If you have been searching for a soul-warming bowl that is bursting with fresh flavors and comforting textures, look no further than this Aromatic Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. This recipe brings together tender chicken thighs, vibrant scallions, and the invigorating zing of ginger, all simmered in a savory broth that hugs every noodle strand. Every spoonful offers the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic notes that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. This soup isn’t just delicious—it’s a celebration of ingredients that brighten and satisfy in equal measure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup’s magic comes from a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each chosen to add a unique layer of flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken thighs packed with richness to the sharp freshness of scallions and the gentle heat of ginger, everything harmonizes beautifully.
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, they provide the hearty protein base and a rich texture.
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced: Brings a warm, pungent aroma that deepens the broth’s flavor.
- 3 inches fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped: Adds a refreshing spiciness and zesty brightness to the soup.
- 1 bundle scallions (6 to 8 oz), thinly sliced: Gives a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.
- 4 tsp kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavors perfectly.
- 10 cups water: The pure base for a clear, comforting broth.
- 8 oz dried ramen noodles: Provides a chewy, satisfying texture that soaks up the delicious broth.
- 1 cup carrot, cut into thin matchsticks: Adds a subtle sweetness and a bright orange pop of color.
- 1/4 cup black rice vinegar: Delivers a mellow tang that balances the soup’s richness.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Infuses a deep umami flavor that pulls the whole soup together.
How to Make Aromatic Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth with Chicken
Start by gathering your ingredients so everything is at your fingertips—this makes cooking smooth and joyful. Add the chicken thighs, kosher salt, and water to a large pot, then bring it to a boil. This step ensures the rich flavors start building right in the broth while cooking the chicken tender and juicy for shredding later. Simmer gently for 15 minutes to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and taste.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. This shredded chicken will be added back in later to soak in all the gorgeous broth flavors, making every bite satisfying and flavorful.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic, Ginger, and Scallion Whites
In the same pot, use the remaining broth to sauté the thinly sliced garlic and finely chopped ginger until their irresistible fragrance fills your kitchen. The scallion whites go in next, releasing a mild oniony sweetness that perfectly complements the spices. This step transforms the broth into a deeply aromatic base that elevates the entire soup.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles and Carrots
Bring the broth back to a boil and add the dried ramen noodles along with the thin carrot matchsticks. Cooking the noodles directly in the broth allows them to soak up all the savory and tangy notes, while the carrots provide delicate sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the black rice vinegar and soy sauce. These ingredients add a captivating tang and rich umami depth. Stir everything gently just until heated through; this keeps the chicken juicy and evenly coated in the delicious broth, ready to warm your soul.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Scallion Greens
Finish by sprinkling the soup generously with the fresh green parts of the scallions. This final touch adds a burst of color and a light oniony crunch, balancing the rich, warm flavors in every bowl.
How to Serve Aromatic Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your soup serving with fresh vibrant garnishes such as extra thinly sliced scallions, a few chili flakes for heat, or even a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for added depth. These simple additions lift the dish and let each diner customize their bowl to taste, making each experience personal and delightful.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with light sides like steamed dumplings, crisp cucumber salad, or a soft, buttery baguette to soak up that flavorful broth. These accompaniments provide contrasting textures and flavors, creating a balanced and complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the soup in rustic stone bowls or clear glass mugs to showcase the vibrant colors of the carrots, scallions, and noodles. Adding an edible flower or microgreens on top can also elevate the presentation for special occasions or casual dinners with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When stored properly, the flavors continue to meld beautifully, making lunchtime or dinner the next day just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to keep this cozy soup for longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It keeps well for up to 2 months, making it a perfect meal to have on hand for busy days or when you need a quick comfort fix.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally to maintain a consistent temperature. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen to preserve the soup’s texture and flavor fully. Add a sprinkle of fresh scallions before serving to revive that fresh aroma and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat, but be mindful of cooking times as breasts can dry out faster. Simmer gently and shred once tender to keep the texture just right for this soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a medley of mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of water and chicken. While the flavor profile will change, the aromatic ginger and scallions still shine beautifully.
What kind of noodles work best?
Dried ramen noodles are traditional and soak up the broth wonderfully, but you can also use rice noodles or even whole wheat spaghetti for different textures. Just follow the package cooking times to avoid overcooking.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely. This recipe is mild by nature, but adding fresh sliced chilies or a dash of chili oil can bring in a pleasant heat that complements the ginger and garlic flavors perfectly.
How do I make the broth clearer?
To get a clearer broth, avoid boiling vigorously and skim off any foam that forms during cooking. Gentle simmering helps keep the broth clear and pure in flavor, allowing the aromatic ingredients to shine through.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Aromatic Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm, delicious hug from the inside out. It’s simple to prepare, full of fresh exciting flavors, and comforting in every sense. Whether you’re craving a light yet satisfying meal or want to impress friends with a bowl full of goodness, this recipe promises a little magic every time you serve it. Happy cooking and even happier slurping!
Print
Aromatic Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Aromatic Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a fragrant broth with ginger, garlic, scallions, and a splash of black rice vinegar and soy sauce. This hearty soup is enhanced with chewy ramen noodles and fresh matchstick carrots, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 inches fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 bundle scallions (6 to 8 oz), thinly sliced (separate whites and greens)
- 4 tsp kosher salt
- 10 cups water
- 8 oz dried ramen noodles
- 1 cup carrot, cut into thin matchsticks
- 1/4 cup black rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Thinly slice the garlic cloves, finely chop the ginger, slice the scallions separating whites and greens, and cut the carrots into matchsticks.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot, combine the chicken thighs with 10 cups of water and 4 teaspoons of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer Chicken: Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook the chicken for 15 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks or your hands.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot with the broth, add the sliced garlic and chopped ginger. Sauté over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the white parts of the scallions and cook for an additional minute.
- Cook Noodles and Carrots: Bring the broth back to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and carrot matchsticks to the pot. Cook following the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until noodles are tender and carrots slightly softened.
- Combine Soup: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the black rice vinegar, soy sauce, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and hot.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the green parts of the scallions on top. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- For a richer broth, you can simmer the chicken longer or add chicken bones if available.
- Adjust soy sauce and vinegar amounts according to taste preference for saltiness and acidity.
- Use gluten-free noodles to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adding a soft-boiled egg makes a delightful topping for extra protein and texture.
