This Chicken Soba Noodle Soup is warm and cozy, perfect for any day! The tender chicken, soft noodles, and fresh veggies make it a delicious bowl of goodness.
You can easily whip it up in no time, and it’s like a hug in a bowl. I love adding a splash of soy sauce for that extra flavor—it really takes it to the next level!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: Use homemade or store-bought chicken broth for depth of flavor. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth works great too!
Soba Noodles: These noodles add a nutty taste. If you can’t find them, try whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles as a substitute. Just check cooking times!
Shiitake Mushrooms: Shiitake bring an earthy flavor. If unavailable, button mushrooms or even sliced portobellos can step in nicely.
Soft-Boiled Eggs: They add creaminess. You can skip them or use poached eggs instead. If you avoid eggs, just add more greens!
Sesame Oil: It gives a lovely aroma. If you’re after a different flavor, try using olive oil or peanut oil.
Why Should I Take Care When Cooking Soba Noodles?
Cooking soba noodles perfectly is key! Overcooking can lead to mushy noodles. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Film the surface with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the soba noodles and stir gently for the first minute. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 4-7 minutes.
- Taste a noodle a minute before the time is up; they should be al dente, not mushy.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
Chicken Soba Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 2 cups fresh spinach or bok choy
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 3 green onions (scallions), sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (optional)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Noodles:
- 200 g soba noodles
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Soba Noodle Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a comforting lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing Aromatics:
Begin by heating the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn them!
2. Cooking the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the sliced shiitake mushrooms and finely sliced red chili. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms start to soften and release their flavors.
3. Adding the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth along with the soy sauce, mirin (if you’re using it), and rice vinegar. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Heating the Chicken:
Now, add the cooked shredded chicken to the hot broth. Allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to mix everything together.
5. Preparing the Noodles:
While the soup is simmering, cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set aside.
6. Adding Greens:
Add the fresh spinach or bok choy to the soup and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
7. Serving the Soup:
To serve, divide the cooked soba noodles into individual bowls. Ladle the hot broth filled with chicken and veggies over the noodles.
8. Topping Off:
Finish off each bowl with a halved soft-boiled egg, some sliced green onions, a few slices of fresh red chili for an extra kick, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.
9. Final Seasoning:
Before digging in, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while it’s warm, and enjoy your comforting bowl of Chicken Soba Noodle Soup!
This nurturing soup is perfect for a cozy meal, featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, vibrant greens, and creamy soft-boiled eggs in a deliciously savory broth. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Store-Bought Chicken Broth?
Absolutely! Store-bought chicken broth is a convenient option and will save you time. Just make sure to choose a low-sodium variety if you’re watching your salt intake, and adjust seasoning at the end as needed.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the shredded chicken. You might also want to add tofu for protein!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Keep the noodles separate if possible, as they can become mushy when stored with broth.
What Can I Use Instead of Soba Noodles?
If you can’t find soba noodles, whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles work well as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure they are cooked al dente!
