This comforting Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and full of flavor! It features tender chicken, soft noodles, and fresh veggies, all simmered in a delicious broth.
On chilly days, this soup is my go-to! It warms me up from head to toe. I love adding a sprinkle of green onions for a fresh twist—totally brings it to life! 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they cook quickly and shred easily. You can substitute with thighs for a juicier option or use rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep!
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is best, but store-bought works too. Use low-sodium broth if you want to control the saltiness. You can also use vegetable broth for a meatless version!
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger bring a lovely depth of flavor. If fresh isn’t on hand, you can use garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon per clove) and ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon for every tablespoon) instead.
Noodles: I love using Chinese egg noodles for their nice texture. Ramen noodles are a fine substitute. If gluten-free, try rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a lighter twist!
Vegetables: Celery adds crunch, but you can swap in things like bok choy or snow peas for a different taste. Baby corn is another fun addition!
How Do I Infuse Flavor into the Broth?
The broth is the heart of this soup, and it’s important to properly infuse it. Start by simmering your chicken in the broth. This way, the chicken flavors the liquid as it cooks!
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the broth along with soy sauce and sesame oil. These ingredients add depth and warmth.
- Let it simmer for about 5 minutes after adding the aromatics to allow the flavors to blend well.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper to suit your taste for a little kick, but remember that a little goes a long way.
Pay attention to seasoning; adding salt and pepper at the end lets you control the flavor perfectly. This will elevate your broth to a delightful homemade experience!
How to Make Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 6 oz Chinese egg noodles or ramen noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro or additional green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken and broth, while the noodles will need just a few more minutes. In no time, you’ll be enjoying a warm, delicious bowl of soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Broth:
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This is the base of your soup, so get it nice and warm!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the simmering broth. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
3. Flavor the Broth:
While the chicken cools, add the minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes to the broth. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes. The flavors will start to blend beautifully!
4. Add the Veggies:
Next, toss in the sliced celery and the white parts of the green onions to the broth. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes, until the celery is tender-crisp. This adds a lovely crunch to each bowl!
5. Cook the Noodles:
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside. This way, the noodles will be ready when you serve the soup.
6. Combine and Season:
Return the shredded chicken back into the broth. Stir to mix everything well, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors to your liking!
7. Serve It Up:
To serve, place a portion of noodles in a bowl. Ladle the hot broth filled with chicken and veggies over the noodles, making sure to include all those tasty ingredients!
8. Garnish:
Top your soup with the green parts of the sliced green onions and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if you like. It adds a nice pop of color and flavor!
9. Enjoy!
Serve hot and savor every comforting sip of your homemade Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup! It’s perfect for cozy days or when you need a little warm-up.
This flavorful soup is a delightful way to enjoy fresh ingredients while keeping you cozy and satisfied. Enjoy cooking and feeding your loved ones!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great for this soup. Just shred it and add it to the broth at the end to heat through. This can save you time and make the soup even quicker to prepare!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the noodles!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! For a vegan version, substitute the chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add in more veggies for added texture!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can certainly customize the soup! Consider adding bok choy, mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on what you choose!
