Craving a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup but short on time? This quick and easy recipe delivers all the classic flavors you love in just 20 minutes! Forget lengthy simmering and complicated steps; this recipe utilizes pantry staples and readily available ingredients to create a delicious and nourishing meal perfect for a busy weeknight. Whether you're battling a cold or simply seeking a satisfyingly simple dinner, this recipe is your go-to solution.
This quick chicken noodle soup is incredibly budget-friendly, using inexpensive ingredients to maximize flavor without breaking the bank. We'll guide you through a streamlined process that ensures a flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles, all without sacrificing taste or quality. Ready to get started on this incredibly fast and delicious soup? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Clay pot (or stock pot with flat bottom)
- Oil strainer
Ingredients
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- Cooking oil: a little bit
- Jingkwa (optional): a small piece
- Ginger: a large amount
- Garlic cloves
- Shallots
- Scallions: 2
- Boiling water: 2 liters
- Shiitake mushrooms (or other types)
- Baby bok choy (or other green leafy vegetables)
- Fresh ramen noodles (or other noodles): 400-500g fresh / 250-300g dried
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Fish sauce
- Garlic powder
- Sesame oil
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sear Chicken and Sauté Aromatics
- Preheat a clay pot (or stock pot) over medium-high heat until hot. Drizzle in a little cooking oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
- Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown (a few minutes per side). Add a small piece of jingkwa (optional) for extra umami.
- Slice ginger, halve garlic cloves (no need to peel yet), quarter shallots (remove outer layers), and tie two scallions into a knot.
- Add aromatics (ginger, garlic, shallots, scallions) between the chicken pieces in the pot.
Step 2. Simmer Broth and Prepare Vegetables
- Pour in 2 liters of boiling water. The rapid boiling will help extract flavor from the chicken.
- Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes to tenderize the chicken.
- Remove chicken from the pot and let it cool. Discard aromatics and skim off excess chicken fat using an oil strainer.
- Slice mushrooms and prepare baby bok choy. Add mushrooms to the broth and bring to a boil.
Step 3. Cook Noodles and Chicken
- Add noodles (fresh noodles need a few minutes, dried noodles longer; adjust according to package instructions).
- Shred chicken meat from bones; discard skin. Season shredded chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, garlic powder, and sesame oil.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add bok choy to the soup during the last 30 seconds of cooking. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot with shredded chicken.
Read more: Chinese Wonton Soup: Thousand-Li Fragrance Recipe
Tips
- Using a gas stove, the middle pieces of chicken might not sear as well as the sides; adjust accordingly.
- You can use different types of noodles, such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or even instant noodles.
- Adjust cooking time for noodles based on their thickness and type. Check package instructions.
- You can choose to leave the chicken whole (thighs or drumsticks) instead of shredding it.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-800
- Fat: 20-35g
- Carbs: 70-90g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this soup even faster?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken will cut your prep time significantly. Just shred it and add it during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. What can I substitute if I don't have all the vegetables listed?
Feel free to adapt! Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Carrots, celery, and onion are traditional, but you can add peas, corn, spinach, or even leftover cooked vegetables.
This 20-minute chicken noodle soup recipe proves that delicious and comforting meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Enjoy this quick, budget-friendly recipe as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a soothing remedy for a chilly evening. Now get cooking and savor every spoonful!