A Deliciously Tasty Chinese Chicken Soup Recipe
Chicken soup has been used for centuries by cultures on every continent for medicinal purposes. It was once believed to be an all out cure for what ailed you, especially colds and flu. We now know that is not true. Unfortunately, there’s still no cure for the common cold.
However, a nice hot bowl of chicken soup can in fact help relieve symptoms of the dreaded bug. This is in part because chicken contains a compound called carnosine. This has been proven to reduce stuffiness and congestion, and allows you to breathe easier.
The herbs and spices (like garlic and cumin) can help boost your immune system and speed up recovery time. If it’s the stomach flu that’s got you down, the gelatin that forms from the broth helps to heal the lining of the stomach. The hot soup can also help warm you up if you’ve got the chills, and is just overall comforting when your not well.
Like many other cultures, the Chinese have been using chicken soup to aid healing for centuries. Known for their alternative medicines and natural treatments, the Chinese are well respected for their knowledge in this area. Practices like acupuncture, moxibustion (burning of herbal leaves around the body), cupping, and herbal teas are just a few of the treatments used to treat illness and injury.
So it’s no surprise that they use chicken soup as well, and add in special herbs and roots known to help the recovery process. Whether you’re sick or not, we think you’ll really enjoy the following Chinese chicken soup recipe.
A Deliciously Tasty Chinese Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Total: 25 minutes
- Serves: 2
Ingredients
For the broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 chicken thighs (bone in and skin on)
- 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 inch of ginger, sliced thin
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of fresh pepper
- 1 tablespoon of dry sherry
- 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 bunch of cilantro (about 1 cup pressed down)
- 1/2 cup of green onion (scallions), chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (optional)
For the soup
- 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 3 ounces of dried noodles
- 3 baby bok choy, cut into 6 pieces
- 2 tablespoons of cilantro
Directions
1. Heat the oil in a large stockpot over a medium heat until hot. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 1 minute or until the bottom is golden brown.
2. Flip the chicken and add the garlic, ginger, green onion, cumin, pepper, and salt. Cook for another minute, or until aromatic.
3. Add the sherry, chicken stock, bay leaf, and cilantro. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes.
4. As the soup is simmering, cook the noodles in a separate pot according to the package directions.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot with tongs and place it on a plate. Use forks to remove the skin, then shred the meat.
6. Add the soy sauce to the soup and taste test. Adjust the seasoning to your own personal preference.
7. Turn the heat back to medium, add the carrots, bok choy, and chicken. Stir well and cook for 3 more minutes.
8. Place the noodles into serving bowls, ladle in the soup, and garnish with cilantro if desired.
Nutritional Information
- calories: 291
- carbohydrates: 17.3
- protein: 26 grams
- fat: 13 grams
- sodium: 345
- potassium: 579
- fiber: 22 grams
- sugar: 2 grams
- calcium: 79 milligrams
- iron: 2 milligrams
How Long Will Chinese Chicken Soup Last In The Fridge?
Your Chinese chicken soup will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to place the leftovers in an airtight container, after allowing the soup to cool.
If you want to keep the soup longer, you can store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Make sure to remove the noodles before freezing. They will break down over time and make the soup grainy.
What Exactly Is Bok Choy?
We see it all the time in our Chinese food, we hear about it in many recipes. We’ve probably eaten and enjoyed it countless times. But what exactly is bok choy? This leafy green vegetable has been used in Chinese cuisine for thousands of years. It’s so popular in the country that it’s often simply called Chinese cabbage. This delightful leaf is a cruciferous vegetable and is part of the mustard green family (cabbage, kale, broccoli, etc.). It tastes similar to cabbage with a sort of earthy, grassy flavor. Bok choy is super healthy, with tons of vitamin A, C, K, calcium, and potassium. The best part is, it’s only 9 calories per cup.
What Can You Serve With Chinese Chicken Soup?
If you’re not feeling well, you may not feel like anything but the soup, but let’s remember that chicken soup is not just for folks that are under the weather. It’s a great choice for lunch or a mid-week dinner when you’re on the go. So here are a few ideas that can turn your soup into a full meal.
1. Bread
Pretzel rolls, sourdough, cornbread, hot biscuits, or crackers. Bread is a no-brainer with soup.
2. Sautéed Zucchini
This is a delicious and healthy addition to your soup. It’s also quick and easy.
3. Sandwiches
Anything from a grilled cheese to a veggie wrap will satisfy your hunger when served alongside the chicken soup.
4. Salads
A simple, yet iconic pairing. Anything from a green salad to a tomato basil salad will make your meal burst with flavor.
5. Onion Rings
Crunchy and delicious. They’re also a fun addition to your meal. They may even entice the kids to go to the table if they aren’t big fans of soup.
What Are Some Other Delicious Chinese Soups?
The Chinese are known for their delicious and healthy soups. A few others include:
- Chinese chicken mushroom
- Lotus and pork
- Chinese oxtail
- Cantonese herb
- fish and tofu
- wonton
- hot and sour
- egg drop
- Yunnan rice noodle
- snow fungus (don’t worry, there is no actual fungus involved)
