Name: Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup: The Best Comfort Food to Try This Winter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 1 stalk celery, chopped; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional); 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great); 4 oz egg noodles or rice noodles; 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional, for color); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh lime juice (to finish); Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish

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Tired of bland, uninspiring soups that fail to warm you up during those chilly winter days? There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming bowl of fragrant, healing ginger garlic chicken noodle soup when temperatures drop.

This isn’t just any chicken soup it’s a soul-warming elixir that combines aromatic ginger and garlic with tender chicken and hearty noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience.

As part of the Cooks Foody team, I’ve spent countless winter evenings perfecting this recipe. What began as Elizabeth’s grandmother’s traditional chicken soup has evolved through Daniel’s creative Asian-inspired additions into the comforting masterpiece I’m sharing today.

After testing multiple variations during our recipe development sessions in Austin, we’ve created the perfect balance of healing ingredients and comforting flavors.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to select the perfect chicken pieces, learn the secret to a deeply flavorful broth, master the timing of noodle additions, and explore variations to suit your taste preferences. Plus, I’ll share pro tips for make-ahead options perfect for busy weeknights.

Why This Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Works

Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients you likely already have
Comes together in one pot for minimal cleanup
Features immune-boosting ginger and garlic perfect for cold and flu season
Provides both quick cooking options (30 minutes) or slow-simmered depth (90 minutes)
Freezes beautifully for meal prep and emergency comfort food
Balances aromatic Asian flavors with familiar chicken soup comfort

Choosing the Right Chicken for Your Ginger Garlic Soup

Best Cuts for This Chicken Soup Recipe

For the most flavorful ginger garlic chicken noodle soup, bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are ideal. Chicken thighs offer richer flavor and stay tender even with longer cooking times, while a combination of thighs and breasts gives you both dark and white meat options. For maximum convenience, a whole chicken cut into parts provides everything you need for a robust, gelatin-rich broth.

Buying Tips

When shopping for chicken for your ginger garlic soup:

Look for chicken with pinkish flesh and no strong odor
Choose organic or free-range chicken for better flavor when possible
If using pre-packaged chicken, check for excess liquid in the package (which can indicate poor freshness)
Buy chicken as close to your cooking date as possible

Substitutions

If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully simply shred the meat and add the carcass to your broth for extra flavor. Vegetarians can substitute firm tofu cubes or chickpeas, though you’ll need to use vegetable broth and may want to increase the aromatics to compensate.

Looking for another warming winter treat? Try our Gingerbread Yule Log Cake for dessert!

Ingredients & Prep for Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup

Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup: The Best Comfort Food to Try This Winter

Chicken Soup Prep Essentials

Before beginning your ginger garlic chicken soup, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help with browning. If using a whole chicken, cut it into 8 pieces or ask your butcher to do this for you. For boneless options, slice chicken into even pieces so they cook uniformly.

Aromatics & Broth Components

Fresh ginger (2-inch piece, peeled and thinly sliced)
Garlic (6-8 cloves, minced or sliced)
Scallions (1 bunch, whites and greens separated)
Chicken broth (8 cups, low sodium preferred)
Star anise (2 whole pieces)
Bay leaves (2)
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon)
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon)

Noodles & Garnishes

Noodles (8 oz ramen, egg noodles, or rice noodles)
Cilantro (½ cup, roughly chopped)
Lime wedges (for serving)
Bean sprouts (1 cup)
Chili oil or sriracha (optional, for heat)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup

Pre-Cooking Prep for Chicken Soup

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil over medium-high heat
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper
Brown chicken pieces in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side
Remove chicken and set aside

Cooking Method for Ginger Garlic Chicken Soup

In the same pot, add sliced ginger, minced garlic, and white parts of scallions
Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes
Return chicken to pot and add broth, star anise, and bay leaves
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer
Cook covered for 30-45 minutes until chicken is tender and falling off the bone
Remove chicken, let cool slightly, then shred meat and discard bones
Strain broth if desired for a cleaner soup
Return shredded chicken to the pot
Add soy sauce and rice vinegar

Adding Noodles to Your Chicken Soup

Add your choice of noodles directly to the broth
Cook according to package directions (typically 3-5 minutes)
For meal prep, cook and store noodles separately to prevent them from absorbing too much liquid

Finishing Your Ginger Garlic Chicken Soup

Stir in a teaspoon of sesame oil
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
Ladle into bowls
Garnish with scallion greens, cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime wedges

Need a sweet treat after your soup? Check out our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for a festive dessert!

Pro Tips for Perfect Ginger Garlic Chicken Soup

Avoiding Common Chicken Soup Mistakes

Don’t skip browning the chicken – this develops crucial flavor compounds
Simmer, don’t boil – a gentle simmer extracts flavor without making the broth cloudy
Remove scum – skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a cleaner-tasting soup
Season in layers – add salt gradually throughout cooking rather than all at once

Tool Recommendations for Chicken Soup

A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or stock pot retains heat evenly
A mesh strainer helps create a clear broth if desired
Kitchen shears make cutting chicken easier
A soup ladle with a pour spout reduces spills when serving

Storage & Reheating Your Chicken Soup

Store soup and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, omit noodles and freeze broth with chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding fresh noodles when serving.

For more soup-perfect pairings, check out our Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies for the ultimate winter comfort duo!

Flavor Variations for Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup

Spicy Ginger Garlic Chicken Soup

Transform your soup into a fiery delight by adding:

1-2 Thai chilies, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce
A pinch of Korean gochugaru flakes for smoky heat

Low-Carb/Keto Chicken Soup Option

Make this ginger garlic chicken soup keto-friendly by:

Substituting zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for traditional options
Adding extra chicken for increased protein and fat
Including a tablespoon of coconut cream for richness

Global Flavor Variations

Cuisine	Key Additions	Garnish Recommendations
Thai	Lemongrass, coconut milk, fish sauce	Thai basil, lime wedges
Japanese	Miso paste, mirin, shiitake mushrooms	Nori strips, soft-boiled egg
Korean	Gochujang, kimchi	Sesame seeds, thinly sliced omelet
Mexican	Cumin, oregano, lime juice	Avocado, crispy tortilla strips

Serving Suggestions for Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup

This soothing ginger garlic chicken noodle soup is a meal in itself, but you can elevate your dining experience with these perfect accompaniments:

Serve with a side of crispy scallion pancakes for dipping
Add a fresh Asian slaw with sesame dressing for textural contrast
Include steamed dumplings on the side for a more substantial meal
Finish with fresh fruit like mandarin oranges or Asian pears for a light dessert

For those looking for inspiration beyond the kitchen, check out our Pinterest board filled with stunning food photography and creative serving ideas that will take your soup presentation to the next level!

FAQs About Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup

Can I make this ginger garlic chicken soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add all ingredients except noodles and garnishes to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot. Add noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How do I store leftover chicken noodle soup?
Store the broth with chicken separately from the noodles. Refrigerate both in airtight containers for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm the broth first, then add the noodles just until heated through.

Can I use chicken breast only for this soup?
Yes, though the soup will have less depth of flavor. If using only breasts, consider adding a tablespoon of butter or some chicken bouillon to enrich the broth.

Is this chicken soup recipe suitable for sick people?
Definitely! The combination of ginger, garlic, and warm broth makes this ideal for colds and flu. The ginger and garlic have natural anti-inflammatory properties, while the warm liquid helps soothe sore throats.

Warm Up Your Winter With Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s no better way to embrace the winter season than with a steaming bowl of ginger garlic chicken noodle soup. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a complex, soothing meal that nourishes both body and spirit. With its perfect balance of aromatic ginger, pungent garlic, tender chicken, and satisfying noodles, it’s sure to become your go-to comfort food.

Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup: The Best Comfort Food to Try This Winter