Simple Chicken & Bok Choy Soup
This Simple Chicken & Bok Choy Soup is a comforting, hydrating, and protein-packed meal in a bowl that comes together in under 20 minutes. It's incredibly satisfying and easy to digest, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
For 2 servings
**Prepare Vegetables:** Wash baby bok choy thoroughly. Trim off the very end of the root, then separate the leaves or halve/quarter smaller heads. Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger. Slice scallions for garnish.
**Sauté Aromatics:** In a medium saucepan or pot, heat 1 tsp sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
**Add Broth & Simmer:** Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
**Incorporate Chicken & Seasoning:** Once simmering, add the 8 oz of cooked, shredded chicken and 2 tsp of tamari (or low-sodium soy sauce). Stir well and let it heat through for 2-3 minutes.
**Wilt Bok Choy:** Add the prepared baby bok choy to the simmering soup. Gently push it down into the broth. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until the bok choy is bright green and slightly wilted but still retains a slight crispness. Do not overcook.
**Final Touches & Serve:** Remove the pot from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more tamari or a pinch of salt/white pepper). Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with sliced scallions before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Don't Overcook Bok Choy:** To maintain its vibrant color and slight crispness, add bok choy at the very end and cook just until wilted. Overcooked bok choy can become mushy and lose flavor.
- 2**Shred Chicken Easily:** If starting with cooked chicken breast, you can shred it quickly by placing it in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mixing on low speed for 30 seconds, or by using two forks.
- 3**Boost Umami:** For an extra layer of savory depth, consider adding a teaspoon of white miso paste dissolved in a little hot broth before adding the bok choy.
- 4**Meal Prep Friendly:** Cooked chicken and broth can be prepared ahead of time. Store them separately and combine with fresh bok choy just before serving for a super-fast meal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option
Replace chicken with 8 oz cubed firm tofu or sliced shiitake mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure tamari is used for a gluten-free and vegan option.
Noodle SoupNoodle Soup
Add 2-3 oz of cooked ramen noodles, rice vermicelli, or glass noodles to the soup along with the bok choy for a heartier meal. Cook noodles separately according to package directions and add to the bowls before ladling soup over.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
For those who enjoy heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger, or drizzle with sriracha or chili garlic sauce just before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Hydration
Soups are a fantastic way to increase your daily fluid intake, which is crucial for overall bodily functions, nutrient transport, and temperature regulation.
High in Lean Protein
Chicken provides a significant amount of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety, helping you feel full and energized.
Nutrient-Dense Vegetables
Bok choy is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium, contributing to bone health, immune function, and antioxidant protection.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. Cut raw chicken breast or thigh into bite-sized pieces. Add it to the simmering broth after the aromatics and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked through, before adding the bok choy.
