This Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and comforting. It’s filled with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and tasty noodles that soak up all the flavors. Perfect for chilly days!
I love how easy it is to whip this up on a busy evening! The aroma fills the kitchen, and it always brings smiles to my family. We often add a sprinkle of green onions for a crunchy kick!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts give the soup a tender texture. However, you can substitute with thighs for more flavor or even rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
Noodles: Chinese wheat noodles work great, but thin egg noodles or rice noodles are good substitutes if needed. If you’re gluten-free, opt for rice noodles to keep it friendly for everyone!
Broth: Using homemade chicken broth adds depth, but store-bought works well too. Look for low-sodium options to better control salt levels.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic are key for flavor. If you’re out, you could use garlic powder or ground ginger, but fresh really makes a difference!
Veggies: Celery adds crunch, but feel free to include other vegetables like carrots or bok choy for more color and nutrients!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor Out of My Soup?
Building flavor is essential in this recipe. Start by sautéing garlic and ginger in sesame oil. This approach releases their natural oils and creates a fragrant base.
- Cook the garlic and ginger until they are golden to ensure they’re fragrant without burning.
- Don’t rush the simmer! Letting the soup simmer for about 10 minutes helps the flavors combine, and you’ll taste the difference.
Lastly, adjust your seasonings at the end for a perfect balance—taste as you go to create your ideal flavor profile!
Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces Chinese wheat noodles or thin egg noodles
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet so comforting that everyone will love it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the pot. Sauté these together for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant. This step is essential for building a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is just opaque. This means it’s cooked through but still tender.
3. Add Stock and Vegetables:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the chopped celery, soy sauce, and chili flakes if you like a bit of heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows all the delicious flavors to meld together.
4. Prepare the Noodles:
While the soup simmers, cook the noodles! Prepare them in a separate pot according to the package instructions until just al dente. Once done, drain them and set aside.
5. Season the Broth:
After the soup has simmered for a while, taste and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. This is your chance to make sure the flavors are just right!
6. Serve It Up:
To serve the soup, place some noodles in each bowl. Ladle the hot chicken and broth over the noodles generously. Lastly, garnish with the green parts of the green onions and fresh cilantro for a splash of color and flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Dig into your steaming bowl of Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup and enjoy every comforting bite!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works great in this recipe. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
What If I Don’t Have Sesame Oil?
No worries! If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or olive oil. While it won’t have the same nutty flavor, it will still work well to sauté the herbs.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like carrots and zucchini for extra flavor and texture!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in a pot over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the broth.
