Trending Healthy Waterless Chicken Soup
Trending Healthy Waterless Chicken Soup is a easy Filipino recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Kusina chef on YouTube.
Prep: 28 min | Cook: 1 hr 20 min | Total: 2 hrs 3 min
Cost: $11.85 total, $2.96 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 medium head Napa Cabbage (washed, core removed, roughly chopped)
- 1 large White Onion (peeled and sliced)
- 2 inch piece Fresh Ginger (peeled and sliced)
- 1 medium Apple (cored and sliced, preferably sweet variety)
- 1 about 1.5 kg Whole Chicken (bone‑in, cleaned, cut into pieces if desired)
- 1 tsp Salt (to season chicken)
- 3 stalks Spring Onions (chopped, white and green parts separated)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced (optional for deep flavor))
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for sautéing (optional))
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (adds umami; low‑sodium preferred (optional))
Instructions
Prepare the vegetables
Wash the napa cabbage, remove any wilted outer leaves, core it, and roughly chop. Slice the white onion, peel and slice the ginger, and core‑slice the apple.
Time: PT13M
Season the chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, and rub the seasoning evenly over the pieces.
Time: PT2M
Combine ingredients in the pot
Place the chopped napa cabbage, sliced onion, ginger, apple, chicken pieces, and the white parts of the spring onions into the large stockpot. Do NOT add any water.
Time: PT3M
Simmer low and slow
Set the stove to low heat, bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then cover tightly and cook for 60‑90 minutes, checking at 60 minutes. The chicken should become very tender and release its juices, forming a clear, slightly sweet broth.
Time: PT1H15M
Temperature: low
Prepare optional deep‑flavor boost
In a small pan, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic, sliced ginger, and the green parts of the spring onions until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Add 1 tbsp soy sauce, stir quickly, then pour the mixture into the soup.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Finish and serve
Taste the soup and add a pinch more salt if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with the remaining green spring‑onion tops.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 12g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free (if using tamari), Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo-friendly
Allergens: Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Napa Cabbage: Savoy cabbage, Green cabbage
- Instead of White Onion: Yellow onion
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (use less)
- Instead of Apple: Pear
- Instead of Whole Chicken: Bone‑in chicken thighs, Chicken drumsticks
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Spring Onions: Scallions
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Olive oil
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free)
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle
- Stove
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Simmer low and slow for 60‑90 minutes until chicken is very tender and releases broth.
- Do not add any water; rely on moisture from chicken and vegetables.
- Optional deep‑flavor sauté adds umami and richness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use bone‑in chicken pieces for a richer, gelatinous broth.
- A splash of rice vinegar added at the end brightens the flavor.
- For extra sweetness, choose a Fuji or Honeycrisp apple.
- If you like a hint of citrus, add a few strips of lemon zest during the simmer.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin.
Simmer uncovered for an additional 10‑15 minutes to reduce, or add more chopped cabbage or apple to thicken naturally.
Chicken is not tender.
Extend the simmer time, keep the heat low, and ensure the pot stays tightly covered to trap steam.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the soup a day ahead; flavors deepen after refrigeration.
- Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Portion and freeze individual servings for quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Waterless Chicken Soup with Napa Cabbage and Apple in Filipino cuisine?
This soup reflects the Filipino tradition of creating comforting, broth‑based dishes using whatever ingredients are on hand. By relying on the natural juices of chicken and vegetables instead of added water, it showcases the resourceful, health‑focused side of home cooking that has become popular on social media in the Philippines.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken soup in the Philippines compared to this waterless version?
Classic Filipino chicken soups like Tinola use ginger, green papaya or sayote, and often add lemongrass or fish sauce. The waterless version swaps those for napa cabbage and apple, giving a slightly sweet profile while still keeping the ginger base, illustrating a modern twist on a regional staple.
How is Waterless Chicken Soup with Napa Cabbage and Apple traditionally served in the Philippines?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, sometimes accompanied by steamed rice or a side of fried fish. A garnish of fresh spring‑onion greens adds color and a fresh bite, and diners often enjoy it as a comforting meal on rainy days.
On what occasions or celebrations is this type of chicken soup commonly enjoyed in Filipino culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, the soup is popular during the rainy season, family gatherings, and as a soothing dish after illness because of its light yet nourishing qualities.
How does Waterless Chicken Soup with Napa Cabbage and Apple fit into the broader Filipino cuisine tradition?
It embodies the Filipino love for broth‑based comfort foods, the use of local produce like cabbage and apples, and the emphasis on simple, wholesome flavors that can be prepared quickly at home.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for this soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include napa cabbage, white onion, fresh ginger, apple, chicken, and spring onions. Acceptable substitutes are savoy or green cabbage for napa cabbage, pear for apple, and chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken.
What other Filipino dishes pair well with Waterless Chicken Soup with Napa Cabbage and Apple?
It pairs nicely with steamed jasmine rice, fried tofu, or a side of sautéed bitter melon (ampalaya). For a fuller meal, serve alongside a simple fried fish like tilapia or a vegetable stir‑fry.
What makes Waterless Chicken Soup with Napa Cabbage and Apple special or unique in Filipino cuisine?
The uniqueness lies in its ‘waterless’ technique—relying solely on the moisture released by chicken and vegetables—resulting in a naturally flavored broth that is both light and slightly sweet, a departure from the more seasoned, watery soups traditionally made.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Waterless Chicken Soup with Napa Cabbage and Apple?
Common mistakes include adding water, which dilutes the natural flavor, and cooking over high heat, which can toughen the chicken. Also, over‑sautéing the garlic in the optional deep‑flavor step can cause bitterness.
Why does this Waterless Chicken Soup recipe use low heat for 60‑90 minutes instead of a rapid boil?
Low heat allows the chicken to gently release its juices and collagen without toughening the meat, while the vegetables slowly give up their moisture, creating a clear, flavorful broth without the need for added water.
What does the YouTube channel Kusina Chef specialize in?
The YouTube channel Kusina Chef specializes in Filipino home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on simple, budget‑friendly recipes that highlight traditional flavors with modern twists and practical cooking tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Kusina Chef's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other Filipino cooking channels?
Kusina Chef emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, techniques that require no special equipment, and creative twists like the waterless method, whereas many other channels often rely on more elaborate preparations or imported specialty items.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
