This Chicken Soba Noodle Soup is a warm and comforting bowl full of delicious flavors! With tender chicken, nutritious soba noodles, and tasty broth, it’s perfect for chilly days.
You’ll love how easy and quick it is to prepare. I often whip it up after a long day, and it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles bring unique flavor and texture to the soup. If you can’t find soba, whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles can work as a substitute.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy and quick to cook. You can use thighs for a richer taste or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Chicken Broth: If you’re watching your sodium, low-sodium broth is great. You can make it homemade for extra flavor, or use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Mushrooms: Shiitake add depth, but cremini or button mushrooms work just as well. For a different taste, try adding baby bella mushrooms.
Mirin: This sweet rice wine gives a great flavor. If you don’t have it, blend a little bit of sugar with rice vinegar as a substitute.
How Do I Get My Eggs Soft Boiled Perfectly?
Soft-boiled eggs add creaminess to the soup. To cook them just right:
- Bring water to a rolling boil.
- Carefully add the eggs and start timing immediately (6-7 minutes for a runny yolk).
- After time’s up, plunge them into an ice bath to stop cooking.
- After they cool, peel gently for the best results!
How Do I Properly Cook Soba Noodles?
Cooking soba noodles can be tricky! Here’s how to get it right:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add the soba noodles, and stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Cook until just tender (check package instructions, usually around 4-6 minutes).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and remove excess starch.
- This step keeps the noodles from becoming mushy in your soup!
How Do I Enhance the Flavor of My Broth?
The broth is the heart of the soup. Here are some tips:
- Start by sautéing garlic and ginger; their aroma blocks the base.
- Add the chicken and sear before adding the broth for deeper flavor.
- Let it simmer to allow flavors to meld – don’t rush this step!
These tips will ensure your Chicken Soba Noodle Soup is delicious and satisfying! Enjoy cooking!
Chicken Soba Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 oz soba noodles
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 4 oz sliced shiitake mushrooms (or cremini mushrooms)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chili flakes or threads, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh spinach or baby bok choy (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Soba Noodle Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, for a total time of about 45 minutes. It’s a perfect option for a cozy weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Soft Boiled Eggs:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Gently add the eggs, and cook them for 6-7 minutes for that perfect soft yolk. Once cooked, quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, peel the eggs and set them aside.
2. Cook the Soba Noodles:
Next, bring another pot of water to a boil and cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente (usually about 4-6 minutes). Once done, drain them and rinse under cold water to keep them from sticking. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This will add a wonderful aroma to your broth!
4. Sear the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the pot and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken and the soup.
5. Make the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and mirin. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and let it rest a few minutes. Then shred or thinly slice the chicken and set it aside for Serving.
7. Add the Vegetables:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the broth and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. If you’re using spinach or baby bok choy, toss that in too for some extra greens!
8. Serve It Up:
To serve, divide the cooked soba noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth with mushrooms over the noodles. Each bowl should have plenty of those yummy flavors!
9. Top It Off:
Finish by topping each bowl with sliced chicken, halved soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Don’t forget the toasted sesame seeds for a nice crunch!
10. Add Some Heat (Optional):
If you like a little spice, top with chili flakes or threads. This step is optional but can add a great kick!
11. Enjoy Your Meal:
Now, dig in and enjoy the wholesome and hearty flavors of your Chicken Soba Noodle Soup. It’s perfect for warming you up on a chilly day!
Can I Use Instant Ramen Noodles Instead of Soba Noodles?
Yes, you can! While it will change the flavor and texture slightly, instant ramen noodles can be a convenient substitute. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as they usually cook faster than soba noodles.
What If I Don’t Have Mirin?
No problem! If you don’t have mirin on hand, you can mix a teaspoon of sugar with a tablespoon of rice vinegar or use a little honey diluted with water for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Chicken Soba Noodle Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave, and you may want to re-cook the soba noodles separately to maintain their texture.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the broth along with the mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.