If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that warms you from the inside out, this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender shredded chicken, chewy udon noodles, and a savory broth that’s subtly sweet and deeply satisfying. This dish is a brilliant balance of textures and flavors, making it perfect for any day you want something soothing yet exciting on your palate. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this soup is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step in making your Chicken Udon Soup Recipe truly shine. Each element plays a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and vibrant color you’ll love.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The heart of your soup, providing a rich, savory base that infuses every bite with comforting flavor.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds depth and a salty umami boost that elevates the broth beautifully.
- 1 tbsp mirin: A touch of sweetness that balances out the saltiness while adding a subtle complexity.
- 1 tsp sugar: Just enough to round out the flavors and enhance the mirin’s natural sweetness.
- 14 oz udon noodles (fresh or dried): Thick, chewy noodles that soak up the broth perfectly while offering satisfying texture.
- 2 cups chicken breast (cooked and shredded): Tender protein that makes the soup hearty and filling without overpowering the delicate broth.
- 2 green onions (chopped): A fresh, crisp garnish that adds brightness and a pop of color on top.
How to Make Chicken Udon Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by bringing your chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. This warm, flavorful base is what everything else will build upon, so let it fully come to a rolling boil before adding any seasonings.
Step 2: Season the Broth
Once boiling, stir in the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. These simple seasonings work in harmony to create a broth that’s savory, slightly sweet, and deeply layered with umami. Let it simmer gently for about five minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Udon Noodles
While your broth simmers, cook the udon noodles separately according to the package instructions. Whether you’re using fresh or dried noodles, make sure to drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to soak up all that delicious broth later.
Step 4: Assemble the Soup
Divide the cooked noodles evenly into your serving bowls. Next, pile on the shredded chicken for a hearty, protein-packed base. Then, ladle the hot, seasoned broth over the noodles and chicken, allowing everything to come together in one steaming, irresistible bowl.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish your Chicken Udon Soup Recipe by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions on top. This simple garnish adds a burst of color and a subtle crunch, making every spoonful even more delightful.
How to Serve Chicken Udon Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of green onions is classic and fresh, but if you want to get creative, try adding a few slices of fresh shiitake mushrooms, a soft-boiled egg, or some toasted sesame seeds. These toppings add layers of flavor and texture that make each bowl uniquely yours.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with light and crisp side dishes. Pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad can offer a refreshing contrast, while steamed edamame provides a healthy snack to nibble alongside your satisfying bowl of Chicken Udon Soup Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner or a casual gathering, serve this soup in wide, shallow bowls that showcase all the ingredients beautifully. You can also add a small drizzle of chili oil or sprinkle thin strips of nori on top to give your presentation a striking Asian-inspired finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Udon Soup Recipe makes a fantastic next-day meal. Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the noodles from getting mushy, consider storing them separately from the broth and chicken.
Freezing
Freezing soup with noodles can sometimes lead to a change in texture, so it’s best to freeze the broth and chicken alone. When ready to enjoy again, thaw the broth mixture, warm it up, and cook fresh udon noodles to add in before serving.
Reheating
Gently reheat your soup on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through. If your soup was stored with noodles mixed in, keep the heat low and stir gently to maintain the noodles’ texture. Fresh toppings can be added after reheating for maximum freshness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of udon?
Absolutely! While udon noodles give this soup its signature chewy texture, you can substitute with soba, ramen, or even rice noodles depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
Is this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep thanks to its simple assembly and ability to keep well in the fridge. Just remember to store noodles separately for the best texture and combine before eating.
What if I don’t have mirin?
If mirin is not available, you can substitute with a mix of rice vinegar and a little sugar to mimic its sweet and tangy qualities. This keeps the broth’s balance intact without losing flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms. The seasoning can stay the same to keep that wonderful umami punch.
How spicy is the Chicken Udon Soup Recipe?
This particular recipe is gently flavored and not spicy, making it approachable for everyone. If you like heat, feel free to add chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil at the end.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe at home is like giving yourself a big, warm hug on a plate. It’s comforting yet fresh, simple but deeply satisfying. I hope you give it a go soon and discover just how easy it is to infuse your meal times with a little extra joy and warmth. Enjoy every slurp!
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 comforting Chicken Udon Soup combines tender shredded chicken with chewy udon noodles in a savory broth flavored with soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sugar. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, this recipe delivers warmth and umami in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Broth Ingredients
- 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 rolling boil to develop a flavorful base for the soup.
- Flavor the broth: Add soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to the boiling broth, stirring well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Simmer the broth: Reduce the heat to low and let the broth gently simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cook the noodles: While the broth simmers, prepare the udon noodles according to the package instructions, either boiling fresh or dried noodles until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked udon noodles evenly among serving bowls and top each with shredded cooked chicken breast.
- Serve the soup: Ladle the hot flavored broth over the noodles and chicken in each bowl, then garnish generously with chopped green onions for freshness and color.
Notes
- Use fresh udon noodles if available for the best texture and flavor, but dried noodles work well too.
- Adjust soy sauce to taste if you prefer a saltier or milder broth.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken can be a convenient shortcut for this recipe.
- Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth; if unavailable, a small amount of sugar and rice vinegar can be substituted.
- This soup is best served immediately but can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
