Chicken & Shirataki Noodle Soup
If you’re searching for a recipe that blends comfort, nutrition, and healing qualities perfectly, look no further than Chicken & Shirataki Noodle Soup. This delightful bowl combines tender chicken with low-carb, health-boosting shirataki noodles in a flavorful broth, delivering a nourishing experience that supports wellness while satisfying your taste buds. Whether you’re recovering from a cold, seeking a light yet filling meal, or simply craving something wholesome, this soup effortlessly brings warmth and vitality to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Nutrition: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, it nourishes your body from the inside out.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Shirataki noodles provide a satisfying texture without the extra carbs, making it ideal for keto and low-carb diets.
- Gut Soothing: The light broth and gentle ingredients make it easy on digestion, promoting gut health and comfort.
- Quick to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can enjoy homemade healing soup in under 30 minutes.
- Flavorful and Light: Each spoonful is a perfect balance of savory chicken, herbs, and the subtle bite of shirataki noodles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple with a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the rich, soothing flavor and perfect texture. From protein to veggies, every component builds a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Choose tender cuts for moisture and satisfying protein content.
- Shirataki noodles: These translucent noodles bring a unique, chewy texture without extra calories or carbs.
- Chicken broth: A rich, flavorful base that deeply enhances the soup’s healing benefits.
- Garlic and ginger: Natural immune boosters that add warmth and depth to the broth.
- Green onions: Fresh crunch and a mild peppery note lighten up the soup.
- Carrots and celery: Classic soup vegetables that add earthiness, color, and nutrients.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro: For brightness and a subtle herbal finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance flavors just right.
Variations for Chicken & Shirataki Noodle Soup
One of the joys of this recipe is how easy it is to personalize it according to your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative with these variations and make the soup truly your own.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or fresh chili for heat that wakes up your senses.
- Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a plant-based option.
- Extra Greens: Toss in baby spinach, kale, or bok choy for more vitamins and a touch of color.
- Herb Boost: Experiment with thyme, rosemary, or basil to switch up the flavor profile.
- Protein Variety: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or even leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
How to Make Chicken & Shirataki Noodle Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Shirataki Noodles
Rinse the shirataki noodles thoroughly under cold water for a couple of minutes to remove their natural aroma. Then, boil or dry-roast them in a skillet for 3-5 minutes to improve texture and firmness.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, sauté diced garlic and grated ginger in a touch of oil until fragrant. Add bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until golden on the outside but not fully done.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth along with chopped carrots and celery. Bring to a simmer, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften, about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the prepared shirataki noodles and continue simmering for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
Step 5: Finish and Season
Sprinkle in sliced green onions, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir gently, then remove from heat and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken & Shirataki Noodle Soup
- Drain and dry shirataki noodles well: This step reduces any unwanted lubricity and enhances the noodle’s chewiness.
- Use homemade broth if possible: For deeper flavor and added nutrients.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Cooking just until tender keeps the texture juicy and avoids dryness.
- Add fresh herbs at the end: This preserves their bright flavors and refreshing aroma.
- Simmer gently: Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear and flavors delicate.
How to Serve Chicken & Shirataki Noodle Soup
Garnishes
Top your soup with freshly chopped green onions, a sprinkle of minced parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty finish that elevates each bowl.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a light green salad, steamed vegetables, or a slice of crusty whole-grain bread for a balanced, wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in individual mugs or rustic bowls for a cozy vibe, or turn it into a noodle bowl by adding toppings like avocado, toasted sesame seeds, or a soft boiled egg.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Chicken & Shirataki Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the noodles and broth stay fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
This soup freezes well; separate portions freeze best so you can thaw only what you need. Avoid freezing fresh herbs with the soup to maintain their texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickened too much while stored.
FAQs
Are shirataki noodles really low in carbs?
Yes, shirataki noodles are made primarily from konjac yam fiber, offering almost zero digestible carbs, making them perfect for low-carb and keto diets.
Can I use instant chicken broth?
While you can use instant broth, homemade or high-quality store-bought broth significantly enhances the soup’s flavor and nutritional profile.
Is this soup suitable for people with gluten intolerance?
Absolutely! Chicken & Shirataki Noodle Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and seasonings.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The entire process typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes, making it a quick, nourishing choice for busy days.
Can I add other proteins besides chicken?
Yes, shredded turkey or tofu work great as alternatives, depending on your diet and taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Chicken & Shirataki Noodle Soup is more than just a comforting meal; it’s a healing hug in a bowl that’s ready whenever you need nourishment and ease. Its simple ingredients, healthful benefits, and inviting flavors make it a true favorite to prepare and share. So go ahead—try this recipe today and savor the cozy wellness it brings to your table.
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Chicken & Shirataki Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free, Low-Carb, Keto Friendly
Description
Chicken & Shirataki Noodle Soup is a nourishing, low-carb soup that combines tender chicken, health-boosting shirataki noodles, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. It’s quick to prepare, gut-soothing, and perfect for a wholesome meal or recovery from illness, delivering a comforting bowl full of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Optional: shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken (for protein variety)
Noodles
- 1 package (7-8 oz) shirataki noodles, rinsed and prepared
Broth & Vegetables
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: baby spinach, kale, or bok choy (for extra greens)
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes or fresh chili (for a spicy kick)
- Optional: thyme, rosemary, or basil (for herb variations)
Fats & Oils
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil) for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare the Shirataki Noodles: Rinse the shirataki noodles thoroughly under cold water for 2-3 minutes to remove their natural aroma. Then, boil or dry-roast them in a skillet for 3-5 minutes to improve texture and firmness.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until golden on the outside but not fully done.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth along with chopped carrots and celery. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared shirataki noodles to the pot and continue simmering for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Finish and Season: Stir in sliced green onions, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and serve warm, optionally garnished with extra green onions, parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
- Drain and dry shirataki noodles well to reduce lubricity and enhance chewiness.
- Use homemade chicken broth if possible for deeper flavor and nutrients.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavors.
- Simmer the soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep broth clear and flavors delicate.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze separated portions for best results; avoid freezing fresh herbs with the soup.
- Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Chicken soup, Shirataki noodles, Low-carb soup, Gluten free soup, Healthy chicken noodle soup, Healing soup, Keto soup
