If you crave soul-soothing comfort with a lively burst of fresh flavors, this Aromatic Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly the kind of bowl you want simmering on your stove. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender chicken, fragrant ginger, bright scallions, and slurp-worthy ramen noodles swimming in a perfectly seasoned broth. Every spoonful offers warmth and zest, making it an all-time favorite that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this unforgettable soup, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the silky chicken thighs to the zing of fresh ginger and the earthy depth of black rice vinegar, every item is essential.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (2 lb): These give tender, juicy meat that’s full of flavor and easy to shred.
- Garlic cloves (6, thinly sliced): Adds a warm, aromatic base that complements the ginger perfectly.
- Fresh ginger (3 inches, peeled and finely chopped): The star spice for that signature vibrant and zesty aroma.
- Scallions (1 bundle, thinly sliced): Both white and green parts add freshness and crunch.
- Kosher salt (4 tsp): Essential to bring out all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Water (10 cups): The broth’s foundation, keeping everything light yet flavorful.
- Dried ramen noodles (8 oz): Perfect for soaking in the broth’s richness and offering a satisfying bite.
- Carrot (1 cup, cut into thin matchsticks): For a slight sweetness and delightful texture contrast.
- Black rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds a tangy note that lifts the dish beautifully.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Brings umami depth and a subtle saltiness to balance the flavors.
How to Make Aromatic Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them before you turn on the heat. Thinly slice garlic, finely chop fresh ginger, and slice your scallions, separating the white parts from the greens. Cut the carrot into thin matchsticks; this ensures the cooking process flows smoothly and the flavors develop evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, combine the chicken thighs, water, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs to shred them with forks. This step creates a flavorful base for the soup broth while ensuring the chicken stays juicy.
Step 3: Build the Aromatic Broth
Using the same pot with the broth, add the sliced garlic and chopped ginger. Sauté gently until the kitchen fills with their intoxicating scent, usually around 2 to 3 minutes. Then, toss in the white parts of the scallions for an added sharpness that will infuse into the broth beautifully.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Vegetables
Bring your broth back to a boil and add the ramen noodles along with the carrot matchsticks. Follow the noodle package instructions for cooking times; the noodles will soak up the savory broth while the carrots stay delightfully crisp, adding texture and a pop of color to your soup bowl.
Step 5: Final Flavor Boost and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in black rice vinegar and soy sauce. These ingredients create a vibrant balance of tang and umami that makes this soup unforgettable. Give everything a good stir to heat through and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with the green parts of the scallions sprinkled on top for a fresh, peppery finish.
How to Serve Aromatic Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A generous handful of freshly sliced green scallions on top adds a vibrant, peppery zing that cuts through the richness of the broth perfectly. For an extra kick, a small drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can elevate the experience to an even more indulgent level.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with lightly steamed dumplings or a crunchy Asian slaw that balances its warmth and depth with fresh, crisp textures. Simple steamed jasmine rice or a side of pickled vegetables also complements the soup’s bold but comforting flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style dinner, serve the broth and shredded chicken in a large pot at the table, while keeping noodles, scallions, and garnishes in separate bowls. Let everyone assemble their own bowl, making it interactive and ensuring everyone gets their perfect combination of toppings. You can also serve it in pretty Asian-style bowls to enhance the inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles separate if possible to prevent them from getting soggy. When stored well, the flavors meld beautifully, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the broth and shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the noodles and fresh scallions, as they don’t freeze well and can become mushy upon thawing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh noodles to add to the reheated soup.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat until warmed through. If the broth feels too intense after refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth to adjust the flavor and consistency. Add fresh noodles and scallions right before serving for maximum freshness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which enhances the soup’s rich texture. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The ginger, scallions, and soy sauce still create that vibrant flavor profile that makes this soup so special.
Can I use fresh noodles instead of dried ramen noodles?
Fresh noodles work wonderfully in this recipe and cook much faster. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and add them toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
What can I add for extra heat?
If you love a spicy kick, add fresh sliced chilies, chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil when serving. These options will nicely complement the soup’s bright aromatics without overpowering its delicate balance.
How can I make the broth more flavorful?
Simmering the chicken with aromatics like star anise or a few dried shiitake mushrooms can deepen the broth’s complexity. Also, roasting the garlic and ginger before sautéing adds a lovely smokiness that enriches the overall taste.
Final Thoughts
This Aromatic Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a wonderful celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delicious and comforting. The bright flavors of ginger and scallions combined with tender chicken and satisfying noodles make it a meal that’s warm in every sense. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how easy it is to make such an extraordinary soup right at home.
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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 thighs simmered in a fragrant broth enriched with garlic, ginger, scallions, and a tangy soy-vinegar seasoning. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal, this 30-minute soup serves six and combines nourishing ingredients with delicious Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 inches fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 bundle scallions (6 to 8 oz), thinly sliced, whites and greens separated
- 1 cup carrot, cut into thin matchsticks
Broth & Seasonings
- 4 tsp kosher salt
- 10 cups water
- 1/4 cup black rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Noodles
- 8 oz dried ramen noodles
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Gather all ingredients and prepare by thinly slicing garlic and scallions, finely chopping ginger, and cutting carrots into thin matchsticks to streamline the cooking process.
- Cook chicken: In a large pot, combine the boneless skinless chicken thighs with 10 cups of water and 4 teaspoons kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Shred chicken: Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the pot and shred them using two forks. Set aside the shredded chicken for later use.
- 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. Then add the white parts of the scallions and cook briefly to release their flavor.
- Cook noodles and vegetables: Bring the broth back to a boil. Add the dried ramen noodles and the matchstick carrots to the pot. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, until tender.
- Combine and season: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add 1/4 cup black rice vinegar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors are well combined.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with the green parts of the scallions on top. Serve immediately for a warming and aromatic experience.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili oil when serving.
- You can substitute ramen noodles with rice noodles or udon depending on your preference.
- Using bone-in chicken thighs adds extra depth to the broth but requires longer cooking time.
- Adjust soy sauce and vinegar amounts to balance the soup’s saltiness and tanginess to your taste.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles to keep texture pleasantly firm.
