This Chicken Soba Noodle Soup is a warm and delicious dish! It features tender chicken, flavorful broth, and slurpy soba noodles that make every bite satisfying.
Honestly, it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! I love adding a sprinkle of green onions on top for that fresh kick. Perfect for chilly days or when I’m just in need of comfort food!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is best so you can control the saltiness. You can swap this for vegetable broth if you’re looking for a lighter option, or even homemade broth if you have some on hand!
Soba Noodles: These are traditional in this recipe for their nutty flavor. If you can’t find soba noodles, whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles can be decent substitutes.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Their umami flavor adds depth. If you can’t find them, other mushrooms like cremini or button mushrooms work as well, but shiitake is my favorite!
Mirin: This adds a sweet note to the broth. If you don’t have any, you can use a mix of white wine and a little sugar as a substitute.
Eggs: Soft-boiled eggs add richness to the soup. If you prefer a vegan version, you can skip them altogether or add some cubed tofu for protein.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked and Shredded?
Cooking the chicken properly is key to a tasty soup. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Always bring the broth to a boil before adding the chicken, then reduce the heat to simmer.
- Cook the chicken for about 15 minutes; it should be no longer pink in the middle. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes to cool before shredding it with two forks. This technique keeps it tender and juicy!
Following these tips will help you create a flavorful and comforting Chicken Soba Noodle Soup that everyone will love!
Chicken Soba Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 oz soba noodles
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 2 baby bok choy heads, halved lengthwise
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Chili flakes or chili oil for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 20 minutes cooking the soup. It’s quick and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ginger slices and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they are fragrant, making sure they don’t burn.
2. Make the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and mirin. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. This will form the delicious base for our soup.
3. Cook the Chicken and Mushrooms:
Add the chicken breasts and sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set the chicken aside for later.
5. Add Bok Choy:
With the broth still simmering, add the halved bok choy to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bok choy is tender but still crisp, adding a nice freshness to the soup.
6. Prepare the Soba Noodles:
Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
7. Assemble the Soup:
To serve, divide the cooked soba noodles into bowls. Ladle the hot broth with mushrooms and bok choy generously over the noodles.
8. Add Toppings:
Top each bowl with shredded chicken, halved soft-boiled eggs, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.
9. Spice it Up!
If you like a bit of heat, keep some chili flakes or chili oil on the table for serving. Add it to your soup to taste.
10. Enjoy!
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your warm and comforting Chicken Soba Noodle Soup! Feel free to experiment with additional toppings or veggies you love!
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While soba noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with whole wheat spaghetti, rice noodles, or even udon noodles for a different texture. Just be aware that cooking times may vary!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, omit the chicken, and add extra tofu or edamame for protein. You can also incorporate more vegetables like carrots or snap peas for added nutrition!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles can absorb the broth, so it’s best to keep them separate if you want to maintain their texture. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave!
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! However, it’s best to freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles so they don’t get mushy. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and add fresh noodles at that time if desired.