The Ultimate Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Soup has always felt like a warm hug to me. When I was growing up, my mom made chicken noodle soup whenever I was feeling under the weather, and to this day, it’s one of my ultimate comfort foods.

My Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is a twist on the classic, packed with flavor and ready in about 30 minutes! This is one of my favorite recipes because it is so quick and easy.

Why You’ll Love This Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup

• It’s packed with immune-boosting ginger and garlic, perfect for cold and flu season.
• It cooks up quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Clean up is a breeze with just one pot.
• It is easily customizable to your preferred spice level.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots (4-5 carrots)
• 2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 cup)
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh ginger
• 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
• 3-5 Tbsp. low-sodium gluten free Tamari (or soy sauce or coconut aminos)
• 8 oz. cooked cubed or shredded chicken (about 2 cups)
• 8 cups low-sodium or no salt added chicken broth
• 1/4-1/3 cup cilantro
• 4 oz. wide rice noodles*

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
• Add carrots and celery and cook 5-6 minutes over medium heat to soften.
• Add green onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook 1 minute.
• Add sesame oil, 3 Tbsp. tamari, chicken, broth, and cilantro.
• Bring soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer 15-20 mintues to allow flavors to blend. Taste and add additional tamari, sesame oil, or cilantro, as desired.
• While the soup is simmering, soak your noodles. Place rice noodles in a bowl or container and cover with hot water. Soak 15-20 minutes to soften, then drain water.
• Add noodles to your soup and cook an additional 5 minutes or so to let the noodles finish softening. Serve warm!

Choosing the Right Noodles for Your Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup

The type of noodle you choose can really change the character of your Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup. Ramen noodles, whether fresh or dried, are a popular choice. The thickness of ramen can vary, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Various Asian noodles, such as udon, soba, and glass noodles, also work beautifully. Udon noodles are thick and chewy, while soba noodles have a nutty flavor; glass noodles become translucent and slippery when cooked.

If you’re looking for non-Asian options, egg noodles are a classic choice, and Italian pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo can also be used. Keep in mind that cooking times and textures will vary depending on the type of noodle you select.

If you are looking for another easy dinner option, you might like this Easy & Delicious One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe.

Chicken Options & Techniques

When it comes to the chicken in my Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup, you have a few choices. Chicken thighs will give you a richer flavor, while chicken breasts are leaner. I like using thighs because they hold their moisture well.

You can poach the chicken yourself, roast it for extra flavor, or even use rotisserie chicken to save time.

For shredding, I find using two forks works great, but you can also use a stand mixer for a quicker shred. Just be sure not to over-shred! Also, consider these Easy Chicken Thighs and Rice Recipe for another way to use chicken thighs.

The Science Behind the Soup

Using chicken thighs really does make a difference in the broth’s richness; this is because they have more fat and connective tissue that breaks down during simmering. Adding the cilantro at the end preserves its fresh flavor; cooking it for too long mutes its brightness. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more complex and satisfying soup.

Health Benefits of Ginger and Garlic

Ginger and garlic are not just flavor powerhouses; they also offer a range of health benefits. Both are known for their immune-boosting properties, thanks to compounds that help fight off infections. They also have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce swelling and discomfort. They also offer a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Adjusting the Spice Level

One of the great things about this soup is how easily you can adjust the spice level. For a milder soup that’s kid-friendly, stick to the recipe as is.

If you’re looking to add some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can do the trick. A drizzle of chili oil at the end is another great way to spice things up, adding both heat and flavor.

Ingredient Sourcing

Finding the right ingredients can elevate your Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup. For harder-to-find items like black vinegar or chili crisp, I recommend checking out online retailers like Amazon or specialty Asian grocery websites. In New York City, I love exploring local Asian markets in Chinatown for unique finds.

Serving Suggestions

To take your Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup to the next level, consider adding some toppings. Sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while extra scallions provide a fresh bite. A drizzle of sesame oil enhances the savory flavor.

For side dishes, steamed rice or Asian greens like bok choy or gai lan are great choices. As for drinks, green tea or sake pair wonderfully with the soup’s flavors.

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right equipment can make soup-making a breeze. I love using my Dutch oven for this recipe because it distributes heat evenly.

A good vegetable peeler is essential for prepping the carrots and ginger. Also, a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife will make chopping the vegetables easier and safer.

Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup Variations

Tips for Making the Best Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup

• Don’t overcook the noodles! They should be tender but not mushy.
• Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Use low-sodium broth and tamari to control the salt level.
• Fresh ginger and garlic make a big difference in flavor, so don’t skimp.
• Garnish generously with cilantro and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
• Ginger demonstrates efficacy in managing nausea and digestive issues.

Storing Leftover Soup

Leftover Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the soup cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

To prevent bacterial growth, it’s best to refrigerate the soup within two hours of cooking. When reheating, bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

My Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a bowl of comfort, flavor, and warmth. I hope you love making and sharing it as much as I do.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below to let me know how this recipe turned out, ask any questions you might have, or share your own variations. I can’t wait to hear all about your soup adventures!

Emily

Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Soup has always felt like a warm hug to me. My Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is a twist on the classic, packed with flavor and ready in about 30 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 20415 days d 13 hours hrs 50 minutes mins

Servings: 10 10-12 cups soup

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 111

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Ingredients

• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots 4-5 carrots
• 2 stalks celery, sliced about 1 cup
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh ginger
• 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
• 3-5 Tbsp. low-sodium gluten free Tamari or soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 8 oz. cooked cubed or shredded chicken about 2 cups
• 8 cups low-sodium or no salt added chicken broth
• 1/4-1/3 cup cilantro
• 4 oz. wide rice noodles

Equipment

• Dutch Oven
• soup pot
• vegetable peeler
• Cutting board
• Knife

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add carrots and celery and cook 5-6 minutes over medium heat to soften.
3. Add green onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook 1 minute.
4. Add sesame oil, 3 Tbsp. tamari, chicken, broth, and cilantro.
5. Bring soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer 15-20 mintues to allow flavors to blend. Taste and add additional tamari, sesame oil, or cilantro, as desired.
6. While the soup is simmering, soak your noodles. Place rice noodles in a bowl or container and cover with hot water. Soak 15-20 minutes to soften, then drain water.
7. Add noodles to your soup and cook an additional 5 minutes or so to let the noodles finish softening. Serve warm!

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcal

Notes

Don’t overcook the noodles! They should be tender but not mushy.

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