This Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and comforting. It has tender chicken, flavorful broth, and chewy noodles that make every bite delightful!
Perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather! I love to add a splash of soy sauce to mine—yum! It’s so easy to make, I could whip it up in my sleep.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for this recipe as it cooks quickly and stays tender. If you want, you can use thighs for a richer flavor or even shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Vegetable Oil: This oil helps in sautéing without overpowering the other flavors. Canola or peanut oil works well too. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try olive oil, but keep in mind it has a different flavor profile.
Napa Cabbage: This gives a nice crunch and sweetness to the soup. If you can’t find Napa cabbage, bok choy or even regular green cabbage are great substitutes.
Noodles: I love using fresh Chinese egg noodles for their texture, but ramen noodles work just as well. If gluten is a concern, consider rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a lighter dish.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh minced ginger and garlic add a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you are in a pinch, powdered versions can be used but fresh is always better for depth of flavor!
How Do I Keep My Chicken Tender in the Soup?
Cooking chicken just right is key. To ensure tenderness, avoid overcooking it. When you add the chicken to the pot, cook it until it’s lightly browned, not cooked through. It will finish cooking in the broth.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes in the oil until golden.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; let pieces sear without steaming them.
- Simmer gently after adding broth; rapid boiling can toughen the meat.
These steps will ensure your chicken remains juicy and perfect in your comforting soup! Enjoy your cooking!
Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 3 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
- 2 scallions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- For the Noodles:
- 8 oz fresh or dried Chinese egg noodles or ramen noodles
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes from start to finish, making this a quick and comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing them until they’re fragrant—this should take about 1 minute. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells heavenly!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Now, add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook them until they’re lightly browned all over, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Remember, they don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
3. Make the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This will help all those lovely flavors come together!
4. Add Seasonings:
Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Let the broth simmer gently for about 10 minutes so that the flavors can meld perfectly.
5. Add Cabbage and Scallions:
Next, toss in the shredded Napa cabbage and the sliced scallions. Simmer everything together for another 5 minutes until the cabbage is softened and the chicken is fully cooked—make sure it’s tender and juicy!
6. Cook the Noodles:
While the soup simmers, prepare the noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once done, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
7. Serve the Soup:
To serve your delicious soup, place a generous portion of noodles in bowls and ladle the hot soup over the top, ensuring everyone gets plenty of chicken and veggies.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your bowls with extra sliced scallions and add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a kick! Enjoy your hearty and comforting Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded or diced leftover chicken is a great time-saver. Just add it during the last few minutes of simmering to heat it through without overcooking.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you like heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil when serving. You can also use spicy chili paste while cooking for an even bolder flavor!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. When reheating, avoid freezing the noodles with the soup; add fresh noodles instead for the best texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Napa Cabbage?
If Napa cabbage isn’t available, bok choy or regular green cabbage can be used as alternatives. This will still provide great texture and flavor to your soup!
