20 minutes sesame chicken noodle soup
20 minutes sesame chicken noodle soup 🍜 is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS on YouTube.
Prep: 4 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 22 min
Cost: $7.82 total, $3.91 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt (fine sea salt)
- 0.25 teaspoons Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.25 teaspoons White Pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (peeled and minced)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (white parts only, sliced)
- 4 cups Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- 200 grams Egg Noodles (dry, broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 cup Mixed Vegetables (e.g., sliced carrots, bok choy, peas)
Instructions
Season Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry, then coat evenly with soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and white pepper.
Time: PT2M
Sear Chicken
Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium-high
Set Aside Chicken
Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and keep warm while you build the soup.
Time: PT1M
Sauté Ginger and Green Onion
In the same pot, add the minced ginger and the white parts of the green onion. Sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Add Stock and Simmer
Pour the chicken stock into the pot, increase heat, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Combine Noodles, Chicken, and Veg
Add the egg noodles, the seared chicken, and mixed vegetables. Cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring once halfway, until noodles are tender and veg are bright.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Finish and Serve
Adjust seasoning if needed, ladle soup into bowls, and garnish with extra sliced green onion if desired.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains soy, Contains sesame
Allergens: Soy, Wheat, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Thighs: Chicken Breast, Turkey Thigh
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, Coconut Aminos
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Vegetable Oil (less flavor)
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground Ginger (1 tsp)
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable Stock, Water + Bouillon
- Instead of Egg Noodles: Rice Noodles (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Mixed Vegetables: Any quick‑cooking veg
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season chicken evenly before searing.
- Sear chicken until golden to lock in flavor.
- Sauté ginger and green onion without burning.
- Cook noodles just until tender to avoid mushiness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality toasted sesame oil for authentic aroma; add it at the end if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For extra depth, deglaze the skillet with a splash of rice wine after searing the chicken.
- If you like heat, stir in a small amount of chili oil or fresh sliced chilies just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Noodles are mushy.
Reduce the final cooking time; check noodles a minute early and remove the pot from heat when they are just al dente.
Soup tastes bland.
Add a splash more soy sauce, a pinch of salt, or a drizzle of sesame oil at the end.
Too much oil after searing.
Drain excess oil from the skillet before adding aromatics, or blot the chicken with paper towels.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended because noodles become soft; if frozen, consume within 1 month and reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the chicken thighs a day ahead and refrigerate; add to soup at the end to reheat.
- Prepare homemade chicken stock in bulk and freeze in portions.
- Pre‑chop ginger and green onion and store in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Sesame Chicken Noodle Soup in Chinese cuisine?
Sesame chicken noodle soup is a comforting home‑style dish that blends the soothing qualities of broth with the protein of chicken and the nutty aroma of sesame oil. It reflects the Chinese tradition of quick, balanced meals that can be prepared with pantry staples, especially during cooler months.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken noodle soup in Chinese cuisine?
In northern China, wheat‑based noodles and a clear chicken broth are common, while southern versions often use rice noodles and a richer, sometimes soy‑based broth. Some regions add mushrooms, bok choy, or a dash of Shaoxing wine for extra depth.
How is Sesame Chicken Noodle Soup traditionally served in China?
It is typically served hot in a deep bowl, garnished with sliced green onions, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, and sometimes a few drops of chili oil for a subtle kick. It is eaten with a spoon and often accompanied by a small plate of pickled vegetables.
On what occasions or celebrations is chicken noodle soup traditionally associated in Chinese culture?
Chicken noodle soup is a go‑to comfort food for family gatherings, especially during the Lunar New Year when warm dishes symbolize health and prosperity. It is also served to convalescing family members because of its nourishing broth.
How does Sesame Chicken Noodle Soup fit into the broader Chinese cuisine tradition?
The dish embodies the Chinese culinary principles of balance—protein, carbs, and vegetables—while highlighting the use of aromatics like ginger and the distinctive flavor of toasted sesame oil, both staples in Chinese cooking.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Sesame Chicken Noodle Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include boneless chicken thigh, wheat egg noodles, fresh ginger, white part of green onion, low‑sodium chicken stock, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Acceptable substitutes are chicken breast, rice noodles for gluten‑free diets, tamari for soy‑free, and vegetable stock if chicken stock is unavailable.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with Sesame Chicken Noodle Soup?
Pair it with light side dishes such as stir‑fried bok choy, cucumber salad with garlic‑vinegar dressing, or simple steamed dumplings. The contrast of textures makes for a balanced meal.
What makes Sesame Chicken Noodle Soup special or unique in Chinese cuisine?
The addition of toasted sesame oil gives the broth a nutty fragrance that is not typical in plain chicken soups, creating a richer, more aromatic profile while still being quick to prepare.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Sesame Chicken Noodle Soup?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which makes the soup gummy, and searing the chicken too long, resulting in dry meat. Also, burning the ginger can impart a bitter taste.
How do I know when the Sesame Chicken Noodle Soup is done cooking?
The soup is ready when the noodles are al dente (tender but still firm to the bite), the vegetables are bright and just cooked through, and the chicken is heated through without being overcooked.
What does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS specialize in?
The YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS specializes in fast, family‑friendly Asian-inspired meals, focusing on simple techniques, affordable ingredients, and clear step‑by‑step video tutorials for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS' approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
TIFFYCOOKS emphasizes speed and accessibility, often delivering complete meals in under 30 minutes using everyday pantry items, whereas many other Chinese cooking channels focus on traditional, time‑intensive preparations or restaurant‑style plating.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
