There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of soup that combines bright, vibrant flavors with cozy noodles and tender chicken. This Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has a wonderful depth from the garlic and ginger, with just enough kick to make you feel like you’re savoring a little bowl of happiness. It’s a blend of soothing and exciting all in one spoonful.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m genuinely excited to share this Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe because it’s a perfect weeknight dish that’s quick, wholesome, and uses pantry-friendly ingredients you probably already have. Plus, it’s flexible enough to suit different tastes and diets.
- Speedy prep: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal when you want something homemade without the fuss.
- Leftover-friendly: This recipe is a great way to use leftover roast chicken, turning yesterday’s dinner into today’s comforting soup.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, ginger, and tamari soy sauce packs a punch that lifts the whole dish beautifully.
- Gluten and dairy free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, without skimping on taste or texture.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has a purpose, coming together in harmony to create that comforting broth with fresh textures. The key is balancing flavors and textures — the ginger’s warmth, garlic’s earthiness, and the brightness from spring onions.
- Garlic: Adds a savory, aromatic base and layers of flavor when gently cooked.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger brightens the broth with a subtle spicy warmth that’s classic in Thai cuisine.
- Sesame oil: Gives a toasted, nutty note, but olive or vegetable oil works just fine if you don’t have sesame around.
- Leftover roast chicken: Great for saving time and adding hearty protein; shredded ensures every bite has chicken goodness.
- Stock: Using gluten-free chicken and vegetable stock cubes keeps things flavorful and allergy-friendly.
- Chestnut mushrooms: They add an earthy background and slightly chewy texture that contrasts nicely with soft noodles.
- Spring onions: Their fresh, mild bite lifts the whole soup with color and crunch.
- Sweetcorn: Adds subtle sweetness and fun pops of texture that your taste buds will thank you for.
- Precooked flat rice noodles: Perfect for soaking up the broth and a quick way to add those comforting noodles without extra fuss.
- Gluten-free tamari soy sauce: Brings umami depth and a salty hint while keeping it gluten free.
- Optional red chilli: For those who love a little heat, fresh sliced chili adds a spicy kick and vibrant color.
Make It Your Way
I love making this recipe my own by swapping in whatever veggies I have on hand or adjusting the heat level depending on my mood. It’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes creativity.
- Variation: Sometimes I throw in bok choy or baby spinach instead of sweetcorn for extra greens — it adds freshness and changes the texture in a lovely way.
- Heat level: Not a fan of spicy food? Skip the chili or just add a tiny bit for a gentle warmth; if you want more heat, go wild with extra sliced chilies or a dash of chili oil.
- Noodle swaps: Can’t find flat rice noodles? Thin rice vermicelli works just as well—just keep an eye on cooking times so they don’t get mushy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Start by heating a large saucepan over medium heat with just a small drizzle of your oil (sesame oil if you have it). Add the minced garlic and chopped ginger and let them gently sizzle for a minute or two—this step is where the aroma starts to fill your kitchen, trust me, it’s pure magic. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much as it can get bitter.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Next, toss in your shredded leftover roast chicken, stirring it around with the garlic and ginger. Let it cook for about 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs those fragrant flavors. This step adds richness and gets the protein warmed through before adding the broth.
Step 3: Pour in the Stock and Simmer
Pour in your prepared stock — I like using both chicken and vegetable stock cubes for layered flavor. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to get those tasty browned bits up and into the broth. Turn the heat down to a low simmer and let it all bubble gently for 10 minutes. This slow simmer develops the broth’s flavor without making it cloudy.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Soy Sauce
After simmering, stir in your sliced chestnut mushrooms, spring onions, sweetcorn, and tamari soy sauce. Increase the heat to medium-low and cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften nicely but still hold their shape. This is where the soup balances its taste and texture beautifully.
Step 5: Toss in Noodles and Finish Cooking
Finally, add the precooked flat rice noodles. Let everything cook together for 5 to 10 more minutes, letting the noodles soak up the flavors and heat through. Keep an eye so they don’t overcook — you want them tender but not mushy.
Step 6: Serve with a Kick
Ladle the soup into large bowls and sprinkle with finely sliced red chili if you enjoy a bit of heat. I like serving mine just like this — simple, vibrant, and packed with flavor.
Top Tip
Having made this Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe countless times, the biggest difference-maker is how you treat the aromatics and noodles. These tips have helped me get it just right every time.
- Gentle sauté: Cook the garlic and ginger on medium heat and don’t rush – this unlocks their flavor without bitterness.
- Scrape for flavor: When adding stock, scraping the pan bottom incorporates all those tasty caramelized bits into the broth.
- Timing noodles: Add noodles toward the end and avoid overcooking — nobody likes mushy noodles in soup!
- Add chili last: Slicing fresh red chili and adding it on top keeps its vibrant flavor and heat intact instead of dulling it in the broth.
How to Serve Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep the garnishes simple — freshly sliced red chili, a handful of chopped fresh coriander if I have it, and maybe a wedge of lime for that zesty finish. These add brightness and freshness without overpowering the soup.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crunchy cucumber salad or some light spring rolls for a complete meal. If I’m feeling indulgent, a side of steamed dumplings is always a winner to complement the bold broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in cute Asian-style ceramic bowls with matching spoons and a sprinkle of finely chopped peanuts for texture. It makes the meal feel festive and special, even on a regular weeknight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually store the soup separately from the noodles to prevent them from getting soggy — then combine them when reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the broth and chicken mix successfully, but I recommend freezing the noodles separately or adding fresh noodles when reheating to maintain the best texture. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove, adding fresh or leftover noodles at the end to warm through without overcooking. This keeps the soup lively and the noodles springy instead of mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can poach or sauté fresh chicken breast or thighs and shred them to use in this Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. It just might add a few extra minutes to your prep time, but the flavor will be just as great.
Flat precooked rice noodles are ideal because they absorb the broth nicely while staying firm. However, thin rice vermicelli or even gluten-free pasta can be substituted if you can’t find flat rice noodles. Just adjust cooking time carefully.
To make a vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable stock only, skip the chicken, and add extra mushrooms or tofu for protein. Replace tamari soy sauce with a vegan-certified brand if needed. It’s still delicious!
This Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is mild by default, with the chili on the side for anyone who wants extra heat. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili, or even skip it entirely for a gentle, soothing soup.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple, nourishing, and reminds me of cozy nights spent with friends where we savored every spoonful. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s like a hug in a bowl that’s perfect any time of year.
Print
Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and comforting Thai Style Chicken Noodle Soup made with shredded roast chicken, fragrant garlic and ginger, chestnut mushrooms, sweetcorn, spring onions, and gluten free tamari soy sauce, served with tender precooked flat rice noodles. Perfect for a quick, gluten free, and dairy free meal.
Ingredients
Sauce and Broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (olive or vegetable oil also fine)
- 1 litre stock (one gluten free chicken stock cube and one vegetable stock cube)
- 3 teaspoon gluten free tamari soy sauce
Protein
- Approx 150g leftover roast chicken, shredded into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2cm cube ginger, finely chopped
- 125g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
- 4 spring onions, sliced into rounds
- 1 small tin of sweetcorn (approx 190g)
- Optional: 1 red chilli, finely sliced
Noodles
- 150g precooked flat rice noodles
Instructions
- Cook aromatics: Take a large saucepan and pour a very small drizzle of oil in the centre of the pan and set over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped ginger and cook for a minute or two until they are gently sizzling.
- Add chicken: Add the shredded leftover roast chicken to the pan, mix together with the garlic and ginger, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add stock and simmer: Pour in the stock while stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful bits from the garlic and ginger. Leave to simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Add vegetables and soy sauce: Add sliced chestnut mushrooms, spring onions, sweetcorn, and gluten free tamari soy sauce. Increase heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes until the mushrooms start to soften.
- Add noodles and finish cooking: Add the precooked flat rice noodles, cooking for a further 10 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the soup in large bowls, optionally topped with finely sliced red chilli for extra heat.
Notes
- If you don’t have sesame oil, olive or vegetable oil can be used without compromising flavor too much.
- Use leftover roast chicken or any cooked chicken to save time and add rich flavor.
- Make sure to use gluten free stock cubes and tamari soy sauce to keep the soup gluten free.
- Precooked flat rice noodles can be found in most Asian grocery stores, or substitute with other gluten free noodles.
- Adjust the chili quantity according to your heat preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable stock only.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400 g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
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