Ginger Garlic Chicken Soup with Greens
In short: A clear, soothing broth with chicken thighs, plenty of ginger and garlic, carrots and bok choy. Light, warming and ready in about an hour. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 215 kcal
This is the soup to make when you want something hot, clean and restorative. A generous handful of ginger coins and garlic cloves flavor the broth, bone-in chicken thighs simmer until they fall from the bone, and quick-cooking greens go in at the end so they stay bright. There are no noodles or cream to weigh it down, but you can add rice or noodles to the bowl if you are hungry. Finish with lime and a little chili.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the scallion whites, garlic and ginger for 2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the chicken, turmeric, water or stock and the salt. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then reduce the heat and simmer partly covered for 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (74°C / 165°F) and tender.
- Lift the chicken onto a board. Add the carrots to the broth and simmer for 8 minutes. Meanwhile, pull the chicken from the bones in shreds and discard the bones.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Add the bok choy and cook for 2 to 3 minutes (1 minute for spinach, 4 for kale) until the greens are tender but still bright.
- Off the heat, stir in the lime juice, pepper and scallion greens. Taste for salt. Fish out the ginger coins if you like and serve hot with chili on the side.
Tips
- Slice the ginger into coins instead of grating it. The broth stays clear, and the slices are easy to lift out before serving.
- Spoon the soup over cooked rice or rice noodles for a more filling meal.
Questions and answers
Is ginger garlic chicken soup good when you have a cold?
Many people find a hot, brothy soup with ginger and garlic soothing when they feel unwell. It will not cure a cold, but the warmth, fluids and salt are comforting and easy to eat.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but add boneless breasts for the last 15 to 18 minutes only, or they will dry out. The broth will taste lighter because breasts have less bone and fat.
How can I make this soup spicy?
Simmer a sliced fresh chili with the garlic, or stir chili flakes or chili oil into each bowl at the table.
How long does it take to make Ginger Garlic Chicken Soup with Greens?
About 1 h in total: 15 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ginger Garlic Chicken Soup with Greens?
About 215 kcal per serving, with 24 g of protein, 9 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 215 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 880 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
