There’s something so soothing about a bowl of soup that hits all the right notes — warm, flavorful, and satisfying. That’s exactly why this Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has become one of my kitchen go-tos on chilly nights or when I need a comforting, quick meal with a fresh twist.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is special because it effortlessly combines fragrant ginger and garlic with tender chicken and fresh veggies in a broth that’s both light and filling. It’s the perfect balance of ease, taste, and nourishment—right in your own kitchen.
- Quick and Simple: Ready in about 30 minutes, so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen.
- Flavor-packed: Ginger, garlic, and tamari bring a punch of authentic Thai taste without complicated prep.
- Comforting and Light: Perfect for chilly evenings without weighing you down.
- Great for Leftovers: Uses leftover roast chicken, helping reduce waste and making use of what you have.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The beauty of this Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe lies in the way each ingredient complements the others to build a satisfying bowl with layers of flavor and texture. When you shop for these, look for fresh produce and good quality stock—it makes all the difference.
- Garlic: Adds that essential aromatic base that wakes up the soup instantly.
- Fresh Ginger: Gives warmth and subtle spice, important for authentic Thai flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Just a touch creates a lovely nutty underpinning; olive oil works fine, but I love the extra depth from sesame.
- Leftover Roast Chicken: Shredded and tender, it’s an easy way to add protein without extra fuss.
- Chicken and Vegetable Stock: The heart of your soup – go gluten free if needed to keep it clean and tasty.
- Chestnut Mushrooms: Sliced for a meaty texture that soaks up the broth beautifully.
- Spring Onions: Bright and fresh, providing a lovely pop of color and crunch.
- Sweetcorn: Adds a mild sweetness that balances the savory broth.
- Precooked Flat Rice Noodles: These soften perfectly in the broth, offering a silky mouthfeel.
- Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce: For that salty umami kick without gluten, essential in this recipe.
- Optional Red Chilli: Sliced thinly for those who like a little heat on their soup.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love about this Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily tweak it based on what sounds good or what’s hiding in your fridge. Here are some of my favorite ways to make it your own!
- Spice it Up: I often add extra fresh chilies or a drizzle of chili oil to give it more heat, especially in winter.
- Make it vegan: Swap the chicken for firm tofu and use vegetable stock for a plant-based version that’s just as tasty.
- Change Your Noodles: Try using rice vermicelli or even zucchini noodles to mix textures and keep it fresh.
- Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to add bok choy, bean sprouts, or even shredded carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sizzle Garlic and Ginger – The Flavor Base
Start by heating a splash of sesame oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped ginger. Let them cook gently, stirring often, until you're greeted by their fragrant aroma—this usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let them burn; you just want them soft and aromatic to build your soup’s flavor foundation.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Enhance Flavors
Next, add your shredded leftover roast chicken. Give it a good stir to coat all those tender pieces in the garlicky-gingery goodness and cook for about 2 minutes. This gentle warming helps the flavors mingle before the broth joins the party.
Step 3: Pour in Stock and Simmer
Pour in your chicken and vegetable stock—about a liter. As you pour, use your spoon to scrape the pan bottom, loosening any caramelized bits stuck to the pan; this is where the magic is! Turn to a low simmer and let it all cook gently for 10 minutes, allowing those flavors to deepen.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Soy Sauce
Now, toss in the sliced chestnut mushrooms, spring onions, sweetcorn, and gluten-free tamari soy sauce. Stir gently. Raise the heat just a little to medium-low and cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms start to soften and the veggies have warmed through.
Step 5: Finish with Noodles and Serve
Add the precooked flat rice noodles directly to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes so those noodles soak up all that lovely broth. When you’re ready to serve, ladle everything into bowls and sprinkle thinly sliced red chili on top if you want some fiery, fresh heat.
Top Tip
From my experiences, making Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is all about layering flavors and not rushing the simmer. The garlic and ginger are your flavor champions, so treating them gently really pays off.
- Gentle Sauté: Cook garlic and ginger on medium heat to avoid bitterness—burnt garlic will ruin the broth.
- Stock Quality Matters: Use the best gluten-free or homemade stock you can find, as it's the heart of your soup.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Since the rice noodles are precooked, let them warm through without boiling too long to prevent mushiness.
- Adjust Salt Gradually: Tamari soy sauce carries saltiness—add it in stages and taste so you don’t overdo it.
How to Serve Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I like topping my soup with fresh red chilies and a few sprigs of coriander for a bright pop of color and subtle herbal freshness. If you want a bit of crunch, crushed peanuts or fried shallots make an incredible addition too. Lime wedges on the side for a squeeze of tang work wonders!
Side Dishes
To complement the soup, I usually serve a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. It’s refreshing and crunchy alongside the warm broth. Sometimes, some steamed jasmine rice on the side rounds out the meal for extra heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in shallow ramen-style bowls and placed a soft-boiled egg on top. Adding sliced avocado and a drizzle of coconut cream really elevates the dish and impresses guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover soup in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the noodles separate when possible, as they tend to soak up too much broth over time and get mushy.
Freezing
I've found that freezing this Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe works best if you freeze just the broth with chicken and veggies, leaving the noodles out. When ready, thaw and reheat the soup, then add freshly cooked noodles for the best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If your noodles are already in, go easy on reheating to avoid them turning mushy—adding fresh noodles at this stage is a game-changer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can poach chicken breasts or thighs in the stock until cooked through, then shred them before adding back to the soup. This will give you fresh-tasting chicken in your Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
Flat rice noodles are ideal because they soak up the broth nicely and have a pleasant chew. Pre-cooked ones save time, but you can also cook fresh rice noodles separately and add them when serving to avoid mushiness.
Yes! Adding finely sliced fresh red chili or a splash of chili oil before serving adds great heat. For a milder version, omit the chili and rely on the warming ginger and garlic instead.
This recipe is naturally dairy free, and using gluten free tamari and stock ensures it’s safe for gluten-free diets too. Always double-check your stock and noodles to be certain.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a cold day but also bright, healthy, and refreshingly quick to make. I love the way it transforms simple ingredients into a bowl bursting with flavor and comfort—and I bet once you try it, you’ll feel the same. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make your kitchen smell amazing with the first simmer. You’ll thank yourself with every cozy spoonful!
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Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and comforting Thai Style Chicken Noodle Soup that is gluten free and dairy free, featuring shredded roast chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic garlic and ginger in a savory broth with flat rice noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cm cube ginger, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (olive or vegetable oil also fine if you don't have sesame)
- Approx 150 g leftover roast chicken, shredded into bite-sized pieces
- 1 litre stock (one gluten free chicken stock cube, one vegetable - e.g. Knorr)
- 125 g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
- 4 spring onions, sliced into rounds
- 1 small tin of sweetcorn (approx 190 g)
- 150 g precooked flat rice noodles
- 3 teaspoon gluten free tamari soy sauce
- Optional: 1 red chilli, finely sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Take a large saucepan and pour a very small drizzle of oil in the centre of the pan and set over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped ginger, allowing them to cook for a minute or two until gently sizzling and aromatic.
- Add Chicken: Add the shredded leftover roast chicken to the pan, mix together with the garlic and ginger, and cook for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add Stock and Simmer: Pour in the litre of stock, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the good flavors from the garlic and ginger. Leave the soup to simmer gently over low heat for 10 minutes to develop the broth.
- Add Vegetables and Sauces: Add the sliced chestnut mushrooms, spring onions, sweetcorn, and gluten free tamari soy sauce. Turn up the heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften and flavors to meld.
- Add Noodles and Finish Cooking: Add the precooked flat rice noodles to the soup and cook for a further 10 minutes, ensuring the noodles are heated through and absorb some of the broth's flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into large bowls and sprinkle the finely sliced red chilli on top for a spicy kick if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- If you don’t have sesame oil, olive or vegetable oil works well as a substitute.
- For a spicier version, add more fresh red chilli or a dash of chili oil.
- Use precooked rice noodles or soak dried rice noodles in hot water prior to adding to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover roast chicken makes this recipe quick and easy, but cooked chicken breast or thighs can also be used.
- This soup can be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable stock instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx 400 g)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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