🍲 Introduction: The Story Behind Gingery Chicken Noodle Soup
At DonaldRecipes.com, we believe every comforting bowl of soup tells a story — and this gingery chicken noodle soup is no exception. This nourishing dish brings together culinary wisdom from both East and West, offering a soul-warming blend of flavors that soothe the body and delight the palate.
A Blend of Traditions
The origins of gingery chicken noodle soup trace back to a beautiful culinary fusion. Chinese home cooks have long used ginger-infused broths to treat colds and boost wellness, while the classic American chicken noodle soup became a symbol of comfort during the 20th century. In the 1990s, as ginger’s health benefits gained mainstream attention, chefs and home cooks alike began adding this vibrant root to traditional chicken noodle recipes — creating the beloved version we enjoy today.
Where It’s Loved the Most
Over the past few decades, this flavorful soup has gained a loyal following across the globe. Here are the top 10 places where this recipe is especially popular:
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Chicago, IL
- Portland, OR
- Houston, TX
- Boston, MA
- Toronto, Canada
- London, UK
In bustling urban centers and cozy home kitchens alike, gingery chicken noodle soup has earned its place as a go-to comfort food.
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5 Comforting Reasons You’ll Love This Gingery Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make soothing, flavorful Gingery Chicken Noodle Soup with fresh ginger, tender chicken, and noodles. Perfect for cold days or when you need comfort!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 large piece fresh ginger (about 6 inches), sliced thin
- 6 garlic cloves, smashed
- 10 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces egg noodles or rice noodles
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional additions:
- Baby spinach or bok choy
- fresh cilantro
- chili oil for heat
Instructions
Preparing the Broth
- In a large stockpot, combine chicken, ginger, garlic, and broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 35-40 minutes.
- Skim any foam and impurities from surface.
Cooking the Noodles
- In a separate pot, cook noodles according to package directions.
- Drain and set aside.
Shredding the Chicken & finishing the Soup
- Remove chicken from broth, shred meat, discard bones and skin.
- Return shredded chicken to pot.
- Season broth with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
Assembling the Bowls
- Place noodles in serving bowls.
- Ladle hot gingery chicken noodle soup over noodles.
- Garnish with scallions and optional toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired, American comfort food
✨ Why You’ll Love This Soup
There’s something truly special about a hot bowl of gingery chicken noodle soup. Whether you’re nursing a cold 🤧, seeking comfort after a long day, or simply craving a flavorful meal, this soup checks all the boxes.
Soothing and Healing
One of the standout reasons to love this soup is its soothing nature. Fresh ginger brings natural warmth and anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease symptoms of colds and flu. Combined with nourishing chicken broth and tender noodles, it becomes a healing hug in a bowl. Many home cooks turn to this dish during winter months or whenever they need a comforting pick-me-up.
👉 Tip: For an even more healing version, consider adding turmeric or extra garlic for an immunity boost!
If you’re looking for more cozy recipes to pair with this soup, try our comforting broccoli potato cheese soup — another bowl that’s perfect for chilly days.
Easy, One-Pot Wonder
Busy weeknight? No worries! This soup is simple to make with just one large pot (and a small one for noodles). Minimal prep and an easy simmer deliver big, bold flavor in under an hour.
Plus, the recipe is highly customizable — you can toss in veggies like bok choy or spinach, spice it up with chili oil, or keep it classic with scallions and sesame oil.
If you love easy soups, also check out our satisfying lasagna soup recipe — rich, hearty, and family-friendly! 🍲
🛠️ What You’ll Need
Before you start simmering a pot of this flavorful gingery chicken noodle soup, it helps to gather a few essential tools and ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s both approachable and flexible — you likely already have most of what you need in your kitchen!
Essential Kitchen Tools
To make this soup with ease, here’s what I recommend having on hand:
Large stockpot or Dutch oven 🫕
Fine mesh strainer (great for skimming broth)
Ladle for serving
If you’re new to making soups from scratch, investing in a quality stockpot will serve you well — especially if you also love hearty dishes like this tavern-style pizza or Stuffed pepper casserole that goes beautifully with a cozy bowl of hot soup. 🍲🍕
Recommended Ingredients
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients that bring this comforting soup to life:
Bone-in chicken thighs — for rich flavor and tender shredded meat
Fresh ginger root — the true standout ingredient
Garlic cloves — boosts both flavor and nutrition
Chicken broth — homemade or store-bought
Egg noodles or rice noodles — the choice is yours to savor!
Scallions (green onions) — for a fresh finish
Soy sauce — adds umami
Toasted sesame oil — deepens flavor with nutty richness
Optional but delightful additions: baby spinach, bok choy, cilantro, or chili oil for a spicy kick 🌶️.
Pro tip: If you love building flavorful, simple meals, you might also enjoy our millionaire candied chicken — sweet, savory, and totally crave-worthy!
📝 Ingredients

To make this gingery chicken noodle soup at home, here’s your complete shopping list. These carefully balanced ingredients ensure every spoonful is packed with flavor, warmth, and comfort.
Core Ingredients
2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 🍗
1 large piece fresh ginger (about 6 inches), sliced thin
6 garlic cloves, smashed
10 cups chicken broth
8 ounces egg noodles or rice noodles
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
Want to make your bowl even more vibrant? Try adding:
Baby spinach or bok choy for extra greens 🥬
Fresh cilantro
Chili oil for heat 🌶️
These tasty extras make it simple to customize the soup to your liking. If you’re a fan of customizing comfort food, you might also enjoy experimenting with our fun and flavorful smash burger tacos — perfect for casual family meals! 🌮
🧑🍳 Instructions

Whipping up a pot of this fragrant ginger-infused chicken noodle soup couldn’t be easier. With just a few key steps, you’ll create a cozy, nourishing meal perfect for any occasion. Let’s walk through it!
Build the Flavorful Broth
1️⃣ Place the bone-in chicken thighs, sliced fresh ginger, smashed garlic cloves, and chicken broth into a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
2️⃣ Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3️⃣ After it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and allow it to softly simmer for 35 to 40 minutes.
4️⃣ During this time, use a spoon or fine mesh strainer to skim away any foam or impurities that rise to the surface — this will help keep your broth beautifully clear and clean-tasting.
Tip: A long, gentle simmer draws out all the goodness from the chicken, much like the rich broth in this satisfying slow cooker beef and potato gratin — patience pays off! 🕰️
Cook the Noodles Separately
1️⃣ In another pot, bring water to a boil.
2️⃣ Add your egg noodles or rice noodles and cook according to the package directions until just tender.
3️⃣ Drain the noodles and set them aside. A drizzle of toasted sesame oil can help prevent them from sticking together.
Finish the Soup with Bold Flavors
1️⃣ Once the chicken has cooked through, carefully lift it from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board.
2️⃣ Shred the meat using two forks, discarding the skin and bones.
3️⃣ Return the shredded chicken to the broth.
4️⃣ Stir in the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Serve and Enjoy
1️⃣ Place a portion of the cooked noodles in each serving bowl.
2️⃣ After it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and allow it to softly simmer for 35 to 40 minutes.
3️⃣ Top each bowl with sliced scallions and your choice of optional garnishes — baby spinach, bok choy, cilantro, or chili oil for a little heat.
Your soothing bowl of gingery chicken noodle soup is ready to be enjoyed! It’s comfort food at its finest. 🍲✨
⏳ Prep & Cook Times
One of the many reasons home cooks love this gingery chicken noodle soup is how quickly it comes together. You’ll need just about an hour from start to finish — perfect for weeknights or weekend meal prep.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Slicing ginger, smashing garlic, prepping chicken
Gathering tools and ingredients
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Simmering the broth
Cooking the noodles
Shredding chicken and finishing the soup
Total Time: ~1 hour ⏲️
That’s it — a steaming bowl of homemade goodness in about 60 minutes!
If you love recipes that deliver big flavor in minimal time, you might also enjoy trying our 30-minute honey garlic chicken — another simple dish with bold, crave-worthy taste. 🍯🍗
🥗 Nutrition Score (Per Serving)
Wondering how this soothing gingery chicken noodle soup fits into your meal plan? Here’s a quick look at its nutrition profile. The values below are approximate and based on one hearty serving (recipe yields about 6 servings).
Nutritional Breakdown
Calories: 320
Fat: 12 oz
Saturated Fat: 3 oz
Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sodium: 900 mg
Carbohydrates: 25 oz
Fiber: 2 oz
Sugars: 3 oz
Protein: 25 oz
Why It’s a Great Choice
This soup strikes a wonderful balance: it’s light yet satisfying, rich in lean protein, and naturally dairy-free. The fresh ginger and garlic contribute not only flavor but also anti-inflammatory and digestive-supporting properties.
If you’re focused on wellness-friendly recipes, you may also love our vibrant anti-inflammatory salmon salad with crispy white beans — it’s another nourishing, flavorful option for your table. 🥗✨
🍽️ Serving & Storage
A hot bowl of gingery chicken noodle soup is one of life’s simple pleasures. To help you get the most out of each batch, here are some easy tips for serving and storing your soup.
How to Serve This Soup
Serve piping hot with extra slices of fresh ginger if you love bold flavor.
Serve your bowl alongside crusty bread or fluffy steamed rice — either one is a delightful match. 🍞🍚
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or extra scallions for a bright, fresh finish.
For those who enjoy a little kick, drizzle with chili oil just before serving.
Want more cozy meal ideas to round out your menu? You’ll love the rich, satisfying flavors in this creamy Korean potato salad — a perfect side dish for soup night! 🥔🥣
Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Keep any leftover soup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the soup.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the broth separately from the noodles for up to 2 months. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy when thawed.
Meal prep-friendly and freezer-friendly — it’s a great recipe to make ahead for busy weeks!
🌀 Variations
One of the best things about gingery chicken noodle soup is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your mood, dietary needs, or spice tolerance. Here are a few delicious ways to switch it up:
Spicy Gingery Chicken Noodle Soup 🌶️
Add a spoonful of chili oil or stir in thinly sliced red chilies while simmering the broth.
You can also garnish each bowl with a drizzle of chili crisp for an extra fiery finish.
Looking for more dishes with bold flavors? Our kung pao chicken recipe is another great option for spice lovers!
Vegetarian Option 🥕
Swap the chicken for firm tofu, cubed and lightly pan-seared.
Swap in vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it fully plant-based.
Elevate the flavor with extra garlic, zesty ginger, and a splash of soy sauce.
Immune-Boosting Version 🍄
Add turmeric to the broth for an earthy, anti-inflammatory boost.
Add a handful of shiitake mushrooms to bring a deep, savory umami flavor.
Double the ginger and garlic if you’re making this soup to help fight off a cold.
These simple tweaks ensure your soup is never boring — and always comforting!
Is ginger good in chicken noodle soup?
Absolutely! Fresh ginger adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates traditional chicken noodle soup. It also brings natural soothing properties — perfect when you’re feeling under the weather.
What does ginger do in soup?
Ginger enhances flavor with its signature bright, slightly spicy kick. Beyond taste, ginger is known to aid digestion and reduce inflammation, making your soup both comforting and nourishing.
What can I add to my chicken noodle soup to give it more flavor?
For extra depth, try adding:
Fresh ginger (of course!)
Extra garlic
A splash of toasted sesame oil
A dash of soy sauce
Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil
What is the secret ingredient in soup?
Many say the true secret is love ❤️ — but in this gingery chicken noodle soup, the secret is definitely the fresh ginger. It transforms an ordinary broth into something deeply comforting and memorable.
🎉 Conclusion
Whether you’re feeling under the weather 🤧 or simply craving a bowl of pure comfort, this gingery chicken noodle soup is the perfect choice. With its fragrant broth, tender shredded chicken, and warming ginger flavor, it’s a dish that soothes both body and soul.
Why You’ll Come Back to This Recipe
- It’s easy to make in about an hour.
- The fresh ginger provides bright, bold flavor.
- It’s endlessly customizable to suit your tastes.
- Leftovers store beautifully — great for meal prep.
And best of all, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Whether it’s a snug night at home or a laid-back dinner gathering, this soup is always a perfect fit.
If you’re looking for even more comfort food inspiration, don’t miss our reader-favorite pancake casserole recipe — another satisfying dish perfect for sharing. 🥞✨