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I whipped up this Teriyaki Chicken Noodle Soup one cold night when I wanted something hot but not your typical chicken soup. Mixing that comforting soup feeling with bold teriyaki taste turned out amazing in my kitchen. Those thick udon noodles drink up all that tasty broth while the soft chicken and crunchy veggies make each bite wonderful. It's now our go-to comfort dish, especially when it's pouring outside.
Warming Soul Food
The magic of this soup comes from blending two fantastic things together. The sweet-savory teriyaki sauce makes the chicken incredibly tasty, and those fat udon noodles with fresh veggies turn it into a full meal in one bowl. My picky kid, who usually avoids vegetables, always wants more whenever I cook this.
What You'll Need
- The protein: Tender chicken thighs that won't dry out in soup.
- Your marinade: Quality soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, zesty ginger, and garlic.
- The noodles: Fat udon noodles that won't turn mushy in the broth.
- Fresh vegetables: Snappy bok choy, soft carrots, flavorful mushrooms.
- The broth base: Flavorful chicken stock, sesame oil, chopped green onions to finish.
- Extra touches: Sprinkle of sesame seeds, fresh lime pieces, maybe some chili flakes for kick.
Let's Make Soup
- Start with chicken:
- Whip up that tasty marinade and toss your chicken in it. Let it soak while you get everything else ready.
- Build the base:
- Cook that flavor-packed chicken until golden, then set aside to cool before cutting. Keep that marinade for the soup base.
- Create the soup:
- Cook your broth with the leftover marinade, adding your veggies in the right order so nothing gets too soft or stays too crunchy.
- Bring it together:
- Cook those noodles in their own pot, then put them in bowls. Pour the hot soup over top and add all your fresh garnishes.
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My Kitchen Secrets
After making this soup tons of times, I've figured out a few tricks. Always put bok choy stems in before the leafy parts since they need more cooking time. Don't be afraid to swap veggies based on what you've got. Try using bone-in chicken thighs for better flavor, just take out the bones before serving. Always cook noodles separately so they don't turn to mush.
Perfect Pairings
We always put out extra lime wedges and hot sauce so everyone can make their bowl just right. Sometimes I'll fry up some spring rolls to go with it. A cold bottle of Asian beer or a steaming cup of green tea goes really well with these flavors.
Save Some For Later
This soup tastes way better the next day after all the flavors have gotten friendly with each other. Just make sure to keep the noodles away from the broth in the fridge or they'll get soggy. When you want to eat it again, warm the soup slowly on the stove and throw in fresh noodles right at the end.
Mix It Up
The original version is great, but I love trying different twists. Sometimes I toss in baby corn or water chestnuts for some extra crunch. You can use rice noodles or ramen if that's all you've got. Want more heat? Just pour in some chili oil or squirt some sriracha into your broth.
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Soup For The Soul
This teriyaki chicken noodle soup has become our family's comfort food champion. I make it when someone's feeling sick, when we need something warm but not too filling, or just when we want to enjoy something tasty together. The way it makes the whole house smell amazing and brings everyone to the kitchen asking what's cooking that smells so good makes all the effort worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does it take to prepare Teriyaki Chicken Noodles?
It takes about an hour to finish this dish. Spend 10 minutes prepping, marinate for 20 minutes, then cook for 30 minutes.
- → Can I cook this dish in advance?
Absolutely. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- → What kind of noodles work best here?
The recipe calls for instant udon noodles. Their chewy texture soaks up the tasty broth nicely, making them a top choice for this dish.
- → Can I replace chicken thighs with another cut?
While thighs are ideal for their juiciness and rich flavor, chicken breast also works fine. Just make sure not to overcook it as it can dry out fast.
- → Is this dish spicy?
No, the flavors are more on the savory and slightly sweet side, thanks to the teriyaki. Add some chili flakes or sriracha if you'd like to spice things up.