Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup—The Cozy Bowl You Didn’t Know You Needed

Okay, picture this: it’s chilly outside, your toes are freezing, and you’re standing in the kitchen debating between instant noodles or actually cooking something decent. This is where Chinese chicken noodle soup swoops in like a hero in a steaming bowl. It’s hearty, soothing, and somehow feels like a warm hug from the inside.

Plus—unlike the “takes forever” kind of soups—this one’s surprisingly low-effort. You basically simmer, slurp, and smile. And yes, you can totally eat it in pajamas.

🍜 Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Servings: 2-3
Time: About 40 minutes (most of it is just the chicken minding its own business in the pot)

🐔 For the Broth

  • 1.5 pounds chicken leg quarters (about 2 leg quarters)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
  • 5 cups water
  • 2-3 slices fresh ginger (about ⅛-inch thick, 2 inches long)
  • 1 scallion (whole, for simmering)
  • Salt — to taste
  • White pepper powder — to taste

🍜 For the Noodles & Veggies

  • 8 ounces fresh thin wheat noodles (or 3.5 ounces dried noodles)
  • 1 large handful leafy greens (baby bok choy, choy sum, spinach, or even romaine—no rules police here)
  • Chili oil — optional, but highly recommended for a kick

👩‍🍳 Steps

1. Sear the chicken — Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Pop in the chicken leg quarters and sear both sides until golden. This gives your broth that lovely depth.

2. Add the flavor magic — Pour in the Shaoxing wine, add ginger slices and the whole scallion. Give it a little stir—oh, and breathe in that smell.

3. Simmer down — Add 5 cups water, bring to a boil, then drop the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the chicken’s cooked through and the broth looks dreamy.

4. Noodle time — While the broth’s doing its thing, cook the noodles separately according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

5. Greens in — In the last minute of simmering, toss your leafy greens into the broth. They’ll wilt just right.

6. Season & serve — Fish out the ginger and scallion, season with salt and white pepper. Ladle broth and chicken over noodles, top with greens, and—if you’re feeling bold—drizzle some chili oil.

(Bonus tip: shred the chicken off the bone before serving for easier eating. Unless you like to wrestle drumsticks mid-slurp.)

❓ FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead?

You can, but leg quarters give you way more flavor. Breasts cook faster, so just keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

Swap with dry sherry or even a splash of mirin. If you skip it entirely, your soup will still be good—just a little less “restaurant authentic.”

Can I make it ahead of time?

Oh, 100%. The broth actually tastes better the next day. Just store it separately from the noodles so they don’t turn into mush.

How spicy is it with chili oil?

That’s totally up to you. A light drizzle gives a gentle warmth; a big spoonful… well, that’s between you and your taste buds.

Print
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Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup — The Cozy Bowl You Didn’t Know You Needed


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 23 servings 1x

Description

A comforting and flavorful Chinese chicken noodle soup made with tender chicken leg quarters, fragrant ginger, scallions, and seasoned broth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken leg quarters (about 2 leg quarters)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
  • 5 cups water
  • 23 slices fresh ginger (about ⅛-inch thick, 2 inches long)
  • 1 scallion (whole, for simmering)
  • Salt — to taste
  • White pepper powder — to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat neutral oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken leg quarters and sear until lightly browned on both sides.
  3. Pour in Shaoxing wine and let it sizzle for 30 seconds.
  4. Add water, ginger slices, and the whole scallion.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, skimming any foam.
  6. Remove chicken from pot and shred meat, discarding skin and bones.
  7. Season broth with salt and white pepper to taste.
  8. Add shredded chicken back into the broth.
  9. Serve hot with noodles and garnish as desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, simmer the broth longer and use fresh hand-pulled noodles if available.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: chinese chicken noodle soup, chicken soup, asian soup, ginger broth

🥢 Wrapping It Up

This soup isn’t fancy. It’s not complicated. It’s just… comforting. The kind of thing you make when you need a little bit of calm in a bowl. And honestly, who knew that tossing some chicken, noodles, and greens together could feel so good? Next time you’re cold, tired, or just craving something soothing—this is your go-to.

(And yes, it’s even better the next day when you’re standing at the stove in fuzzy socks.)

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