Hearty & Flavorful: Your Guide to the Best Asian-Style Chicken Rice Soup Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to comfort the soul, and this **Asian-style chicken rice soup** delivers comfort in spades. It’s an incredibly easy-to-make dish that brims with an aromatic blend of spices, tender chicken, and a delightful mix of textures. This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, offering a friendly, warm, and deeply delicious Asian taste that truly stands out. Loaded with succulent chicken, fluffy rice, crisp bean sprouts, and perfectly cooked eggs, it transforms into a satisfying lunch or a light yet fulfilling main course. This is the kind of hearty meal soup that wins over everyone at the table, offering both nourishment and an explosion of flavor.
The Comfort of Asian-Style Chicken Rice Soup
This **Asian-style chicken rice soup** is a year-round delight. Imagine a steaming bowl on a chilly winter day, its rich spices and warmth chasing away the cold. Or picture a lighter version, served slightly cooler in the summer, offering a refreshing yet satisfying meal. Its versatility is part of its charm. The magic begins with a simple step: gently frying a vibrant mix of herbs and aromatics until their enticing fragrance fills your kitchen. This crucial step unlocks their full potential, creating a flavorful foundation before the chicken and stock are even added. The result is a robust, aromatic broth that forms the heart of this delightful soup. Once the broth is perfected, all that’s left is to add the hearty fillings, and your incredible meal is ready to be enjoyed!
More than just a delicious dish, this **easy chicken soup recipe** offers a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, making it a true win-win for both your taste buds and your health. It’s comforting, nutritious, and incredibly simple to prepare, making it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.
Essential Ingredients for Your Asian-Style Chicken Rice Soup
Crafting this flavorful **homemade chicken soup** starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the complex, harmonious flavors that define this Asian culinary experience. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need, with precise measurements available in the comprehensive recipe card at the very bottom of this guide:
- Chicken breast: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast or fillets, cut into bite-sized cubes for quick cooking and easy eating. This lean protein is a staple in many **chicken and rice recipes**. If you have leftover roast chicken or a rotisserie chicken, feel free to shred and add it for an even quicker preparation!
- Onion, shallot, garlic: These foundational aromatics are the soul of many Asian dishes. When lightly fried, their natural sugars caramelize, releasing an incredible depth of flavor that forms the rich base of our soup. They are essential for that savory, pungent kick.
- Kecap Manis: This thick, sweet Indonesian soy sauce is a cornerstone of the soup’s distinctive flavor. Its dark color and syrupy texture contribute a unique blend of sweetness and umami. If you don’t have Kecap Manis on hand, don’t worry! You can create a suitable substitute: combine your regular light soy sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, or dark soy sauce with two tablespoons of honey and an additional tablespoon of brown sugar to replicate its sweet and savory profile.
- Tamarind paste: Derived from the tart, fruity pod of the tamarind tree, this paste introduces a crucial sour note, balancing the sweetness of the Kecap Manis and brown sugar. In many stews, it also acts as a natural meat tenderizer. For a quick substitute, a tablespoon of lemon juice combined with a tablespoon of brown sugar can provide a similar sweet-sour tang.
- Brown sugar: Beyond just sweetness, brown sugar lends a subtle molasses flavor and aids in creating a beautiful caramelization when fried with the spices. It expertly balances the spicy and sour elements in the soup, resulting in a well-rounded and harmonious taste.
- Sambal: To introduce that signature spicy kick, we use either sambal oelek or sambal badjak. Two teaspoons are usually enough to make this **oriental chicken soup** palatable for the whole family, offering a pleasant warmth without being overwhelmingly hot. If you prefer a bolder heat, simply increase the amount. Sriracha sauce is also an excellent alternative if sambal is not available.
- Egg: Hard-boiled eggs are a traditional and delightful addition, adding richness and a satisfying texture. Ensure they are peeled before slicing them vertically to reveal their vibrant yolks, making each bowl visually appealing and complete. For tips on achieving consistently perfect hard-boiled eggs, refer to our guide on cooking hard-boiled eggs.
- Rice: Cooked white rice forms a hearty base for this **chicken rice soup**. You can use freshly cooked warm rice or even cold leftover rice, which quickly warms up in the hot broth. For an added boost of fiber and a nuttier flavor, consider using brown rice.
- Bean sprouts: Also known as Tjapar in some regions, these delicate sprouts offer a refreshing crunch and a mild, slightly nutty flavor reminiscent of Chinese cabbage. Because they cook very quickly and we want to preserve their crispness, they are added directly to the serving bowls, with the hot soup poured over them just before serving.
- Chicken stock: This is the liquid backbone of your soup, providing rich, savory depth. For the most profound flavor, we highly recommend using homemade chicken stock. However, a good quality store-bought chicken stock or even a stock cube dissolved in hot water can be used as a convenient alternative.
- Turmeric, Ginger Powder, Coriander, Cumin, and Galangal: This quintet of ground spices is what truly defines the “Asian” character of this soup.
- Turmeric: Adds earthy warmth and a beautiful golden hue.
- Ginger Powder: Contributes a pungent, spicy, and warming note, essential to Asian cuisine.
- Coriander: Offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor.
- Cumin: Imparts a distinct earthy, warm, and slightly smoky aroma.
- Galangal: A close cousin to ginger, it provides a sharper, more citrusy, and piney flavor that is distinctly Southeast Asian.
These spices are widely available in most supermarkets or any Asian grocery store.
Crafting Your Flavorful Chicken Soup with Sprouts and Rice
Preparing this fragrant **chicken soup with sprouts and rice** is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding flavors. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time. For a printable version with a detailed step-by-step description, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this blog post.
- Build the Aromatic Base: In a large soup pot, heat a tablespoon of sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, shallot, and garlic. Introduce the powerful spice blend: galangal, turmeric, ginger, coriander, and cumin. Stir in the brown sugar, Kecap Manis, sambal, and tamarind paste. Fry this vibrant mix for approximately 3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial, as it allows the heat to “bloom” the spices and aromatics, intensifying their flavors and creating a rich, fragrant foundation for your soup.
- Simmer to Perfection: Pour the chicken stock into the pan, then add your cubed chicken breast. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 30 minutes. This simmering period is essential for the chicken to cook through, become tender, and for all the incredible flavors to meld together, creating a deeply savory and complex broth. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt if needed before serving.
- Prepare the Bowls: While the soup simmers, prepare your serving bowls. Place two halves of a hard-boiled egg, a generous portion of fresh bean sprouts (which have been quickly rinsed with boiling water to warm them slightly), and a scoop of cooked rice into each bowl. This layering ensures that the delicate bean sprouts retain their crisp texture and the rice doesn’t become overcooked in the broth.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully ladle the hot, aromatic soup over the ingredients in each bowl. Serve immediately to capture the perfect balance of warmth, freshness, and texture. This **flavorful soup** is best enjoyed fresh.
To elevate your dining experience, this **easy chicken soup** is absolutely delicious when served alongside crispy prawn crackers, a sprinkle of crunchy fried onions, and thinly sliced fresh spring onions for a burst of freshness and extra texture. These accompaniments not only add to the flavor profile but also provide a delightful textural contrast.
When you follow this recipe, you’ll create a delicious and satisfying **oriental chicken soup** that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. However, cooking is also about creativity! Here are some ideas to customize your soup to your preferences:
- For a Sugar-Free Version: If you’re watching your sugar intake, simply omit the brown sugar from the recipe. Additionally, replace the sweet Kecap Manis with a salty, regular soy sauce to maintain the savory balance.
- Adjust the Heat: The recipe suggests sambal, but if you prefer sriracha, it’s a fantastic alternative that offers a similar spicy kick. Adjust the quantity to your preferred level of heat – from mild to fiery!
- Boost Your Veggies: Want to add even more goodness? Incorporate a handful of green peas for a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, or thin strips of leek for a mild oniony flavor. Spinach, bok choy, or sliced mushrooms would also combine wonderfully with this soup, adding extra nutrients and textures.
- Tamarind Alternatives: If fresh tamarind paste is hard to find, you can substitute it with 2 tablespoons of lime juice. This will provide a similar tartness that balances the other strong flavors in the soup.
- Increase Fiber Content: For a more wholesome meal, swap out white rice for brown rice. Its nuttier flavor and chewier texture will add another dimension to the soup. Other grains like quinoa or farro could also be interesting additions.
- Stock Options: While homemade chicken stock offers unparalleled depth, if you don’t have it, you can easily substitute it with 1 liter of water combined with 2 good quality chicken stock cubes (or bouillon powder).
- Gluten-Free Friendly: To make this a completely gluten-free recipe, ensure you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular Kecap Manis (if substituting, ensure your other soy products are also GF).
- Add More Protein: While chicken is central, you could also add cooked shrimp during the last few minutes of simmering, or crumbled firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, mint, or Thai basil just before serving can add a vibrant, fresh aroma that complements the rich spices beautifully.
Did you make this delicious **Asian-style chicken rice soup** recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card below! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously in creating even better content.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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soup pot
Ingredients
Soup
Spice mix
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped finely
- 2 shallots , chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon galangal powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons Kecap Manis, sweet
- 2 teaspoons tamarind paste
- 2 teaspoons sambal oelek, or sambal badjak
Remaining soup ingredients
- 4 cups chicken stock
- ½ pound chicken breast, cut in ½ inch cubes (1 cm)
Serving
- ½ pound bean sprouts, rinsed with boiling water
- ¼ pound white rice, cooked
- 4 eggs , hard boiled, peeled and sliced vertically
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Asian-style Chicken Soup
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Heat the pan and pour in the oil.2 tablespoons sunflower oil
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Add the onion, garlic, shallots, galangal, turmeric, ginger, coriander, cumin, sugar, kecap, tamarind, and sambal. Keep stirring and bake for 3 minutes.1 onion, 5 cloves garlic, 2 shallots, 1 teaspoon galangal powder, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar, 3 tablespoons Kecap Manis, 2 teaspoons tamarind paste, 2 teaspoons sambal oelek
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Add the chicken stock and chicken cubes and bring to a boil.4 cups chicken stock, ½ pound chicken breast
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Simmer for 30 minutes, taste, and add salt to the taste.
Serving
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In every soup bowl, add two half eggs, ¼ of the bean sprouts, and ¼ of the cooked rice.½ pound bean sprouts, ¼ pound white rice, 4 eggs
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Pour the soup into the bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
2. Sambal – Use sambal oelek or sambal badjak to make the **Asian-style chicken and rice soup** spicy. The recommended two teaspoons typically make this recipe enjoyable for the whole family. However, if you and your family prefer more heat, don’t hesitate to add more sambal to taste. As an alternative, sriracha is also an excellent option.
3. Eggs – Always use hard-boiled eggs for this recipe. For an extra layer of flavor and a slightly firmer texture, you can peel them first and then lightly pan-fry them until golden before slicing. For consistently perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs every time, refer to our detailed guide.
4. Chicken stock – While making homemade chicken stock will yield the richest flavor, you can certainly use good quality store-bought chicken stock or simply prepare it from a stock cube for convenience.
5. Too salty or too spicy?
If you find the soup is too salty, you can easily dilute it by adding a little more water or unsalted chicken stock. Another helpful trick is to boil a peeled potato in the soup for about 10 minutes; the potato will absorb some of the excess salt. If the soup has too much spice for your liking, adding one tablespoon of sugar can help to balance and mellow out the heat.
6. Serve with
This soup is incredibly delicious to serve with an array of complementary garnishes. Crispy prawn crackers add a wonderful crunch, fried onions contribute a savory depth, and fresh spring onions provide a refreshing, mild oniony bite.
7. Also delicious with
Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables! Green peas add a touch of sweetness and color, while thin strips of leek can introduce a subtle, fresh onion flavor. These vegetables combine really well with the existing ingredients in this flavorful soup.
8. Storage
- Refrigerator: For best results and food safety, prepare the soup up to and including step 4 (simmering the chicken and broth), but do not season with salt yet, as flavors can intensify. Allow the soup to cool quickly to room temperature, then store it covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup gently over low heat and then adjust the salt to taste before proceeding to step 5 (adding the rice, sprouts, and eggs).
- Freezer: If you plan to freeze the soup, follow the instructions for the refrigerator storage, completing step 4 (simmering the chicken and broth) without adding salt. Pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container, ensuring there’s a little headspace for expansion. Freeze and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator the day before you plan to eat it, or overnight. Reheat over low heat, season with salt, and then continue with step 5.
9. The nutritional value shown is an estimation per bowl of soup, assuming the recipe yields four equal servings.
Nutrition
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