This Asian Chicken Soup Is Lighter Twist On The Classic Recipe

Asian Chicken Soup Overview:

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Serving size: Each serving is approximately 2 cups.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour 40 minutes

4 WW Points Per Serving. Click here to view the recipe on the WW App. (WW Login Required)

Ingredients:

• 1 large chicken breast, 700 g.
• 1 teaspoon oil (for sautéing chicken)
• 1 piece ginger (about 2 inches), peeled
• 1 large scallion
• 1 large onion, peeled and halved, 120 g.
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 4 cups water, 1 l.
• 1 pack ramen noodles
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 can or 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, 70 g. 
• 1 medium bok choy, 300 g.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breast and sauté until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.

2. In the same pot, add the water, ginger, scallions, onion, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 90 minutes.

3. After 90 minutes, remove the chicken breast from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the ginger, scallion, onion, and garlic. Return the strained broth to the pot.

4. Season the broth with the flavor packets from the ramen noodles and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.

5. Shred the chicken breast using two forks or your fingers and add them back to the pot.

6. Add the mushrooms and bok choy  to the pot and bring the broth back to a simmer. Let it cook for another 10 minutes.

7. Once the mushrooms are tender, add the ramen noodles to the pot and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir well to combine.

8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

9. Serve the Asian Chicken Soup hot, garnished with additional chopped scallions if desired.

Variations and Substitutions:

1. Swap Chicken for Shrimp: For a seafood twist, consider substituting chicken with shrimp. However, note that this will alter the broth preparation significantly, as shrimp cook much faster than chicken. In this case, a fish stock or broth would be more suitable.

2. Ingredient Substitutions: Can’t find bok choy? No problem! Chinese cabbage or Napa cabbage can be used as alternatives. Additionally, feel free to add bean sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, boiled egg, or thinly sliced carrots and bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

3. Elevate with Oyster Sauce: Enhance the Asian flair of this dish by incorporating oyster sauce, which adds depth and richness to the broth.

4. Add a Kick with Sriracha: If you’re a fan of spicy food, a dash of Sriracha sauce will provide the perfect fiery finish to your soup.

Tips and Tricks for Making Asian Chicken Soup:

1. Using a teaspoon to peel the ginger. It is the best way to remove the skin from ginger.

2. The soul of this soup lies in its broth. To achieve a clear yet flavorful base, simmer the chicken breast with a bouquet of aromatics, such as ginger, scallions, and onion. Is a neat trick that ensures easy removal later.

3. To maintain the vibrant green color and crispness of the bok choy, add it to the soup along with the noodles and cook for no more than 5 minutes. Overcooking can result in a dull, unappetizing appearance.

4. Enhance Flavor with Ramen Seasoning: Don’t overlook the seasoning packet that comes with ramen noodles. It’s a secret ingredient that adds an extra burst of umami flavor to the soup, reminiscent of the beloved Chinese-American cuisine.