This Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting embrace in a bowl. Packed with a zesty, aromatic broth, tender chicken, and slurpable noodles, it’s the perfect remedy for a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather. We’ve crafted this recipe to be straightforward for any home cook, ensuring a deeply flavorful soup that tastes like it simmered for hours, but comes together in under an hour. Get ready to create a new family favorite that is both nourishing and incredibly delicious.
Why This Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is a Must-Try
You’re going to love this recipe for its simplicity and depth of flavor. The combination of fresh ginger and garlic creates an intensely aromatic and savory broth that forms the heart of this dish. It’s a versatile recipe that works perfectly for a cozy weeknight dinner but is also special enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
- Rich & Flavorful Broth: The foundation of any great soup. We use a combination of chicken broth, fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for a broth that’s layered with flavor.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this soup is ready in about 45 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. It’s your bowl, your way! For another hearty soup idea, check out our delicious Chicken Poblano Soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this ginger garlic chicken soup comes from simple, fresh ingredients that pack a powerful punch. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Soup Base:
- Chicken Broth: A quality low-sodium chicken broth is the foundation of our soup.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Fresh Ginger: The star of the show! Grated fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy kick.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic provides a savory depth that complements the ginger perfectly.
- Soy Sauce: For a touch of umami and salty complexity.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle at the end adds a wonderful nutty aroma.
For the Fillings & Garnish:
- Noodles: We love using ramen or udon noodles, but spaghetti or egg noodles work well too.
- Carrots & Celery: The classic soup vegetables, thinly sliced for tenderness.
- Green Onions: Sliced for a fresh, mild oniony finish.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness that brightens the entire dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup
Making this incredible homemade soup is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl every time.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Add the sliced carrots and celery. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Noodles: While the soup is simmering, cook your noodles according to package directions in a separate pot. Drain them well once cooked. Keeping the noodles separate prevents them from getting mushy in the soup. For a different noodle adventure, you might enjoy this easy Chow Mein Recipe.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked noodles to the soup. Stir in the toasted sesame oil. Ladle the hot Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Expert Tips and Variations
Want to take your soup to the next level? Here are a few tips and fun variations to try.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcook the noodles: To avoid soggy noodles, cook them separately and add them to individual bowls right before serving, or add them to the pot just before you’re ready to eat.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic are key to the vibrant flavor of this soup. Avoid using powdered substitutes if you can.
- Skim the broth: For a clearer broth, use a spoon to skim off any foam that rises to the surface as the soup simmers.
Creative Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the ginger and garlic for a spicy kick.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, or spinach. Add heartier vegetables with the carrots and celery, and leafy greens at the very end. If you love veggies, try our healthy sautéed vegetables.
- Use Different Proteins: This soup is also delicious with shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
Yes, the soup base freezes very well. Let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze the broth without the noodles, as they can become mushy upon reheating. Cook a fresh batch of noodles when you’re ready to serve.
Absolutely. For a slow cooker, add all ingredients except the noodles and garnishes and cook on low for 4-6 hours. For an Instant Pot, sauté the aromatics and chicken, then add the broth and vegetables and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Cook noodles separately for both methods.
For an even richer broth, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they release more flavor. You can also add a splash of fish sauce for more umami, or a star anise pod while simmering for a deeper, aromatic flavor.
Yes, it can be very beneficial. The warm broth helps with hydration and can soothe a sore throat. Ginger and garlic are also known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, which may help you feel better when you’re sick.
Ramen, udon, or classic egg noodles are excellent choices. However, you can use almost any noodle you have on hand, including spaghetti or soba noodles. For best results, cook them separately so they don’t get mushy in the soup.
Yes, the soup base freezes very well. Let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze the broth without the noodles, as they can become mushy upon reheating. Cook a fresh batch of noodles when you’re ready to serve.
Absolutely. For a slow cooker, add all ingredients except the noodles and garnishes and cook on low for 4-6 hours. For an Instant Pot, sauté the aromatics and chicken, then add the broth and vegetables and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Cook noodles separately for both methods.
For an even richer broth, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they release more flavor. You can also add a splash of fish sauce for more umami, or a star anise pod while simmering for a deeper, aromatic flavor.
Yes, it can be very beneficial. The warm broth helps with hydration and can soothe a sore throat. Ginger and garlic are also known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, which may help you feel better when you’re sick.
Ramen, udon, or classic egg noodles are excellent choices. However, you can use almost any noodle you have on hand, including spaghetti or soba noodles. For best results, cook them separately so they don’t get mushy in the soup.
What to Serve with Your Soup
While this Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a few sides. Consider serving it with some crusty bread for dipping or some fresh Thai Basil Beef Rolls for a more substantial meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a refreshing accompaniment.
Storing and Reheating
This soup makes for fantastic leftovers. To store, allow the soup to cool completely and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, store the noodles separately from the broth to prevent them from becoming mushy. To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. Add the noodles in the last minute of reheating.
We Hope You Love This Recipe!
This Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is a true labor of love, and we are so excited to share it with you. It’s the perfect bowl of comfort that we find ourselves turning to again and again. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how you liked it! We’d also love for you to share your creation on Pinterest.
Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl
This Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm, comforting bowl packed with zesty broth, tender chicken, and noodles. A nourishing, easy-to-make recipe perfect for a cozy night in, ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Add the sliced carrots and celery. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Noodles: While the soup is simmering, cook your noodles according to package directions in a separate pot. Drain them well once cooked. Keeping the noodles separate prevents them from getting mushy in the soup.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked noodles to the soup. Stir in the toasted sesame oil. Ladle the hot Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Notes
Tip 1: For the best texture, cook your noodles separately and add them to individual bowls just before serving. This prevents them from absorbing too much broth and becoming soggy.
Tip 2: Feel free to customize your soup with extra vegetables! Sliced mushrooms, bok choy, or spinach are all wonderful additions. Add leafy greens in the last few minutes of cooking so they just wilt.
Tip 3: The quality of your chicken broth makes a big difference. Use a good quality store-bought broth or homemade, if you have it, for the most flavorful result.
Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Add the sliced carrots and celery. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Noodles: While the soup is simmering, cook your noodles according to package directions in a separate pot. Drain them well once cooked. Keeping the noodles separate prevents them from getting mushy in the soup.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked noodles to the soup. Stir in the toasted sesame oil. Ladle the hot Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Notes
Tip 2: Feel free to customize your soup with extra vegetables! Sliced mushrooms, bok choy, or spinach are all wonderful additions. Add leafy greens in the last few minutes of cooking so they just wilt.
Tip 3: The quality of your chicken broth makes a big difference. Use a good quality store-bought broth or homemade, if you have it, for the most flavorful result.
