If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded chicken, chewy udon noodles, and a flavorful broth enriched with soy sauce and mirin, this soup is both comforting and satisfying. It’s simple to make but delivers a rich, savory taste and delightful texture that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a noodle lover or seeking an easy weeknight meal, this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe is bound to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating a deeply flavorful soup. Each component in this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe plays a key role in layering taste, texture, and color into every bowl.
- 6 cups chicken broth: Provides a rich, savory base full of comforting warmth and depth.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami and a touch of saltiness to balance the broth perfectly.
- 1 tbsp mirin: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the soup’s flavor profile.
- 1 tsp sugar: Enhances the mirin’s sweetness and rounds out the soup’s taste harmoniously.
- 14 oz udon noodles (fresh or dried): Offers a satisfyingly chewy texture that carries the broth beautifully.
- 2 cups chicken breast (cooked and shredded): Tender protein that makes the soup hearty and filling.
- 2 green onions (chopped): Adds a fresh, crisp contrast and bright pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Chicken Udon Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by bringing 6 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. This step is crucial because it forms the flavor-packed base of your soup. Once boiling, add in the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Stir everything together to combine those wonderfully balanced tastes. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and deepen.
Step 2: Cook the Udon Noodles
While the broth simmers, cook your udon noodles following the package instructions. Whether fresh or dried, this step ensures the noodles are perfectly tender but still have that signature chewy bite. Drain the noodles once they are done and set them aside, ready to meet the warm broth.
Step 3: Assemble the Soup
Divide the cooked udon noodles evenly among your serving bowls. Generously top each portion with the shredded chicken breast, ensuring every bite has a comforting mix of noodles and protein. This layering keeps the textures delightful and distinct.
Step 4: Final Touch – Ladle the Broth
Finish by ladling the hot, fragrant broth over the noodles and chicken in each bowl. This pours warmth through the layers, bringing everything together into one harmonious dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle the chopped green onions on top — they add the perfect fresh crunch and eye-catching color to your Chicken Udon Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Chicken Udon Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate your chicken udon soup from delicious to memorable. Besides the classic chopped green onions, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or add thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms for an earthy note. Fresh cilantro or a few drops of chili oil can add exciting layers of flavor if you like a touch of spice or brightness.
Side Dishes
This soup shines so well on its own, but pairing it with light sides can create a complete meal. Think steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt for a healthy bite or a crunchy cucumber salad to refresh the palate. For something heartier, a side of vegetable tempura or pickled ginger complements the soup’s savory notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Chicken Udon Soup Recipe in individual rustic bowls instantly invites comfort and warmth. For a fun twist, serve the noodles and chicken separately from the broth in a “hot pot” style, letting everyone combine ingredients themselves. You can also garnish with edible flowers or arrange green onions in artistic swirls to impress guests or make an everyday meal feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Udon Soup Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the soup and noodles separately if possible to maintain the noodles’ chewy texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the broth and cooked chicken without issue, but avoid freezing noodles as they tend to become mushy. Freeze the broth and chicken in airtight containers for up to 2 months, and cook fresh noodles when ready to reheat.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the broth and chicken gently in a pot on the stove until steaming hot. Cook or reheat noodles separately in boiling water for a minute or two, then combine just before serving. This ensures that your Chicken Udon Soup Recipe retains its perfect texture and flavor each time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of udon?
Absolutely! While udon noodles have a unique chewy texture that complements this soup perfectly, you can substitute with soba, ramen, or even rice noodles based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Traditional udon noodles and soy sauce usually contain gluten, but you can find gluten-free soy sauce alternatives and use gluten-free noodles to adapt this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe to your needs.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace shredded chicken with tofu or mushrooms. This will still give you a satisfying and flavorful soup experience.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
This Chicken Udon Soup Recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick, easy, and nourishing option for busy days or cozy dinners.
What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?
If you want to switch it up, try shrimp, pork slices, or even a soft-boiled egg as protein options. Each brings a unique flavor and texture that pairs wonderfully with the broth and noodles.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a bowl of Chicken Udon Soup Recipe that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Its simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a meal that feels both cozy and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this soup is a wonderful choice that’s sure to brighten your day. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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
This Chicken Udon Soup is a comforting and flavorful Japanese-inspired dish featuring tender shredded chicken, chewy udon noodles, and a savory broth enriched with soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this soup is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
Noodles and Protein
- 14 oz udon noodles (fresh or dried)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Boil Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil to ensure it is hot and ready to infuse with flavors.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar into the boiling broth. This combination will create a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.
- Simmer Broth: Reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer gently for 5 minutes to deepen the flavors and meld the ingredients together.
- Cook Noodles: While the broth simmers, cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked udon noodles evenly among four serving bowls. Top each with the shredded cooked chicken breast.
- Serve Soup: Ladle the hot, seasoned broth over the noodles and chicken in each bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Notes
- Use fresh udon noodles if available for a softer texture; dried noodles are a great substitute.
- For a richer broth, consider simmering the chicken broth with additional aromatics like ginger or garlic.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a dash of chili oil or red pepper flakes to the broth before serving.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken can be a convenient shortcut if you don’t have cooked chicken breast on hand.
