If there’s one bowl of comfort food that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl, it’s this Asian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Bringing together the aromatic punch of ginger and garlic, the delicate silkiness of rice noodles, and tender shredded chicken all swimming in a savory broth, this soup is perfection on a chilly day or anytime you want something both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Each spoonful bursts with flavor and invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy a moment of pure comfort at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Asian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role. From the pungent garlic and fresh ginger that build the base to the bright splash of lime at the end, every component adds its own layer of deliciousness, texture, or color.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: Provides the perfect neutral base for sautéing aromatics without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the broth with a rich, savory depth that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 tbsp ginger (grated): Adds a fresh, zesty warmth that’s signature to many Asian soups.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The hearty, flavorful foundation that makes this soup so comforting and rich.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth and helps cook the noodles perfectly without it getting too salty.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Dials up the umami flavor and adds a gentle saltiness to the broth.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the entire soup.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded): Adds protein and a tender texture that soaks in all the broth flavors.
- 200 g rice noodles: These delicate noodles soften beautifully and carry the broth with every bite.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Sprinkle on top for a fresh, mild onion crunch and vivid green color.
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped): Adds a burst of herbal brightness that lifts the soup’s flavor profile.
- 1 lime (cut into wedges): Served on the side to squeeze over and add a zesty finishing touch.
How to Make Asian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the vegetable oil over medium heat in a large pot. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook these for about a minute until they become fragrant and just start to soften – this is where the soup’s lovely aroma really begins to build, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Build the Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth and water, creating the flavorful base for your soup. Stir in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, which add depth and a little brightness respectively. Bring everything to a gentle simmer to marry all those wonderful flavors together.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Noodles
Once your broth is simmering, toss in the shredded chicken and rice noodles. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly tender. This step is where everything starts to come together – the noodles soak up the broth, and the chicken warms through, making every spoonful luscious and satisfying.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finally, ladle your soup into bowls and finish with fresh green onions and cilantro on top for a pop of color and herbal brightness. Don’t forget to serve it alongside lime wedges so everyone can add a squeeze of citrus that elevates the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring life to this soup. The sliced green onions provide a subtle crunch and mild sharpness, while chopped cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant note that complements the savory broth perfectly. A squeeze of lime is a game-changer, cutting through richness and balancing the flavors with a burst of citrus.
Side Dishes
This Asian Chicken Noodle Soup feels like a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with light sides like steamed dumplings, a crisp cucumber salad, or even simple spring rolls can elevate your dining experience. These sides add texture and complementary flavors without overpowering the gentle complexity of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your soup in individual mini bowls or pretty, deep mugs that invite you to cozy up with the warmth. Adding extra toppings like toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil can also give each bowl a personalized touch, making it even more special for guests or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting Asian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe again with almost no extra effort.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup, but it’s best to freeze the broth and chicken without the noodles. Rice noodles tend to become mushy after freezing and reheating. Store the components separately and combine right before serving to keep the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If you froze the components separately, add fresh noodles or cook new ones when warming the broth and chicken. Finish with fresh garnishes and lime for that just-made brightness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of rice noodles?
Absolutely! While rice noodles are traditional and wonderfully delicate in this soup, you can substitute with other noodles like egg noodles or soba. Just adjust cooking times since different noodles have distinct textures and cooking needs.
Is this soup spicy?
This Asian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is not inherently spicy, making it perfect for all palates. However, if you love heat, feel free to add chili flakes or a dash of chili oil either during cooking or as a topping.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the shredded chicken with tofu or extra mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version that keeps all the comforting flavors.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
This soup comes together in about 35 minutes, making it a wonderful option for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken?
The easiest way is to use two forks to pull the chicken apart once it’s cooked and slightly cooled. This method gives you nice, even shreds that soak up the broth perfectly in your soup.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade Asian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe that warms you right to your soul. It’s simple to prepare yet full of layers and nuance in flavor, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying as a cozy solo lunch or dinner. Once you try this recipe, I bet it will become one of your go-to comfort foods that feels like a hug from home every time.
Print
Asian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Asian Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm, flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken, rice noodles, and a fragrant broth infused with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Perfect for a comforting meal, it incorporates fresh garnishes like green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges to brighten each bowl.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 200 g rice noodles
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step helps release the flavors that form the base of the soup.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir in the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and create a balanced broth.
- Cook Chicken and Noodles: Add the shredded chicken and rice noodles to the simmering broth. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the rice noodles are tender and have absorbed some broth flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for a fresh and zesty finish.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili oil.
- If rice noodles are unavailable, thin wheat noodles or glass noodles can be used as substitutes.
- Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken work well in this recipe.
- Make sure not to overcook the rice noodles to avoid them becoming mushy.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to taste, especially if using a low-sodium version.
