This Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and comfort-filled, perfect for any day! It features tender chicken, tasty noodles, and a zesty kick from ginger and garlic.
Whenever I’m feeling under the weather, this soup has my back. The smell alone can cheer you up and warm your heart. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
I love loading my bowl with extra veggies for a colorful boost. This soup is a simple way to make any meal feel special and cozy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegetable Oil: This oil is used for sautéing. You can substitute it with olive oil or sesame oil for extra flavor. I like sesame oil for an earthy twist, especially with Asian dishes.
Onion: A regular onion works well here, but if you prefer a milder taste, use shallots or even green onions. They add different flavors while keeping it fresh.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is best! If you’re out of ginger, try using ground ginger in smaller amounts. Garlic powder can be a substitute too, but the fresh aromatics really make it pop.
Chicken Broth: If you need a healthier option, use low-sodium broth to control the salt level. Vegetable broth works too for a lighter take. Homemade broth can make this even more delicious!
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless thighs are a great alternative—they stay juicier. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, include tofu or chickpeas instead.
Noodles: Rice vermicelli is light and cooks quickly. If it’s not available, any thin noodles like egg noodles or soba will work. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to make it easy! After cooking, let the chicken cool slightly before handling. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. If it’s still warm, it should shred easily without much effort.
- Hold one fork steady and use the other to pull the chicken apart.
- For an even faster method, place the chicken in a bowl and use a hand mixer on a low setting to shred the meat. Just be careful not to overdo it!
This technique saves time and fits perfectly into your soup. Enjoy your cooking time, and remember—practice makes perfect!
Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 7 oz (200g) rice vermicelli or very thin noodles
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 40 minutes. It’s a quick and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté it until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This builds a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Add Flavor:
Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell their wonderful aroma. Stir frequently to keep them from getting too brown.
3. Create the Soup Base:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. The smell will start to become irresistible!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Once boiling, add the whole chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. You can tell it’s done when it’s no longer pink inside!
5. Prep the Veggies:
Remove the chicken breasts from the broth and place them on a cutting board. While you’re at it, toss the sliced carrots and the white parts of the green onions into the broth. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the carrots are tender.
6. Shred the Chicken:
While the vegetables are cooking, shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces using two forks. This step is easy and makes for lovely chicken bits in your soup!
7. Add the Noodles:
Add the rice vermicelli or thin noodles to the simmering broth. Follow the package instructions to cook them until they’re soft, usually around 3-5 minutes.
8. Combine Everything:
When the noodles are done, return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together until warmed through.
9. Season to Taste:
Finally, season your soup with salt and black pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the flavors according to your liking!
10. Serve It Up:
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Garnish generously with the green parts of the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. If you’d like, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
11. Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy the delightful warmth and comforting flavors of your Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup!
This soup is a perfect blend of a light broth infused with ginger and garlic, tender chicken, delicate noodles, and fresh veggies—truly comfort in every bowl!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred it and add it to the broth towards the end, so it warms up nicely without being overcooked.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing the chicken and chicken broth with tofu and vegetable broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Rice Vermicelli?
If you can’t find rice vermicelli, feel free to use any thin noodles such as soba or egg noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the noodles you choose.