Simple Chicken & Bok Choy Soup
A light, soothing soup with tender chicken pieces and crisp bok choy swimming in a clear, savory broth. The ginger and garlic infuse the broth with warmth, while the bok choy adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight comfort food.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Prep the ingredients.
1.Slice chicken breast thinly against the grain.2.Separate bok choy stalks from leaves and chop into 2-inch pieces.3.Mince garlic cloves and thinly slice the ginger.4.Slice green onions and set aside for garnish. - saute · ~2 min
Sauté the aromatics.
1.Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of water or a light spray of oil.2.Add the minced garlic and sliced ginger.3.Stir constantly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.TIPDon't let the garlic burn — it turns bitter. Keep the heat medium and stir continuously. - boil · ~10 min
Build the broth and poach the chicken.
1.Pour in 6 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.2.Add the sliced chicken, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt.3.Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook until chicken is opaque and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.4.Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clearer broth. - boil · ~3 min
Wilt the bok choy.
1.Add the bok choy stalks to the pot first and simmer for 2 minutes.2.Add the bok choy leaves and cook for 1 more minute until just wilted and bright green.TIPDon't overcook the bok choy — it should keep a slight crispness. - mix · ~1 min
Finish the soup.
1.Turn off the heat.2.Stir in the sesame oil and a pinch of white pepper.3.Taste and adjust salt if needed. - serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slice chicken against the grain for tender pieces that cook evenly in the broth.
- 2Skim off foam during simmering to keep the broth crystal clear and clean-tasting.
- 3Add bok choy stalks before leaves so they soften slightly while leaves stay bright.
- 4Stir in sesame oil off the heat to preserve its nutty aroma and flavor.
- 5For extra depth, let the soup rest 5 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-carb
Replace chicken breast with thigh meat for extra juiciness and omit soy sauce for coconut aminos; the broth stays light and keto-friendly.
vegetarianVegetarian
Swap chicken with firm tofu or shiitake mushrooms and use vegetable broth; the ginger-garlic base still delivers a warming, savory bowl.
spicySpicy
Add 1 thinly sliced red chili or 1 tsp chili oil with the garlic for a gentle heat that complements the ginger.
noodle bowlNoodle bowl
Add 100g cooked rice noodles or udon in step 4 for a heartier meal; reduce water slightly to keep broth concentrated.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken breast provides high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle repair and satiety without heaviness.
Rich in Vitamin K
Bok choy is packed with vitamin K, which plays a key role in bone health and blood clotting.
Ginger for Digestion
Fresh ginger in the broth may help soothe the stomach and reduce nausea, making this soup especially comforting.
Low Calorie & Hydrating
This clear broth soup is naturally low in calories and high in water content, supporting hydration and fullness.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well — just add 2-3 extra minutes to the poaching time and slice after cooking.



