This Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and comforting. Juicy chicken, tasty noodles, and a zing of ginger and garlic make it a hug in a bowl!
I love how this soup makes my kitchen smell amazing! Just simmer everything together, and you’ll have a cozy dinner that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegetable Oil: This oil is great for sautéing, but you can switch to olive oil or sesame oil for added flavor. I prefer sesame oil for its nutty taste!
Chicken: Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Leftover roast chicken works too! If you’re vegetarian, try replacing chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a hearty option.
Noodles: I used ramen here, but egg noodles, udon, or rice noodles are good alternatives. Just adjust cooking times if needed to ensure they don’t get mushy.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic really shine in this recipe! If you’re short on time, you can use ginger and garlic paste, but the fresh ones do have a more vibrant flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding chicken can sometimes be a challenge! After cooking your chicken, let it cool slightly for easier handling. Use two forks to pull the meat apart gently.
- Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer on low speed to shred cooked chicken quickly.
- Look for the grain direction in the meat—shred across the grain for the best texture.
Don’t forget to save any juices or broth from cooking the chicken—they add great flavor to the soup!
What’s the Best Way to Enhance My Soup’s Flavor?
Taste as you go! Adding soy sauce enhances the umami flavor, but you can also try adding a splash of lime juice or fresh herbs like cilantro at the end for brightness.
- Yellow or green curry paste can give the soup a lovely depth.
- For a spicy kick, stir in some chili garlic sauce during cooking!
Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced or grated
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
- 2 packs of ramen or egg noodles (about 6 oz)
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- Red pepper flakes or chili oil (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 35 minutes. It’s quick and packs in a lot of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and slightly golden. This is where the base flavor starts!
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant. The smell will be incredible—this is a great sign that your soup is on its way!
3. Bring It to a Boil:
Pour in the chicken broth and turn up the heat until it reaches a gentle boil. Just let it bubble away beautifully!
4. Add Chicken and Carrots:
Now, add in the shredded cooked chicken and thinly sliced carrots. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. They’ll soak up those wonderful flavors!
5. Season the Soup:
Gently stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Taste the broth and add salt and pepper to your liking. This step lets you customize the soup to your favorite flavor profile!
6. Cook the Noodles:
In a separate pot, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. You want them just tender, then drain and set aside. No one likes soggy noodles!
7. Assemble Each Bowl:
In serving bowls, divide the noodles evenly. Carefully ladle the hot soup over the noodles, ensuring everyone gets a nice portion of that delicious broth and chicken.
8. Garnish with Love:
Top the soup with sliced green onions and, if you love a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. It makes your soup look extra inviting!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your warm and comforting Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy every delightful spoonful. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a chilly day!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred it up and add it to the soup during the simmering step.
How Can I Make This Soup Thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the soup right before serving, and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely customize the veggie mix! Feel free to add spinach, bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas. Just adjust the cooking time so everything stays tender but not mushy.
