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Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy yet bursting with flavor, this Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe might just become your new go-to comfort dish. It’s got that perfect combo of tender chicken, fragrant ginger, scallions, and a little tangy, spicy drizzle that elevates the whole bowl. Trust me, after making this a few times, it’s the kind of soup I dream about on cold nights and love sharing with friends because it truly hits all the right notes. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so special and how you can make it your own.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Rich Aromatics: The ginger, scallions, and garlic combine to create an incredibly fragrant broth that feels both fresh and soothing.
  • Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow-simmering boneless thighs make for super tender, shreddable meat that soaks up all the soup’s flavors.
  • Balance of Flavors: The soy and black rice vinegar sauce brings a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and umami with a touch of heat from chili oil.
  • Quick and Easy: Despite the rich depth, everything comes together in about 40 minutes, making it a weekday favorite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe plays a key role in creating its unique flavor profile. I always recommend fresh ginger and scallions because they bring that unmistakable zing and brightness you want in a broth-based soup, plus the chicken thighs add great texture and richness. Let’s talk about how each piece contributes:

Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup, Asian chicken noodle soup, healthy chicken soup, comforting noodle soup, easy homemade chicken soup - Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken thighs with natural pink hues, thinly sliced garlic cloves, a small pile of finely chopped ginger root, divided scallion whites and scallion greens fresh and vibrant, whole uncracked brown eggs nearby, a small white ceramic bowl of black rice vinegar, another bowl of deep brown soy sauce, a third bowl with golden toasted sesame oil, a few thin matchstick-cut orange carrot sticks, a neat bundle of dried ramen noodles with curly strands, sprinkled kosher salt crystals, and a small heap of freshly ground black and white peppercorns placed symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, all arranged in perfect balance placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender when simmered — way better than breasts for soup.
  • Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic mingles into the broth for subtle depth.
  • Fresh ginger: The star of the soup’s fragrance, it adds a gentle warmth and bite.
  • Scallions: Using both the whites in the broth and the greens as a fresh topping delivers layered onion flavor.
  • Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor without overpowering.
  • Black or white pepper: Freshly ground adds a welcoming spice touch.
  • Water (broth base): Simple, but with all the aromatics, it transforms into a flavorful stock.
  • Dried ramen or curly noodles: Their springy texture is perfect for slurping in this soup.
  • Carrots (matchsticks): Adds subtle sweetness and crunch.
  • Black rice vinegar: This tangy vinegar brightens the soup beautifully.
  • Soy sauce: Brings savory depth and umami complexity.
  • Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that’s simply unforgettable.
  • Crispy chili oil: Optional but highly recommended for layered heat and richness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is so forgiving and versatile. Over time, I’ve tweaked it with different add-ins or tweaks—and you absolutely should make it your own. Feel free to adjust the heat, swap noodles, or add veggies to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

  • Spice level: I often dial up the chili oil for a spicier kick, but when friends aren’t fans of heat, I just serve it on the side.
  • Veggie boost: Sometimes I toss in bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms along with the carrots for extra greens.
  • Noodle swap: If you prefer, rice noodles or soba work well too—just adjust cooking time.
  • Protein twist: For a lighter option, use chicken breast instead of thighs, but cook carefully to avoid dryness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Into a sturdy 4-to-5-quart pot, I toss the chicken thighs along with sliced garlic, chopped ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Add kosher salt, pepper, and water, then bring it all to a rolling boil over high heat. Watching this, you’ll start smelling those aromatics pretty fast—so good! Once boiling, I reduce the heat to medium-low so it gently simmers. I keep the pot uncovered and give it an occasional stir to keep flavors mingling evenly. About 15 minutes later, the chicken is falling-apart tender and ready for shredding.

Step 2: Mix the Signature Sauce

While the chicken simmers, this is when I like to whip up the drizzle sauce that adds the finishing zing. I whisk together black rice vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil in a bowl. Then comes the chili oil—my personal favorite part! I usually go with a generous spoonful because it adds warmth and richness, but feel free to keep it mild or skip it if you prefer. This sauce takes your bowl from cozy to crave-worthy.

Step 3: Add Noodles and Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is tender, I pull it out with tongs and lay it on a cutting board. The broth is ready for its noodles and carrots, so I add those right in and let them cook according to noodle package instructions (usually 3–4 minutes). Meanwhile, using two forks, I shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—the tender texture makes this step so satisfying! When the noodles are just right, I toss the shredded chicken back into the pot to warm through.

Step 4: Final Taste and Serve

Before ladling into bowls, I always take a moment to taste the soup. Sometimes it needs a pinch more salt or pepper, or even a splash more soy sauce to deepen the umami. Then, I ladle the hot soup with noodles and chicken into serving bowls, top generously with the reserved scallion greens for that fresh crunch, and drizzle each bowl with the soy-vinegar sauce. It’s so satisfying watching everyone add their own extra sauce or chili oil to tailor the heat and flavor.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Browning the Broth: Though optional, lightly toasting the garlic and ginger in the pot with a splash of oil before adding water intensifies that aromatic base.
  • Chicken Choice Matters: Using thighs keeps the meat silky and prevents dryness; if you use breasts, watch the simmer time closely.
  • Timing the Noodles: Add noodles last and don’t overcook them. Drier noodles absorb broth quickly and get mushy fast.
  • Customizing Heat: Let everyone add chili oil individually to keep the soup friendly for all spice levels.

How to Serve Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup, Asian chicken noodle soup, healthy chicken soup, comforting noodle soup, easy homemade chicken soup - A white bowl filled with clear broth contains three main layers: at the bottom are thin, flat white noodles tangled together; floating on the noodles are small pieces of light beige shredded meat, dark brown mushroom slices, and green chopped scallions; the top layer has chunks of pale green celery and thin orange carrot strips. The broth has small drops of oil that add a light shine to the surface. The bowl sits on a light brown woven mat with a glass of light yellow liquid nearby and a white marbled tabletop underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I almost always load up the final bowl with plenty of fresh scallion greens because their brightness contrasts beautifully with the warm soup. Sometimes, I like to add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a wedge of lime for an extra zing. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few fresh cilantro leaves or a drizzle of extra chili crisp really take it over the top.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame for a light side. For something toastier, you can’t go wrong with crispy garlic bread or scallion pancakes. When I serve it to guests, I like offering chili crisp and extra soy sauce on the table for personalized dipping and drizzling.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in rustic bowls lined with sliced fresh chilies floating on top for a splash of color and heat. Another fun idea is to let everyone assemble their own bowls family-style, which brings that warm, communal vibe that makes dinner feel extra cozy and personalized.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the noodles can soak up broth and get mushy if left too long, I sometimes drain the noodles out before refrigerating and add fresh noodles when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well without the noodles. I freeze the broth and shredded chicken separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. When I’m ready to eat, I just thaw and cook fresh noodles to keep that perfect texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick. Then I add freshly cooked noodles right before serving to make it taste like new. Avoid the microwave—it can make the chicken rubbery and the noodles limp.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

    You can definitely substitute chicken breasts, but keep a close eye on them while simmering since they tend to dry out faster than thighs. I recommend lowering the cooking time and removing the breasts as soon as they’re cooked through to keep the meat tender.

  2. What type of noodles work best for this soup?

    Dried ramen or curly noodles provide the best texture for this recipe, holding up well in the broth without getting mushy quickly. If you want, you can experiment with rice noodles or soba, just watch the cooking time closely since they vary.

  3. Is the chili oil necessary?

    Chili oil is optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a little heat and richness. It adds an extra layer of depth and complexity. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit it or serve it on the side so everyone can customize their bowl.

  4. Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

    This particular recipe relies on chicken for its base flavor, so it’s not vegetarian as-is. However, you can make a similar aromatic broth using mushrooms, tofu, and vegetable stock to capture some of the savory ginger-scallion magic.

Final Thoughts

This Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has quietly become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something comforting but exciting. The way the ginger and scallions infuse the broth, combined with that tangy sauce drizzle, makes for a bowl that’s both soothing and flavorful. It’s perfect for sharing on chilly days or anytime you want a simple dinner that feels special. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this as much as I do—once you try it, I bet it’ll be one you come back to again and again.

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Ginger Scallion Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 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 chicken thighs simmered with garlic, ginger, and scallions, served with ramen noodles and a tangy soy-vinegar drizzle enhanced by toasted sesame oil and crispy chili oil.


Ingredients

Chicken Noodle Soup

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 piece ginger (3 inches), peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 bundle scallions (6 to 8 oz), thinly sliced, divided into whites and greens
  • 4 tsp kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black or white pepper, to taste
  • 10 cups water
  • 8 oz dried ramen noodles or dried curly noodles
  • 1 cup carrot, cut into thin matchsticks

Sauce Drizzle

  • 1/4 cup black rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • Crispy chili oil, to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare the broth: In a 4-to-5-quart pot, combine the chicken thighs, sliced garlic, chopped ginger, scallion whites, kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  2. Make the sauce drizzle: While the soup simmers, whisk together black rice vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil in a medium bowl. Stir in crispy chili oil to taste for a tangy, spicy sauce to drizzle on the soup later.
  3. Cook noodles and shred chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot using tongs and transfer to a cutting board. Add dried ramen noodles and carrot matchsticks to the simmering broth and cook according to the noodle package instructions, usually 3 to 4 minutes. Meanwhile, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  4. Combine and season: Once noodles are tender, return shredded chicken to the pot. Gently stir to combine and rewarm for about 1 minute. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional soy sauce to enhance the umami.
  5. Serve: Divide the hot soup with noodles and chicken among bowls. Top each serving with a generous handful of reserved scallion greens. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of the soy-vinegar sauce over each bowl, adding more to taste. Serve immediately and allow guests to add extra sauce or chili oil as desired.

Notes

  • Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of crispy chili oil according to your preferred spice level.
  • Substitute ramen noodles with any curly or egg noodles if desired.
  • To make the soup richer, add a dash of soy sauce while adjusting seasoning after reheating.
  • Reserve scallion greens for garnish to add freshness and crunch.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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