Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
A steaming bowl of noodles with tender chicken, mushrooms, and fresh greens in savory broth.

Chicken Soba Noodle Soup

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
This Chicken Soba Noodle Soup is a comforting 30-minute meal made with tender poached chicken, soba noodles, bok choy, ginger, and lime β€” a soothing yet vibrant bowl of flavor perfect for busy weeknights.
4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 8 cups chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 boneless skinless chicken breast (approximately 12 ounces)
  • 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 8 ounces soba buckwheat noodles
  • 4 baby bok choy halved lengthwise or cut into 1-inch slices
  • 6 scallions thinly sliced
  • Fresh Thai basil, mint, or cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions
 

Poach the chicken:

  1. Place the chicken breast in a saucepan and pour in enough chicken stock to barely cover it. Cover the pan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Once the liquid begins to simmer, slightly vent the lid and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover tightly, and allow the chicken to rest in the hot liquid for 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and shred it into thin pieces once cool enough to handle.

Prepare the seasoned broth:

  1. Add the remaining chicken stock to the pot and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the chopped ginger, lime juice, fish sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more chili sauce for spice or lime juice for brightness.

Cook the soba noodles:

  1. In a separate large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or according to the package directions, until tender. Drain well. If not using immediately, rinse under cold water and toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Add vegetables to the broth:

  1. Return the broth to a simmer and add the bok choy and scallions. Cook for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, or until the greens are just tender and bright.

Assemble the soup:

  1. Divide the soba noodles among four serving bowls. Top each with the shredded chicken and ladle the hot broth and vegetables over the top. Garnish with fresh basil, mint, or cilantro, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

To make this Chicken Soba Noodle Soup gluten-free, use 100% buckwheat soba noodles, as some brands include wheat flour. Substitute the Thai fish sauce and chili sauce with certified gluten-free versions. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Bitty