Japanese-Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup

Japanese-Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup

This healthy, Japanese-inspired chicken noodle soup recipe is made with udon noodles and gets a hit of umami flavor from a swirl of miso at the end. To make the miso easier to stir into the soup, combine a little bit of the hot broth with the thick miso to thin it before adding to the rest of the soup.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 large cloves garlic

    minced

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 pounds bone-in chicken breasts

    skin removed

  • 3 cups sliced green cabbage
  • 2 cups sliced shiitake or enoki mushrooms
  • 2 cups julienned carrots
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 3 cups cooked udon noodles or whole-wheat spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons white miso

    see Tip

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add ginger; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add broth and chicken. Cover, increase heat to high and bring to a simmer. Uncover and cook, turning the chicken occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone registers 165 degrees F, 20 to 22 minutes. Skim any foam from the surface as the chicken cooks. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board. When cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, add cabbage, mushrooms and carrots to the pot; return to a simmer. Cook until vegetables are tender, 4 to 10 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken, salt, pepper and noodles and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in miso.

Japanese-Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup

Japanese-Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup

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About this Recipe

Craving a bowl of deeply flavorful, healthy comfort? This Japanese-inspired chicken noodle soup delivers warmth and a serious umami punch, perfect for a nourishing meal any day of the week. It’s designed to bring the rich, savory flavors of Japanese cuisine right into your kitchen with straightforward ingredients.

What truly sets this soup apart is the thoughtful inclusion of miso at the very end. This technique ensures its delicate probiotic qualities are preserved while infusing the entire broth with a complex, savory depth that you just can't achieve otherwise. Plus, the combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and hearty udon noodles creates a beautifully balanced dish that's both satisfying and light.

Expect a comforting experience with every spoonful. The clear, savory broth, enriched by chicken and fresh ginger, holds tender pieces of chicken breast alongside crisp green cabbage, earthy shiitake or enoki mushrooms, and sweet julienned carrots. Each slurp of the thick, chewy udon noodles is balanced by the broth's aromatic complexity and a subtle, salty kick from the miso. This is a bowl that truly nourishes, both body and soul, without being overly heavy.

Feel free to customize this delightful soup to fit your pantry or preferences. You can easily swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs or even a plant-based protein like firm tofu for a vegetarian option. If udon noodles are hard to find, whole-wheat spaghetti makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar satisfying chew. Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, for varied earthy notes.

This Japanese-inspired chicken noodle soup is an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner, a revitalizing lunch, or when you need a comforting pick-me-up. Serve it simply in large bowls, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh scallions if desired, to highlight its vibrant colors and inviting aroma.

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