Chicken Clear Soup
A light and comforting broth-based soup filled with tender chicken and crisp vegetables. This Indo-Chinese classic is perfect as a warm appetizer or a light meal, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Place the chicken breast pieces in a pot with 5 cups of water.
- b.Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- c.Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred it into fine pieces.
- d.Strain and reserve the cooking water; this will be your flavorful, low-sodium broth.
TIPFor the clearest broth, skim off any foam that rises to the surface as the chicken cooks. - 2
Step 2
- a.Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat.
- b.Add the minced ginger and garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the finely chopped carrots and french beans. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- d.Add the shredded cabbage and cook for another minute until it just begins to wilt.
TIPChop all your vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly and provide a pleasant texture in every spoonful. - 3
Step 3
- a.Pour the reserved chicken broth into the pot with the vegetables.
- b.Add the shredded chicken, soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and white pepper powder.
- c.Stir everything to combine and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- d.Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- 4
Step 4
- a.If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth.
- b.While stirring the soup continuously, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps.
- c.Continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
- d.Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with chopped spring onion greens, and serve immediately.
TIPThe soup is meant to be light and clear, so use the cornstarch sparingly or skip it altogether if you prefer a thinner consistency.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the clearest soup, gently simmer the chicken and skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- 2White pepper provides the authentic Indo-Chinese flavor, which is more earthy and less pungent than black pepper.
- 3Ensure vegetables are chopped finely and uniformly for even cooking and a pleasant texture.
- 4To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, but you will need to use water instead of homemade broth.
- 5Add other vegetables like mushrooms, sweet corn, or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.
- 6Do not overcook the vegetables; they should retain a slight crunch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with firm tofu or a mix of mushrooms and sweet corn. Use vegetable stock or water as the base.
spicySpicy
Add 1 finely chopped green chili along with the ginger and garlic, or a dash of chili oil before serving.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the amount of chicken to 300g or add a whisked egg to the simmering soup to create egg ribbons.
quickQuick
Use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken and store-bought low-sodium broth to make this soup in under 15 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building, repair, and overall body function.
Hydrating and Nourishing
The broth base helps keep you hydrated, while the combination of protein and vegetables provides essential nutrients.
Boosts Immunity
Warm soup, especially with ingredients like ginger and garlic, is known to be soothing and can help support the immune system, particularly during a cold.
Low in Calories
This soup is light and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for weight management or as a guilt-free appetizer.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Chicken Clear Soup is very healthy. It's low in calories and fat, provides lean protein from the chicken, and is packed with vitamins from the vegetables. Making it at home with minimal salt makes it a nutritious choice.