If you’re craving a comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out, this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender shredded chicken, chewy udon noodles, and a savory broth enriched with soy sauce and mirin to create a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Quick to prepare yet full of layered flavors, this soup feels like a hug in a bowl and is perfect for any season or occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to make this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe truly shine. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s the silky noodles, the flavorful broth, or the fresh green onions that add just the right pop of color and brightness.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): The rich base that brings warmth and depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Adds a savory and slightly salty umami punch that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Mirin (1 tbsp): A sweet Japanese rice wine that balances saltiness and adds a subtle depth to the broth.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Just a touch of sweetness to round out the broth’s flavor profile.
- Udon noodles (14 oz, fresh or dried): Thick, chewy noodles that soak up the broth’s goodness and provide satisfying texture.
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast (2 cups): Tender protein that makes every spoonful hearty and fulfilling.
- Green onions (2, chopped): Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild, crisp bite.
How to Make Chicken Udon Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the flavorful broth
Start by bringing 6 cups of chicken broth to a rolling boil in a large pot. This rich foundation will carry all the flavors you add next. Carefully stir in the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, letting them dissolve fully as the broth transforms into a savory-sweet delight.
Step 2: Simmer to meld flavors
Reduce the heat to low and allow the broth to gently simmer for about five minutes. This mellow heat is essential to marry the ingredients into a harmonious, well-rounded taste — it’s where your soup’s magic begins to develop.
Step 3: Cook the udon noodles
While the broth simmers, cook your udon noodles according to the package instructions. Whether fresh or dried, careful cooking ensures they maintain their characteristic chewy bite without becoming mushy. When ready, drain and set them aside to keep them from sticking together.
Step 4: Assemble the bowls
Divide the cooked noodles evenly into serving bowls. Top each portion generously with the shredded chicken breast, making sure you get that tender protein in every bite. This layering ensures each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of broth, noodles, and chicken.
Step 5: Pour the hot broth and garnish
Ladle the steaming broth over the noodles and chicken, watching as it infuses warmth and flavor into the dish. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions, which add a fresh, vibrant note and just the right contrast in color and texture.
How to Serve Chicken Udon Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this dish effortlessly. Beyond the chopped green onions, consider adding a few thinly sliced mushrooms or a soft-boiled egg for extra richness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few chili flakes can awaken the flavors gently, catering to your taste buds beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides. Think steamed edamame for a pop of protein, a crisp cucumber salad for freshness, or even a small serving of pickled vegetables to cut through the richness and add tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Chicken Udon Soup Recipe into a feast for the eyes by serving it in deep ceramic bowls with rustic finishes or layered wooden trays. Add a pair of stylish chopsticks resting atop the bowl for an inviting Japanese-inspired presentation, making your meal both enjoyable to taste and delightful to behold.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Chicken Udon Soup Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to keep the broth separate from the noodles and chicken if you can, to prevent the noodles from becoming overly soft and mushy.
Freezing
The broth freezes beautifully on its own, so consider portioning it out into freezer-safe containers. However, avoid freezing the noodles and chicken together with the broth, as the texture can degrade upon thawing. When ready to enjoy, just quickly reheat the broth and add freshly cooked noodles and chicken.
Reheating
Reheat leftover broth gently over medium-low heat until it’s steaming but not boiling to preserve flavor. If using leftover noodles and chicken, warm them separately in a microwave or quickly in hot water before combining. This method keeps every component tasting fresh and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of udon?
Absolutely! While udon noodles are ideal for their thick, chewy texture, you can substitute with soba or ramen noodles if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind the cooking times might differ slightly.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken broth for a vegetable broth and replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Adding umami-rich ingredients like miso paste can help deepen the flavor of the broth.
How long does this Chicken Udon Soup Recipe take to prepare?
The whole process takes about 25 minutes, making it fantastic for busy weeknights when you want something warm and nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Veggies like bok choy, spinach, or sliced carrots can be added during the simmering step for extra color, nutrients, and texture. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so they stay crisp yet tender.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken for the soup?
The easiest way is to use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breasts quickly. You can also shred hot chicken by hand if it’s cool enough, or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for larger batches.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Udon Soup Recipe is truly a keeper when it comes to easy, comforting meals that don’t compromise on flavor. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again—whether you’re cozying up after a long day or sharing with friends and family. So grab your pot, gather these simple ingredients, and dive into a bowl of cozy deliciousness that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat!
Print
Chicken Udon Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 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 touch of sweetness. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a warming meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
Main
- 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 over medium-high heat.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar into the boiling broth until well combined for a balanced savory and slightly sweet flavor.
- Simmer the Broth: Reduce the heat to low and let the broth gently simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cook Udon Noodles: While the broth simmers, prepare the udon noodles according to the package instructions, usually boiling until tender. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
- Assemble Soup Bowls: Evenly divide the cooked udon noodles into four serving bowls, then top each bowl with the shredded cooked chicken breast.
- Serve with Broth and Garnish: Ladle the hot seasoned broth over the noodles and chicken in each bowl. Finish by sprinkling the chopped green onions on top for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or dried udon noodles based on availability.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be used to save time.
- Adjust soy sauce amount to taste for saltiness.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of chili oil or sliced fresh chili.
- Vegetables like mushrooms or bok choy can be added for extra nutrition.
