation to make every serving feel like a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover porridge keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. It becomes even more flavorful as the ingredients meld together overnight, making for an easy and nourishing next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze Dak Juk in portioned containers for up to one month. When frozen, the texture might thicken, but this is easy to fix by adding a bit of water when reheating. Label your containers so you never lose track of this delicious shortcut meal.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally and thinning with water or broth if the porridge has thickened too much. Take your time warming it up for the best comforting, creamy effect. Don’t forget to add your garnishes fresh after reheating for that perfect finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You can, but chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender after cooking, which makes the porridge more flavorful. If using breast, watch cooking time closely to avoid dryness.

Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Absolutely! Since Dak Juk stores well in the refrigerator and even the freezer, it makes excellent meal prep for busy weeks or when you want a quick, comforting meal ready to go.

Can I make this recipe with fresh rice?

It’s best to use leftover rice because it breaks down easier and creates that smooth porridge texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which might affect the consistency.

What if I’m vegetarian? Can I make a meatless version?

You can! Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken or substitute with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for protein. The sesame oil and aromatics still give a fantastic flavor base.

How do I adjust the thickness of the porridge?

Simply add more water or broth to thin it out if it’s too thick, or simmer longer to reduce the liquid if you want it thicker. It’s easy to customize to your liking!

Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Korean Chicken Rice Porridge (Dak Juk) Recipe is a true kitchen hero — quick, comforting, and packed with flavor from humble ingredients. Whether you’re nursing a cold or just craving something warm and satisfying, give this recipe a try. It’s simple, flexible, and guaranteed to become a cozy staple that you’ll reach for again and again.