This Chicken Soba Noodle Soup is both warm and comforting! With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and slurpy soba noodles, it’s a delightful bowl of goodness.
I’m a huge fan of how easy this soup is to whip up on a chilly day. Just throw everything in, and let it work its magic. Plus, who doesn’t love a noodle-filled hug in a bowl? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Soba Noodles: These are essential for the dish. If you can’t find soba noodles, whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles can be good alternatives. Just check the cooking times, as they may vary!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great choices for their quick cooking. You could also use thighs for extra flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Broth: Homemade chicken broth is fantastic, but store-bought works well too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, vegetable broth is a solid substitute.
Miso Paste: This gives a special umami flavor. If you don’t have it, a bit of soy sauce or tahini can lend some depth, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken perfectly ensures it’s juicy and tender. Here’s how you can do it:
- Always start with room-temperature chicken; it cooks more evenly.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the oil and chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed to maintain the temperature of the pan.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side on medium-high heat until golden and no longer pink inside.
- Let it rest after cooking! It allows the juices to redistribute, making it less dry when sliced.
Happy cooking! Enjoy your Chicken Soba Noodle Soup!
How to Make Chicken Soba Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 8 ounces soba noodles
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking chicken)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup shelled edamame (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups baby bok choy or spinach
- 2 soft boiled eggs, halved
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Black sesame seeds for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes for cooking. You’ll get a delicious and warming soup ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Soft Boiled Eggs:
In a pot, bring water to a boil. Gently add the eggs and cook for about 6-7 minutes for a nice, soft center. Once done, transfer the eggs to cold water to cool down. After cooling, peel the eggs and slice them in half; set them aside!
2. Cook the Soba Noodles:
While the eggs are cooking, cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside for later!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes on each side. Once cooked, take the chicken off the heat, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it thinly.
4. Make the Soup Base:
In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant. This is where the aroma fills your kitchen!
5. Combine the Broth:
Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, and miso paste to the pot. Whisk everything together until the miso dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—this will be the flavorful base for your soup!
6. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the sliced carrots and let them cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. This step keeps some crunch in your soup for extra texture.
7. Incorporate Additional Veggies:
Add the shelled edamame and your choice of baby bok choy or spinach to the pot. Cook just until the greens are wilted, about 2 minutes. This will make your soup look vibrant and fresh!
8. Assemble Your Bowls:
To serve, divide the soba noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth, with all the veggies, over the noodles. This is where the magic happens!
9. Top It Off:
Place sliced chicken on top of each bowl, then add the halved soft boiled eggs and sprinkle with sliced green onions. This adds a lovely finishing touch.
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle with black sesame seeds for an extra crunch and serve your delicious Chicken Soba Noodle Soup immediately, with chopsticks or a spoon. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
This bowl of goodness is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Noodles Instead of Soba?
Yes! If soba noodles are unavailable, feel free to use whole wheat spaghetti, udon noodles, or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the noodles you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with extra firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the broth and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them with the noodles and veggies when ready to serve for the best texture!