How to Make Delicious Chinese Chicken Soup

Chinese chicken soup is a classic, comforting dish that is full of flavor and nourishing ingredients. While there are many variations, the basic method for making Chinese chicken soup is straightforward and can easily be customized to suit your tastes. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a savory soup ready to enjoy in under an hour.

Select the Main Ingredients

The foundation of a good Chinese chicken soup starts with high-quality ingredients Choose the following

• Chicken – Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks are ideal for maximum flavor. Breast meat also works.

• Bok choy, napa cabbage, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, green onions, ginger, and garlic are some of the most popular vegetables.

• Salt, white pepper, soy sauce, sesame oil, and shaoxing wine are the spices that go with it. Consider other Asian seasonings like five-spice powder.

• Herbs – Cilantro, Thai basil, green onions

Prepare the Chicken

Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry. Place the chicken in a pot and cover with cold water by 2-3 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then drain and rinse the chicken. This helps remove impurities for a cleaner-tasting broth.

Return the blanched chicken to the pot and cover with 8-10 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the chicken is cooked through. Skim any foam that rises to the top.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to cool. Reserve the broth.

Chop the Vegetables

While the chicken is simmering, prep the vegetables. Chop the bok choy, napa cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, green onions, ginger, and garlic.

For snow peas or beans, rinse and trim the ends. Set aside.

Simmer the Soup

Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped ginger and garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Soy sauce, sesame oil, shaoxing wine, white pepper, and salt should be added to the pot along with the broth. Bring to a boil.

Add the chopped vegetables starting with those needing the most time like carrots. Cook 5 minutes.

Add bok choy, napa cabbage, snow peas and mushrooms. Cook 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Finish the Soup

Fry the chicken until it’s no longer pink, then shred or dice it into small pieces. Add to the soup to heat through.

Stir in chopped green onions and cilantro just before serving.

Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! Top with extra green onions, cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil if desired.

Customize Your Chinese Chicken Soup

The basic method allows for many possible additions and variations:

• Use chicken stock instead of water for more flavor

• Add sliced shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts

• Use baby corn, bok choy stems, zucchini for extra crunch

• Infuse with garlic, ginger, lemongrass, galangal, Thai chiles

• Garnish with lime wedges, chili sauce, cilantro, basil

• Cook ramen noodles right in the broth

• Stir in beaten eggs toward the end

• Add roasted chicken instead of boiled chicken

• Use broth to cook wontons, dumplings, rice noodles or udon

• For vegan, use mushrooms, tofu, vegetable broth

• Add goji berries, red dates or dried scallops

• Finish with a splash of sesame oil and black pepper

So grab your ingredients and put on a pot – making homemade Chinese chicken soup is simple, satisfying and infinitely customizable. Adjust the vegetables, protein and seasonings to create your own signature version of this hearty Asian favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Chicken Soup

What cut of chicken is best?

Chicken thighs or drumsticks are recommended for the most flavor. The bones contribute body to the broth. Breast meat can also be used but may require additional chicken broth for flavor.

Can I use a whole chicken?

Yes, a whole cut up chicken would work wonderfully. Use any leftover meat for another meal.

Is it necessary to blanch the chicken first?

Blanching helps remove impurities from the chicken, resulting in a cleaner, clearer broth. It’s an optional but recommended step.

How long should I simmer the chicken?

Simmer bone-in chicken 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the meat is fully cooked and tender when pierced with a fork. Breast meat may only need 20-30 minutes.

What if I don’t have all the vegetables listed?

The soup is flexible – use any combination of your favorite veggies. Cabbage, carrots, mushrooms and green onions are great go-tos.

Can I prepare the soup in advance?

Yes! Cook the chicken and broth ahead of time, let cool and refrigerate up to 3 days. Finish with fresh veg right before serving.

What’s the best noodle to add?

Ramen, rice noodles, udon and egg noodles all work well. Cook them right in the hot broth until tender.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Start with 1/4 tsp white pepper and add more to taste. Stir in chili garlic sauce or chili oil before serving.

What’s a good substitute for shaoxing wine?

Dry sherry, rice wine vinegar or chicken broth can be used. Add a splash for flavor. Omit if you don’t have it.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up more broth as it sits – add extra broth or water when reheating if needed.

Enjoy the Comfort of Homemade Chinese Chicken Soup

From the aromatic ingredients to the rich, savory broth, homemade Chinese chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food. Follow the basic steps and tailor the recipe to your taste. Simmer up a batch on a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather – the nourishment of this soup can’t be beat. Grab your apron and get ready to create a new family favorite.