If you’re craving a bowl of warmth that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly light and nourishing, this Asian Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe has everything you need. With tender shredded chicken, crisp cabbage, and aromatic hints of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, this soup strikes the perfect balance between comforting and fresh. It’s a soul-soothing meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want a wholesome bowl of goodness without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Asian Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe plays a crucial role, combining simple pantry staples and fresh produce to create layers of savory, aromatic, and textural delight. Each one is essential, whether it’s the fragrant ginger or the crunchy cabbage, contributing to the overall magic in the bowl.
- Vegetable oil: The perfect neutral base for sautéing and building flavor.
- Onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the pot.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a warm, pungent aroma that’s unmistakably inviting.
- Ginger (grated): Offers a bright, spicy note that lifts the soup’s profile.
- Chicken broth: Serves as a flavorful foundation, soaking every ingredient with richness.
- Cabbage (shredded): Provides crunch and body, giving texture and color to the soup.
- Chicken breasts (cooked and shredded): Delivers lean protein that makes the soup hearty.
- Soy sauce: Injects deep umami and subtle saltiness that ties all flavors together.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty essence that’s signature to Asian cuisine.
- Green onions (for garnish): A fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Asian Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes until these fragrant ingredients soften and release their incredible aroma, which sets the stage for the rest of the soup’s flavors.
Step 2: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat just enough to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This step helps infuse the broth with the savory notes of onion, garlic, and ginger, turning the simple liquid into a soulful base that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.
Step 3: Incorporate Cabbage and Chicken
Once boiling, add the shredded cabbage along with the cooked and shredded chicken breasts. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the cabbage to soften slightly while still maintaining a satisfying crunch, and the chicken to absorb the broth’s fragrant elements.
Step 4: Final Flavor Boost
Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil toward the end to deepen the flavor profile with salty umami and nutty warmth. Let it cook for 2 more minutes so these ingredients meld seamlessly with the rest of the soup, enhancing every spoonful with layers of taste.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions on top. They add a fresh burst of color and a mild onion flavor, perfectly complementing the soup’s savory richness and making it look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond green onions, consider a few toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil if you like a hint of heat. Fresh cilantro or thinly sliced red chili can also elevate the soup’s vibrancy, making each bowl as visually appealing as it is flavorful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple steamed rice or light vegetable sides like sautéed bok choy or snap peas. A crunchy Asian slaw or a small serving of pickled vegetables can contrast nicely with the soup’s warm, comforting nature.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a homely feel or in elegant white porcelain to highlight the bright colors. You can also turn it into a playful meal by serving it with crispy wonton chips or steamed dumplings on the side for dipping and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Asian Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and prevent the cabbage from becoming too soft.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup if you want to prepare in advance. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen soup is best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat to avoid overcooking the cabbage. If reheated from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain the soup’s lovely consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and tenderness to your soup. Just make sure they are cooked and shredded before adding.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version of this Asian Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe.
How can I make the soup spicier?
Add chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a few drops of chili oil when adding the soy sauce and sesame oil to give the soup a spicy kick that suits your palate.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Pre-shredded cabbage works great and saves prep time, just be sure to rinse it well to remove any unwanted grit before adding it to the soup.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you want a gluten-free option, tamari or coconut aminos are excellent substitutes that won’t compromise the flavor of your soup.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe is such a heartfelt dish that you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. Its combination of fresh, simple ingredients with bold, comforting flavors makes it a standout at any table. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth and nourishment it brings to your kitchen and your soul!
Print
Asian Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This comforting Asian Chicken Cabbage Soup is a hearty yet light dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Featuring tender cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, and a flavorful broth infused with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, this soup offers a delicious balance of savory and aromatic notes. Garnished with fresh green onions, it delivers warmth and nourishment in every bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cabbage (shredded)
- 2 chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
Seasonings and Garnish
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil until shimmering.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pot. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Add broth and bring to a boil: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, then increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Add cabbage and chicken: Stir in the shredded cabbage and cooked shredded chicken breasts. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Season the soup: Mix in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to blend the seasonings.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving to add freshness and a mild onion crunch.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes while sautéing the aromatics.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Cook chicken breasts ahead by boiling or roasting to save time.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Substitute cabbage with Napa cabbage for a milder flavor.
