If you have ever craved a bowl of something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender chicken, chewy udon noodles, and a savory, slightly sweet broth that feels like a big, nourishing hug from the inside out. Perfect for any day when you want a dish that’s both satisfying and simple to make, this soup blends traditional Japanese flavors with everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Udon Soup Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential part in building its depth of flavor and comforting texture. From the rich chicken broth to the delicate sweetness of mirin, every element matters.
- Chicken broth: The heart and soul of the soup, providing a warm, savory base that infuses every spoonful with rich flavor.
- Soy sauce: Adds a delicious umami punch and subtle saltiness to balance the broth.
- Mirin: A sweet rice wine that brings a gentle sweetness and complexity to the soup.
- Sugar: Just a touch enhances the balance between salty and sweet notes in the broth.
- Udon noodles: Thick, chewy noodles that soak up the broth beautifully and give the soup its signature texture.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded for easy eating and a lean source of protein that satisfies.
- Green onions: Fresh and crisp, these add a bright, peppery finish as a garnish.
How to Make Chicken Udon Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by bringing 6 cups of chicken broth to a lively boil in a large pot. This is where the magic begins since a good broth forms the base for all of the wonderful flavors to come.
Step 2: Season the Broth
Once the broth is boiling, stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of mirin, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. These ingredients add the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and slightly tangy notes that will make your soup irresistibly delicious. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Udon Noodles
While the broth simmers, cook your udon noodles according to the package instructions. Fresh or dried, udon noodles take just a few minutes to cook to that perfect chewy texture that you’re aiming for. Once done, drain them well and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Soup
Distribute the cooked noodles evenly into your serving bowls. Top each portion with 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken breast. This adds a hearty, protein-packed element that makes the soup truly filling.
Step 5: Serve
Finally, ladle the warm, flavorful broth over the noodles and chicken in each bowl. Don’t forget to sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for that fresh, mild bite and lovely visual contrast. Now you’re ready to dive into this soul-warming bowl!
How to Serve Chicken Udon Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The key to elevating this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe lies in the garnishes you choose. Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and mild sharpness that perfectly complements the rich broth. You can also try adding a soft-boiled egg or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to make it extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame for some extra texture and freshness. Lightly pickled vegetables also add a nice contrast to the warm, savory flavors in the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual Japanese-style ramen bowls and add colorful toppings like julienned carrots, spinach, or a drizzle of chili oil. Presentation can turn this humble dish into a vibrant centerpiece that impresses your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Separate the broth from the noodles if possible to prevent the noodles from becoming overly soft.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, especially the broth and cooked chicken. Freeze them in separate containers to maintain the best texture. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the broth and chicken gently on the stove or microwave, then add freshly cooked udon noodles. This method keeps the noodles chewy and prevents them from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of udon?
Absolutely! While udon noodles are traditional and offer a unique chewiness, you can substitute with soba, ramen, or even rice noodles depending on your preference and availability.
Is it better to use fresh or dried udon noodles?
Both work well. Fresh udon noodles cook quickly and have a softer texture, while dried noodles have a chewier bite and longer shelf life. Choose based on what you have on hand and your texture preference.
Can I make the soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken or use tofu as a protein alternative while keeping the delicious broth base intact.
How long can I store the soup in the refrigerator?
You can keep the soup for up to 3 days refrigerated. Keep the noodles and broth stored separately for the best quality.
Can I add vegetables to this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe?
Definitely, adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or carrots can boost the nutrition and flavor. Add them in during the broth simmering step for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Udon Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that warms your soul while being incredibly easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends. I encourage you to give this comforting soup a try and savor every delicious spoonful. It truly feels like a loving bowl of homemade happiness.
Print
Chicken Udon Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
A comforting and flavorful Chicken Udon Soup featuring tender shredded chicken, chewy udon noodles, and a savory broth infused with soy sauce, mirin, and a hint of sweetness. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy lunch.
Ingredients
Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
Main Ingredients
- 14 oz udon noodles (fresh or dried)
- 2 cups chicken breast (cooked and shredded)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
Instructions
- Boil the broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat to prepare the base of the soup.
- Season the broth: Add soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to the boiling broth. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Simmer the broth: Reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the noodles: While the broth simmers, prepare the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked udon noodles evenly among four serving bowls, then top each with shredded cooked chicken breast for protein.
- Serve: Ladle the hot, flavorful broth over the noodles and chicken in each bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness and a pop of color, then serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or dried udon noodles based on availability and preference.
- For added depth, consider adding a piece of kombu to the broth while it simmers and remove before serving.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to taste for a less salty or more robust flavor.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but noodles are best cooked fresh to avoid sogginess.
- To make the dish gluten free, substitute udon noodles and soy sauce with gluten-free alternatives.
