There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup to soothe the soul and warm you from the inside out. This isn’t just any chicken noodle soup; it’s a powerhouse of flavor, packed with zesty ginger and robust garlic to create a broth that’s both comforting and invigorating. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a hug in a bowl, this recipe is your answer. It’s the perfect simple, wholesome, and deeply satisfying meal that your whole family will love.
Why This Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is a Must-Try
You’re going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why. First, the flavor is simply unbeatable. The aromatic combination of fresh ginger and garlic creates a vibrant, fragrant broth that elevates this classic soup to a whole new level. It’s the kind of soup that tastes like it has been simmering for hours, but it comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. For another comforting weeknight meal, you might also enjoy this oven-roasted French garlic chicken.
Beyond its incredible taste, this soup is packed with wholesome ingredients. We use tender chicken, hearty noodles, and fresh vegetables to create a balanced and nutritious meal. It’s comfort food you can feel good about eating. The ginger and garlic are not just for flavor; they’re known for their immune-boosting properties, making this the perfect meal when you need a little extra comfort and care.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Bowl
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to build its incredible depth of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Aromatic Broth:
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and building the first layer of flavor.
- Onion: A classic soup base that provides a sweet, savory foundation.
- Carrots & Celery: The essential mirepoix vegetables that add sweetness and earthiness.
- Fresh Ginger: The star of the show! It provides a warm, zesty, and slightly spicy kick. Don’t be shy with it.
- Fresh Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory depth that perfectly complements the ginger.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Using a low-sodium broth allows you to control the final saltiness of the soup.
For the Soup:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Poached directly in the broth, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. You can also use chicken thighs.
- Egg Noodles: Their hearty, chewy texture is perfect for this soup. Feel free to substitute with your favorite noodle.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a touch of umami and depth to the broth.
- Fresh Parsley & Green Onions: For a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color to finish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup
Follow these simple steps to create the most comforting soup imaginable. We’ll build the flavor layer by layer for a truly unforgettable result.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced ginger and garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the whole chicken breasts into the simmering broth. Let them poach for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a cutting board to cool slightly.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring the broth back to a rolling boil and add the egg noodles. Cook according to the package directions until al dente.
- Shred the Chicken: While the noodles are cooking, use two forks to shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh parsley and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Want to make your soup even better? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Skimp on Fresh Aromatics: Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. The powdered versions just don’t compare in this Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup.
- Cook Noodles Separately (Optional): If you plan on having leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual bowls upon serving. This prevents them from becoming mushy in the stored soup.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your broth before serving. It might need an extra pinch of salt, a dash of soy sauce, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.
If you love the flavors in this dish, you should also try our delicious homemade chow mein recipe for another Asian-inspired classic.
Customizations and Variations
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great starting point for your own creations. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra nutrients. For a different flavor profile, a splash of sesame oil can add a lovely nutty aroma. Looking for another amazing soup recipe? This hearty lentil soup is a reader favorite.
Storing and Reheating Your Soup
This Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup makes for fantastic leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can make the chicken tough and the noodles mushy.
FAQs about Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup
Yes, this soup is great for meal prep. For the best results, we recommend storing the cooked noodles separately and adding them to the soup as you reheat it. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.
Absolutely! While classic egg noodles are used here, you can substitute them with rotini, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
This soup is very versatile. You can easily add more vegetables like chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking, or include peas, corn, or mushrooms with the other base vegetables.
To add a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger. A dash of sriracha or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce stirred in at the end also works wonderfully.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great lean option that becomes very tender when poached in the broth. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for slightly richer, more flavorful meat.
More Comforting Recipes to Try
Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup (The Ultimate Comfort Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced ginger and garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully place the whole chicken breasts into the simmering broth. Let them poach for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Bring the broth back to a rolling boil and add the egg noodles. Cook according to the package directions until al dente.
- While the noodles are cooking, use two forks to shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh parsley and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
If making ahead, cook and store noodles separately to prevent them from getting soggy.
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Share Your Creation!
We hope you love this Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup as much as we do! It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and comforting. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share a photo on Pinterest and tell us what you think in the comments below. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow!
