Chinese chicken noodle soup, a comforting blend, features tender chicken pieces and delicate noodles immersed in a clear, flavorful broth. Enhanced with ginger, garlic, and green onions, its aroma invites warmth. Vegetables add color and texture, creating a harmonious dish. This soup offers a soothing experience, symbolizing traditional culinary artistry and the essence of comfort food.
Are you keen to make a delicious and fragrant batch of homemade Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup? Yes? Well, you have come to the right place!
We know how daunting it can be to make a delicious and authentic Chinese chicken noodle soup. This is why we have written this article!
We cover everything you need to know about making this delicious and fragrant dish. From what ingredients you need to a simple step-by-step guide on making this tasty soup and more.
So, in this article, we will talk about how to make your homemade batch of Chinese chicken noodle soup. This recipe will be based on the ‘Red House Spice’ recipe.
Let’s dive right in and get started!
What Is Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup?
Red House Spice’s Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup is a culinary delight hailing from the heart of China. Infused with the fragrant notes of star anise and ginger, it combines tender chicken pieces with soft, slurp-worthy noodles. Every spoonful offers a journey through age-old traditions, presenting a seamless blend of rich flavors.
This soup epitomizes the essence of Chinese cuisine, capturing the warmth and comfort of a time-honored recipe. Dive in and savor the authenticity.
Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?
Certainly! Red House Spice’s Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences:
- Keto Substitute traditional noodles with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. Use bone broth to enhance fat content.
- Paleo Replace regular noodles with spiralized vegetable noodles, like sweet potato or butternut squash.
- Gluten-Free Opt for rice noodles, gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure all broth ingredients are gluten-free.
- Whole30 Use zoodles or spaghetti squash as a noodle substitute and eliminate any soy-based ingredients, replacing them with coconut aminos.
- Vegetarian Skip the chicken. Add tofu or more varieties of mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Vegan Omit chicken, use vegetable broth, and add tofu or tempeh. Incorporate a variety of veggies for depth.
Recipe Directions
Step 1: Soak dried shiitake mushrooms overnight in 1400 ml water. (Min. 4 hours for better flavor).
Step 2: Place chicken drumsticks/thighs in a pot with soaked mushrooms and their water. Discard residue. Boil and remove the foam.
Step 3: Add Shaoxing rice wine, ginger, and scallion whites. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until meat is tender (~30 mins). Instant pot can speed this up.
Step 4: Remove the chicken. Discard ginger and scallions—season broth with soy sauce, salt, white pepper, and sesame oil. Adjust to taste.
Step 5: Cool chicken, remove the skin, and shred.
Step 6: Boil noodles in a separate pot. Add bok choy briefly at the end.
Step 7: Drain noodles and bok choy. Serve in bowls with broth, mushrooms, and chicken.
Optional: chili oil drizzle.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Swap chicken with a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, and broccoli.
- Seafood Delight: Replace chicken with shrimp or sliced fish filets.
Add-Ons
- Protein Punch: Soft or hard-boiled eggs.
- Greens: Baby spinach, kale, or watercress.
- Heat: Add sliced red chilies or jalapeños for an extra kick.
Toppings
- Herb Freshness: Chopped cilantro or Thai basil.
- Crunch Factor: Toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.
- Aromatic Boost: Thinly sliced green onions or fried garlic bits.
- Umami Kick: Drizzle chili oil or a dollop of miso paste.
Can I Make Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup adapts well to both appliances:
Slow Cooker
- Begin by soaking the mushrooms as per the original recipe.
- Place the chicken, soaked mushrooms, ginger, scallion whites, and Shaoxing rice wine in the slow cooker.
- Cover with water and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Before serving, season the broth and add cooked noodles and toppings.
Instant Pot
- Follow the original preparation steps.
- Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Release the pressure naturally.
- Separate the solids, season the broth, and combine with cooked noodles.
Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?
Indeed, both options have their merits:
Store-Bought Broth
- Convenience: Ready to use and saves significant time.
- Consistency: Offers a predictable flavor, especially if you have a preferred brand.
- Options: Many varieties are available, including low-sodium, organic, and bone broths.
Homemade Broth
- Flavor Depth: You control the ingredients, allowing for a richer, more personalized taste.
- No Preservatives: Free from additives and artificial flavors often found in commercial broths.
- Cost-Effective: Can be made in bulk from kitchen scraps and leftover bones.
How To Serve?
To serve Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup at its best:
- Temperature: Ensure the broth is piping hot but not boiling to retain its rich flavors.
- Separate Noodles: Add freshly cooked noodles to individual bowls just before serving to prevent overcooking.
- Layering: Start with noodles, then chicken pieces, followed by vegetables, and finally, pour the hot broth over them.
- Garnish: Add fresh herbs, green onion slices, or a drizzle of sesame oil for an aromatic touch.
- Accompaniments: Serve with chili oil or light soy sauce on the side for those who wish to adjust the seasoning.
- Presentation: Use deep bowls to showcase layers and retain heat, complemented by Asian-style spoons and chopsticks.
Perfect Side Dishes
To elevate Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup, pair it with these perfect side dishes:
- Steamed Dumplings: Delicate pockets filled with vegetables or meat.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy golden bites filled with veggies or shrimp.
- Asian Slaw: A tangy mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing.
- Bao Buns: Fluffy steamed buns with various fillings, from pork to vegetables.
- Stir-fried Greens: Lightly sautéed vegetables like baby bok choy or snow peas in garlic.
- Prawn Toast: Crispy, savory, and rich in flavor.
- Edamame: Steamed soybeans sprinkled with sea salt, perfect for light nibbling.
- Cucumber Salad: Thin slices marinated in rice vinegar, sesame, and a hint of chili.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Storage: Cool the soup quickly and transfer it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, omit noodles to avoid sogginess; freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove, adding fresh noodles if necessary until just heated through.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the broth and chicken in advance. Store separately from noodles and vegetables. Before serving, reheat the broth, adding fresh noodles and vegetables to maintain texture and freshness.
What Can We Do With Leftovers?
Maximize the use of leftovers from Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with these inventive ideas:
- Stir-fry: Toss shredded chicken, veggies, and noodles with oil and soy sauce in a pan.
- Chicken Salad: Mix cold shredded chicken with mayo, green onions, and crunchy veggies.
- Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves or tortillas to wrap the shredded chicken, noodles, and veggies.
- Fried Rice: Incorporate ingredients into a hearty fried rice dish.
- Pasta Salad: Cool the noodles, mix with veggies, chicken, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing.
- Chicken Tacos: Use chicken as a filling for tacos, adding Asian-style slaw.
- Broth Cups: Reheat broth, add fresh herbs and sip as a warm beverage.
- Casserole: Layer ingredients, top with cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake.
Tips
- Use Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken to ensure rich flavor and tender meat.
- Simmer Gently: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer to develop flavors without making the chicken tough.
- Aromatic Base: Saute garlic, ginger, and green onions before adding water to infuse the broth with depth.
- Cook Noodles Separately: Prevent them from becoming mushy by cooking in a separate pot, then add to individual servings.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust with soy sauce, salt, or a dash of sesame oil before serving to enhance the overall flavor.
Perfect Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup (Delicious And Tender)
Course: Soup Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes491
kcalRed House Spice’s Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup is an aromatic infusion of tender chicken, hearty noodles, and earthy shiitake mushrooms. Its warming broth is seasoned with classic Asian spices, offering a comforting embrace in every bowl.
Ingredients
8-10 Pieces 8-10 Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
1400 Ml 1400 Water
4 Pieces 4 Chicken Drumsticks
2 Tablespoons 2 Shaoxing Rice Wine
2 Inch Piece 2 Ginger (Sliced)
4 4 Scallion Stalks (White Part Only)
2 Tablespoons 2 Light Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon 1 Salt
½ Teaspoon ½ White Pepper
1 Tablespoon 1 Sesame Oil
200 Grams 200 Noodles
4 Pieces 4 Bok Choy
Chili Oil (Optional, To Taste)
Step-By-Step Directions
- Soak Your Shiitake Mushrooms Overnight
First, soak your dried shiitake mushrooms in a water bowl overnight. We recommend that you use about 1400 milliliters of water.
You can soak your mushrooms for four hours, but you will get better results if you leave them to soak overnight. - Add Your Chicken To A Pot With The Mushrooms
Grab your chicken drumsticks or thighs and put them in a pot. Add your shiitake mushrooms and the water they were soaking in.
If there is any residue at the bottom of the bowl, leave it out. Bring the water to a boil and then scoop off any foam that forms on the surface. - Add Some Ingredients And Let It Simmer
Add your Shaoxing rice wine, ginger, and the white portion of the scallions to the pot with your water boiling. Next, turn your heat down to a very low setting and put a lid on the pot.
Allow your pot to simmer for thirty minutes until the meat is soft and tender. You can achieve this goal faster by using an instant pot. - Remove The Chicken
Take your chicken out of the pot and place it on a plate where it can completely cool down. Scoop out the ginger and scallions and throw them away.
Add your soy sauce, salt, white pepper, and sesame oil to the broth and stir until everything has been incorporated.
You can add more or less of any of the seasonings to get the perfect flavor balance. - Remove The Skin And Shred The Chicken
Your chicken should be cool enough to handle with your fingers. Once you are satisfied that it is cool enough, take the skin off and shred the meat into ribbons or bite-sized chunks. - Cook The Noodles
Grab another pot from the cupboard and fill it with water. Place it on the hob and allow it to come to a boil.
Add the noodles and cook them on a medium-high heat. Once you are sure that the noodles are fully cooked, add the bok choy to the water for about twenty seconds. - Serve Your Chinese Noodle Soup
With that, you are ready to enjoy your Chinese noodle soup. You must drain the water from the noodles and bok choy and then separate them into four bowls.
Add a nice scoop of your broth with the mushrooms, and finally, add a healthy sprinkling of your shredded chicken. You can drizzle a little chili oil over the top if you need an extra kick. - Equipment List
- Stockpot or Dutch Oven
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Noodle Strainer or Tongs
- Ladle
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Bowl for Soaking
- Instant Pot or Slow Cooker (Optional)
Notes
- Variability: The soup’s flavors can vary based on the freshness of the ingredients.
- Storage: Keeping the noodles separate during storage prevents them from getting soggy.
- Serving Tip: Always garnish with fresh herbs for an enhanced aroma.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice according to personal preference, primarily when serving to children.
- Dietary Adaptations: The versatile recipe can be tweaked for various nutritional needs.
- Optimal Experience: Consume hot for the best taste and texture.
- Pairing: Complements well with different Asian side dishes or a simple side salad.
Nutrition Table
