Embark on a culinary journey to the East with our Chinese Chicken Soup, a comforting bowl that intertwines tradition and nourishment. Tender pieces of chicken simmer alongside aromatic ginger and star anise, infusing the broth with a warm, soothing essence. Verdant bok choy and delicate mushrooms add layers of texture, while a splash of soy sauce brings a savory depth. Dive into this bowl of healing and savor the timeless flavors of Chinese home-cooking!

Contents show

Every Chinese Chicken Soup bowl tells a story. Dive into China’s heart with each sip. A symphony of flavors dances in this age-old concoction. Tender chicken melds with aromatic herbs. Fresh vegetables bring vibrant colors and crunch. Each ingredient offers a healing touch.

Ancient traditions whisper secrets of comfort and warmth. It’s more than just soup. It’s a connection to centuries of culinary heritage. Welcome a piece of China to your kitchen. Let this Chinese Chicken Soup nurture your soul. Dive in, and let the journey begin.

What Is Chinese Chicken Soup?

Chinese Chicken Soup is a traditional broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Originating from China, this soup combines tender chicken pieces with ingredients like goji berries, red dates, and ginger.

Often considered a healing tonic, it’s praised for its restorative properties. The soup’s depth of flavor showcases China’s rich culinary heritage, with every sip transporting one to age-old family kitchens.

A comforting embrace in a bowl, it’s a symbol of nourishment and warmth.

Can You Vary Chinese Chicken Soup With Other Ingredients?

Keto: Skip the sugar and ramen noodles. Add low-carb veggies like bok choy and mushrooms. Replace with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Paleo: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. Omit ramen noodles and use spiralized veggies or sweet potato noodles.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free, or use tamari. Replace ramen with rice noodles or gluten-free alternatives.
Whole30: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos. Omit sugar and noodles or use vegetable noodles.
Vegetarian & Vegan: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure other ingredients like soy sauce are vegan-friendly.

Recipe Directions

Heat oil in a pot; add turmeric, ginger, and chile paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add chicken, broth, sugar, soy sauce, and celery. Boil.
Introduce noodles; cook for 3 minutes.
Add lettuce. Remove from heat.
Garnish with green onions and serve.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Protein Variations: Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or shrimp for different flavors and textures.
Vegetable Boost: Introduce bok choy, mushrooms, or baby spinach for added nutrients.
Herbal Infusion: Add ginseng or astragalus for traditional medicinal benefits.
Spice It Up: Incorporate star anise or Sichuan peppercorns for a tingling sensation.
Noodle Alternatives: Substitute ramen with rice noodles, udon, or glass noodles.
Toppings: Enhance with roasted sesame seeds, crispy garlic, or chili oil for an added crunch and flavor.

Can I Make Chinese Chicken Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker: Ideal for extracting deep flavors. Add all ingredients except noodles and lettuce into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, introduce the noodles. Stir in the lettuce just before serving to retain its freshness.
Instant Pot: A quicker method. Use the sauté function to heat the oil and cook turmeric, ginger, and chile paste until fragrant. Add the remaining ingredients except noodles and lettuce. Seal and set to ‘Soup’ mode for 15 minutes. Quick release, then add noodles using the sauté function. Finally, mix in lettuce and serve.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth

Convenience: It’s quick and ideal for impromptu cooking sessions.
Consistency: Commercial broths usually have a consistent flavor.
Variety: You can find low-sodium, organic, or specific dietary versions.
Storage: Packaged broths have a longer shelf life.

Homemade Broth

Flavor: Homemade offers depth and a richness store-bought versions might lack.
Control: You dictate the salt content, ingredients, and overall flavor.
Economical: Utilize leftover bones and vegetable scraps.
Nutritional Value: Extract maximum nutrients without preservatives.

How To Serve

Temperature: Ensure it’s piping hot, but not scalding. Warmth releases the aroma and flavors.
Bowl Selection: Use deep, wide bowls to accommodate both broth and ingredients comfortably.
Garnishing: Freshly sprinkle chopped green onions, and perhaps a few cilantro leaves or sesame seeds for an added touch.
Accompaniments: Offer side dishes like steamed dumplings or spring rolls. Pair with jasmine or oolong tea.
Layering: Place the meat and veggies at the bowl’s base, pour the broth over, ensuring an even distribution.

Perfect Side Dishes

Spring Rolls: Crispy and light, they offer a contrasting texture.
Steamed Dumplings: Filled with vegetables or meat, these are comforting and flavorful.
Bao Buns: Fluffy steamed buns, either plain or filled, add a soft texture.
Stir-Fried Greens: Bok choy or Chinese broccoli sautéed with garlic enhances the meal’s nutrition.
Rice: Plain steamed rice or lightly seasoned fried rice can absorb the soup’s richness.
Pickled Vegetables: They provide a tangy contrast to the soup’s warmth.

Storage And Make Ahead

Storage: After cooking, let the Chinese chicken soup cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base in advance, excluding delicate ingredients like vegetables or fresh herbs. Store the base in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the base, add fresh ingredients, and simmer until heated through for a quick and convenient meal.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Stir-fry Base: Use the chicken and veggies as a starter for a quick stir-fry. Add more vegetables or protein as desired.
Rice Topping: Pour reheated soup over steamed rice for a flavorful and hearty bowl.
Fried Rice Ingredient: Incorporate chicken pieces and vegetables into fried rice.
Soup Remix: Add new ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, or baby spinach for a refreshed version.
Chicken Salad: Shred the chicken, mix with veggies, and toss in a light sauce or dressing.
Asian Tacos: Use the chicken as a filling for tacos, adding shredded lettuce and a drizzle of sesame oil.

TIPS

Use bone-in chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks for a richer flavor and more nutrients.
Add sliced ginger and garlic to the broth for a fragrant base.
Use a combination of chicken broth and water for the soup base to balance flavor and richness.
For added depth, simmer the soup with dried shiitake mushrooms and a splash of soy sauce.
Add a handful of goji berries towards the end of cooking for a sweet and nutritious touch.
Consider adding bok choy or baby spinach for added greens and texture.
Season the soup with white pepper for a mild heat that complements the other flavors.

Perfect Chinese Chicken Soup Recipe – A Delightful Feast

0 from 0 votes

Recipe by Hanna Barnes Course: Soup Recipes

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Savor the warmth and richness of this Chicken Gumbo Soup. Brimming with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, every spoonful promises a symphony of flavors, making it a delightful treat for any meal.

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons 2 Sesame Oil
1/2 Teaspoon 1/2 Ground Turmeric
2 Teaspoons 2 Chopped Fresh Ginger Root
2 Tablespoons 2 Chile Paste
1 Pound 1 Chopped Cooked Chicken Breasta
32 Fl.Ounce 32 Chicken Broth
2 Teaspoons 2 Sugar
1/4 Cup 1/4 Soy Sauce
1 Cup 1 Chopped Celery
3 Ounce 3 Ramen Noodles (Package)
1 Cup 1 Shredded Lettuce
1/2 Cup 1/2 Chopped Green Onion

Step-By-Step Directions

Preparation Steps
Gather all ingredients. Chop the fresh ginger root, cooked chicken breast, celery, lettuce, and green onion.
Cooking
In a large pot, pour the sesame oil and place it over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, introduce turmeric, ginger, and chile paste.
Sauté the mixture until fragrant, typically taking about 1 to 2 minutes.
Gently stir in the chopped chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated with the fragrant oil.
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the sugar, soy sauce, and celery pieces. Stir well.
Blending
Allow the soup to reach a boiling point. As it begins to boil, add in the ramen noodles.
Let the noodles cook for approximately 3 minutes, ensuring they’re tender but not overly soft.
Final Touches
Stir in the shredded lettuce, ensuring it wilts slightly from the soup’s heat.
Immediately remove the pot from the heat source to prevent overcooking the lettuce.
Serving
Pour the soup into individual bowls.
Generously garnish each serving with freshly chopped green onions.

This Chinese Chicken Soup recipe offers a comforting and nourishing bowl, perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Tender chicken, aromatic ginger, and garlic are simmered with earthy shiitake mushrooms and bok choy in a savory broth, creating a deliciously soothing soup that’s both easy to make and satisfying to eat.
Equipment List
Large Pot or Dutch Oven
Sharp Chef’s Knife
Cutting Board
Strainer
Ladle
Measuring Spoons and Cups
Garlic Press or Grater
Tongs
Instant-read Thermometer
Heat-Resistant Spatula

Notes

For an authentic touch, consider using traditional Chinese chicken stock, available at Asian grocery stores.
Be cautious with chile paste if you’re sensitive to spice; adjust according to your heat preference.
If storing for later use, it’s best to keep the noodles separate to avoid them becoming too soft.
Fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil can add an extra layer of flavor upon serving.
Opting for low-sodium soy sauce can help control the salt content.
The soup’s consistency can be adjusted by adding more broth for a lighter soup or reducing it for a more concentrated flavor.

Nutrition Table

Author
Recent Posts

Hanna Barnes

Hanna is a writer at Soup Chick. Yulia's website reignited her passion for crafting affordable, veggie-packed soups. She is certified by the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and has expertise in healthy, baking, and vegan cuisine. With years of food blogging and collaborating with chefs, she offers a range of recipes on Soup Chick, from classic broths to the heavenly slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Join her in creating flavorsome, wholesome soups in your kitchen!