Easy and Healthy Chicken Clear Soup
Easy and Healthy Chicken Clear Soup is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 3. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by HomeCookingShow on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 1 hr 25 min | Total: 2 hrs 5 min
Cost: $10.39 total, $3.46 per serving
Ingredients
- 250 g Chicken Pieces with Bone (small pieces, bone‑in for flavor)
- 1 large Onion (roughly chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (lightly crushed, keep whole for broth)
- 1 large Carrot (peeled and cut into large pieces)
- 3 stalks Celery Stalks (cut into large pieces)
- 5 pieces Whole Peppercorns (adds subtle spice to broth)
- 1 tsp Rock Salt (seasoning for broth)
- 2 pieces Bay Leaves (dried or fresh)
- 2 L Water (for broth base)
- 100 g Boneless Chicken Breast (cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 cup Broccoli Florets (fresh, cut into small florets)
- 6 pieces Fresh Mushrooms (halved)
- 1 cup Bok Choy (chopped; substitute regular cabbage if unavailable)
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely chopped for soup)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce (optional, adds umami)
Instructions
Prep Broth Vegetables
Roughly chop the onion, lightly crush the garlic cloves, peel and cut the carrot into large pieces, and cut the celery stalks into large chunks.
Time: PT10M
Combine Ingredients for Broth
In a deep pot, add 2 L of water, the prepared vegetables, 250 g bone‑in chicken pieces, 5 whole peppercorns, 1 tsp rock salt, and 2 bay leaves.
Time: PT5M
Bring Broth to a Boil
Place the pot over high heat and bring to a rolling boil, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
Time: PT10M
Simmer Broth
Reduce heat to medium‑low, partially cover the pot with a lid that has a small vent, and let the broth simmer for 1 hour.
Time: PT1H
Strain Broth
After an hour, remove the pot from heat and strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container, discarding the solids.
Time: PT5M
Prep Soup Vegetables
Cut broccoli into florets, halve the mushrooms, chop the bok choy (or cabbage) into bite‑size pieces, and finely chop 2 garlic cloves.
Time: PT10M
Prep Chicken for Soup
Cut the boneless chicken breast into small bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Heat Broth for Soup
Pour 4 cups of the strained chicken broth into a clean pot and bring to a boil over medium‑high heat.
Time: PT5M
Cook Chicken Pieces
Add the chicken pieces to the boiling broth and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the meat turns opaque.
Time: PT5M
Season Soup
Stir in the finely chopped garlic, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp soy sauce (optional).
Time: PT2M
Add Vegetables and Simmer
Add broccoli florets, mushroom halves, and bok choy to the pot. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for another 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender‑crisp.
Time: PT10M
Finish and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 8 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: High‑Protein, Low‑Fat, Gluten‑Free if using tamari
Allergens: Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Pieces with Bone: Chicken thighs, Chicken drumsticks
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste (1 tsp)
- Instead of Carrot: Parsnip
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Celery leaves
- Instead of Whole Peppercorns: Cracked pepper
- Instead of Rock Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Bay Leaves: Dried thyme (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Boneless Chicken Breast: Chicken thigh meat, skinless
- Instead of Broccoli Florets: Cauliflower florets
- Instead of Fresh Mushrooms: Button mushrooms, Shiitake slices
- Instead of Bok Choy: Green cabbage (1 cup, shredded)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free)
Equipment Needed
- Deep Pot
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Ladle
- Soup Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Simmer the broth for a full hour to extract deep flavor.
- Strain the broth carefully to keep it clear.
- Cook the chicken pieces only until they turn opaque; overcooking makes them tough.
- Add vegetables at the right time to keep them tender‑crisp.
- Use a partially vented lid while simmering to prevent overflow.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a few slices of fresh ginger to the broth for an extra aromatic note.
- Finish the soup with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
- For a spicier version, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Troubleshooting
Broth tastes weak or watery.
Add more bone‑in chicken pieces or simmer an extra 30 minutes; you can also add a splash of soy sauce for depth.
Soup becomes cloudy.
Skim foam during the initial boil and strain through a fine mesh sieve; avoid stirring vigorously.
Vegetables are overcooked and mushy.
Add them later in the cooking process and keep the simmer gentle; check for doneness after 8‑10 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the broth in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Soup leftovers keep 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze broth in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months. Soup can be frozen but texture may change; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave the soup at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the chicken broth a day ahead; it develops richer flavor after chilling.
- Store the broth in the refrigerator and reheat gently before making the soup.
- Pre‑chop all vegetables and keep them in sealed bags for quick assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Oriental Chicken Clear Soup in Chinese cuisine?
Clear chicken soups, known as "鸡汤" (jī tāng), have been a staple in Chinese home cooking for centuries, valued for their soothing properties and ability to nourish the body during illness or recovery. The broth‑based version reflects the Chinese principle of balancing flavors while keeping the dish light and health‑focused.
What are the traditional regional variations of clear chicken soup in Chinese cuisine?
In northern China, the soup often includes wheat noodles and a dash of vinegar, while southern versions add herbs like cilantro or a splash of Shaoxing wine. Cantonese styles may feature mushrooms and bok choy, similar to this recipe, emphasizing freshness and a clear broth.
How is Oriental Chicken Clear Soup traditionally served in Chinese households?
It is typically served hot in a shallow bowl, sometimes garnished with sliced scallions, a few drops of sesame oil, or fresh cilantro. It is enjoyed as a starter, a light main course, or a restorative dish for the sick.
During which occasions or celebrations is clear chicken soup commonly prepared in Chinese culture?
Clear chicken soup is often made for family gatherings during the Lunar New Year for its symbolism of health, as well as during convalescence periods, postpartum recovery, and on cold winter days when a warm, nourishing broth is desired.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Oriental Chicken Clear Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include bone‑in chicken, fresh ginger, garlic, scallions, and Chinese cabbage (bok choy). Substitutes can be regular cabbage for bok choy, chicken thighs for bone‑in pieces, and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten‑free version.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with Oriental Chicken Clear Soup?
It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, dumplings (jiaozi), scallion pancakes, or a side of sautéed greens such as gai lan. The light broth complements richer dishes like mapo tofu or braised pork belly.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Oriental Chicken Clear Soup at home?
Common errors include over‑boiling the broth, which makes it cloudy; overcooking the chicken pieces, resulting in a rubbery texture; and adding vegetables too early, which can turn them mushy. Follow the timing steps and skim foam early for a clear result.
Why does this Oriental Chicken Clear Soup recipe use a simmered bone broth instead of a quick stock?
Simmering bone‑in chicken for an hour extracts collagen and minerals, giving the broth a richer mouthfeel and deeper flavor that a quick stock cannot achieve. The slow extraction also keeps the broth clear and gelatinous when cooled.
Can I make Oriental Chicken Clear Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the broth can be prepared up to two days in advance and kept refrigerated, or frozen for up to two months. Reheat gently before adding the fresh vegetables and chicken for the final soup.
What does the YouTube channel HomeCookingShow specialize in?
The YouTube channel HomeCookingShow focuses on approachable, home‑cooked meals that emphasize wholesome ingredients, step‑by‑step guidance, and practical tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel HomeCookingShow's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
HomeCookingShow blends traditional Chinese techniques with clear, English‑language explanations, emphasizing health‑focused variations and making ingredients accessible for North American grocery stores, unlike many channels that assume specialty market access.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
