This classic ginger garlic chicken noodle soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food with a flavorful twist. I simmer tender chicken in a fragrant broth infused with fresh ginger and garlic, then stir in noodles and simple vegetables for a nourishing bowl that warms me from the inside out. It’s my go-to when I need something soothing, healing, or just deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this soup takes the familiar comfort of chicken noodle soup and elevates it with the bold, aromatic flavors of ginger and garlic. It’s comforting yet vibrant, hearty yet light, and incredibly easy to make. Whether I’m feeling under the weather or just want a wholesome meal, this soup always delivers that homemade, feel-good warmth.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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fresh ginger, sliced or minced
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garlic cloves, minced
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onion, diced
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carrots, sliced
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celery, sliced
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chicken broth or stock
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soy sauce or fish sauce (optional for depth)
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salt and black pepper
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egg noodles, rice noodles, or any noodles of choice
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olive oil or sesame oil
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green onions and fresh herbs (like cilantro or parsley, for garnish)
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lemon or lime juice (optional, for brightness)
Directions
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I heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant—about 2–3 minutes.
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I add the carrots and celery, cooking for another few minutes until they begin to soften.
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I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
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I add the raw chicken and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.
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I remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
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I stir in the noodles and cook according to package directions until tender.
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I season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce or fish sauce if using.
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I finish the soup with a splash of lemon or lime juice and garnish with green onions and fresh herbs before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I add mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy to bulk up the veggies. For a spicier version, I toss in sliced chili or a dash of chili oil. I’ve also swapped the noodles for rice or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. When I want it extra rich, I use a homemade broth or add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end.
storage/reheating
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If I know I’ll be storing some for later, I cook the noodles separately and add them fresh to each serving so they don’t get soggy. This soup also freezes beautifully—just leave the noodles out and add fresh ones when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Yes, I often use shredded cooked chicken and just simmer it in the broth for a few minutes to warm through before adding the noodles.
What type of noodles work best?
Egg noodles, rice noodles, soba, or even spaghetti all work. I just adjust the cook time based on the type I choose.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, I add all ingredients except the noodles and cook on low for 6–7 hours. I stir in cooked noodles just before serving.
Is ginger garlic chicken soup good when I’m sick?
Absolutely. The garlic and ginger are known for their immune-supporting properties, and the warm broth is soothing and hydrating.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, I use vegetable broth and swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas. The ginger garlic flavor still shines.
Conclusion
This classic ginger garlic chicken noodle soup is everything I want in a comforting meal—simple, soothing, and full of flavor. Whether I’m battling a cold or just craving something warm and nourishing, this soup wraps me in comfort every time. It’s one of those timeless recipes I keep coming back to, bowl after bowl.
PrintClassic Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup
This classic ginger garlic chicken noodle soup is a cozy, nourishing bowl of comfort with bold flavors. Tender chicken, aromatic ginger and garlic, and simple veggies simmer in a savory broth with noodles for a healing, flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced or minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1–2 tbsp soy sauce or fish sauce (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4–6 oz egg noodles, rice noodles, or any noodles of choice
- 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- Chopped green onions and fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley), for garnish
- 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for another 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add chicken and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the pot.
- Stir in noodles and cook according to package directions until tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and soy or fish sauce if using.
- Finish with lemon or lime juice. Garnish with green onions and herbs before serving.
Notes
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy for extra veggies.
- Use chili oil or fresh chili for a spicy kick.
- Swap noodles for rice or quinoa for a gluten-free version.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time—just warm it in the broth.
- Store noodles separately if prepping ahead to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
