This warm and cozy Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup is full of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and soft noodles swimming in a flavorful broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
Whenever I make this soup, it feels like a little bit of magic happens in my kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for those chilly days when you need a little comfort. Enjoy it with a good book! 📚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: Using low sodium broth is healthier and helps control the saltiness of your soup. If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works well too for a lighter flavor.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this soup, but thighs are also a great substitute for extra juiciness. For a quick option, use leftover or rotisserie chicken.
Noodles: Chinese wheat noodles or udon noodles complement the soup perfectly. If you can’t find them, rice noodles or even regular spaghetti can work in a pinch.
Bok Choy: Baby bok choy adds a nice texture and fresh taste. You could replace it with napa cabbage, spinach, or even kale if you prefer a different green.
Spices & Sauces: Soy sauce adds depth, while oyster sauce gives a little umami kick. If you’re avoiding shellfish, use extra soy sauce instead. For spice, adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your heat level.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly for Soup?
Cooking chicken right is key to a great soup! First, sauté it quickly to lock in moisture. Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium heat to ensure even cooking.
- Add chicken after sautéing garlic and ginger, allowing it to brown slightly but not cook through—3 to 4 minutes should do it.
- It will continue cooking in the broth, keeping it juicy and tender.
Trust me, this technique makes a big difference! Happy cooking!
How to Make Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or cubed
- 4 oz Chinese wheat noodles or udon noodles
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cups baby bok choy or napa cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped green onions and additional crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time, giving you a total of approximately 35 minutes to enjoy this tasty dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Sauté everything together for about 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen is filled with a fragrant aroma.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, add the sliced or cubed chicken to the pot. Stir it around while cooking until it’s no longer pink on the outside. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through yet; it will finish cooking later!
3. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and turn the heat up to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
4. Season the Soup:
Add the soy sauce, if using oyster sauce, and the sesame oil to the pot. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
5. Add the Greens:
Now it’s time to add the chopped baby bok choy or napa cabbage. Let the soup simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender and bright green.
6. Cook the Noodles:
While the soup is simmering, cook the noodles according to the package instructions in a separate pot. Once they’re just tender, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
7. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked noodles to the soup and continue simmering for another 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the chicken is fully cooked.
8. Final Seasoning:
Taste your soup and season it with salt, white pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference. Adjust the flavors until it’s just right for you!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Carefully ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with the green parts of the green onions and add extra crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat.
10. Enjoy!
Serve hot with chopsticks and your favorite spoon. Enjoy your comforting homemade Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup—it’s sure to warm you right up!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While Chinese wheat noodles or udon are traditional, you can substitute them with rice noodles, egg noodles, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup, as the noodles can soak up liquid when stored.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this soup to be vegetarian! Replace the chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip the oyster sauce or substitute it with a mushroom-based sauce for added umami.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
If you’re looking for added flavor, consider including ingredients like sliced mushrooms, carrots, or a dash of five-spice powder. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil also make a lovely garnish, enhancing the overall taste!