Waxgourd and Chicken Congee
Waxgourd and Chicken Congee is a savory, comforting rice porridge originating from Chinese cuisine, featuring tender pieces of chicken and mild, watery waxgourd (also known as winter melon) slow-cooked in a flavorful broth. It is a light yet nourishing dish often enjoyed for breakfast or as a restorative meal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This congee is a balanced, moderate-calorie dish that provides a good source of lean protein from the chicken and is rich in hydration and electrolytes like potassium from the waxgourd. A typical serving contains roughly 200-250 calories, with a moderate carbohydrate base from the rice and minimal fat.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 5 mg |
| Selenium | 18 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
| Magnesium | 35 mg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
Per 1.5 cups (360 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this congee is prized in traditional Chinese food therapy for its 'cooling' properties, believed to help clear internal heat and reduce summer dampness. Nutritionally, the waxgourd acts as a natural, low-calorie filler that adds volume and nutrients without significantly increasing the energy density of the meal.
