This Chicken Soup Uses ZERO Water 😳

This Chicken Soup Uses ZERO Water 😳 is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Eatbook on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 60 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $10.55 total, $2.64 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 piece Whole Chicken (about 1.5 kg, cleaned and patted dry)
  • 1 large White Onion (sliced thin)
  • 1 medium Apple (cored and sliced)
  • 5 leaves Nappa Cabbage Leaves (washed and roughly chopped)
  • 1 slice Fresh Ginger (about 2 cm, peeled)
  • 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 liters Water (enough to fully cover the chicken)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Slice the white onion, core and slice the apple, and wash then slice the nappa cabbage leaves. Peel a thin slice of ginger.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Layer Vegetables in Pot

    Place the sliced onion, apple, and cabbage leaves in the bottom of the large stockpot, spreading them evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Whole Chicken

    Place the whole chicken on top of the layered vegetables, ensuring it sits evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Add Ginger and Water

    Add the ginger slice on top of the chicken and pour in enough water to fully cover the chicken (about 2 L).

    Time: PT2M

  5. Simmer Soup

    Cover the pot tightly and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let it cook for 60 minutes.

    Time: PT60M

    Temperature: Low heat

  6. Season

    After 60 minutes, remove the lid, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Serve

    Ladle the broth into bowls, ensuring each serving gets pieces of tender chicken and vegetables.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
15g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo-Friendly

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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This Chicken Soup Uses ZERO Water 😳

Recipe by Eatbook

A comforting Korean‑style whole chicken soup simmered with sweet apple, aromatic onion, and tender nappa cabbage. The broth turns naturally sweet and rich while the chicken becomes fall‑off‑the‑bone tender. Perfect for cool evenings or when you need a soothing, one‑pot meal.

EasyKoreanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
18m
Prep
1h
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 28m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.55
Total cost
$2.64
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensure low heat simmer to keep chicken tender
  • Cover pot tightly to retain steam and flavor
  • Season at the end to avoid over‑salting

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of whole chicken soup with apple and nappa cabbage in Korean cuisine?

A

In Korean home cooking, chicken soup (samgyetang) is prized for its restorative qualities, especially during the hot summer days and winter months. Adding sweet apple and nappa cabbage is a regional twist that balances the savory broth with natural sweetness, reflecting Korea’s tradition of harmonizing flavors for health and comfort.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of chicken soup with apple exist in Korean cuisine?

A

While the classic Korean samgyetang uses ginseng and jujube, some southern provinces incorporate fruit like apple or pear and leafy greens such as nappa cabbage to create a lighter, sweeter broth. In Jeolla‑do, a similar soup may include chestnuts and pine nuts for added texture.

cultural
Q

How is this chicken soup traditionally served in Korean households?

A

It is typically served hot in a large bowl, with the whole chicken carved at the table. The broth is sipped first, then the meat, apple slices, and cabbage are eaten together. A side of rice and kimchi often accompanies the meal.

cultural
Q

During which Korean celebrations or seasons is chicken soup with apple commonly prepared?

A

This comforting soup is popular during the colder winter months and on special family gatherings such as Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) or birthdays, where nourishing dishes are valued.

cultural
Q

What makes this chicken soup special or unique in Korean comfort food?

A

The combination of sweet apple and mild nappa cabbage adds a natural sweetness and subtle vegetal note that sets it apart from the more robust, ginseng‑heavy samgyetang, making it a gentle yet flavorful comfort dish.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Korean chicken soup, and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include a whole chicken, Korean radish, garlic, ginger, and sometimes ginseng or jujube. In this recipe, apple and nappa cabbage replace the radish for sweetness; you can substitute pear for apple or savoy cabbage for nappa if needed.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this whole chicken soup?

A

Common errors include boiling the broth too hard, which toughens the meat, and adding salt too early, which can over‑season the delicate flavors. Also, not covering the pot tightly can cause excess evaporation and a weaker broth.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe simmer the chicken on low heat for 60 minutes instead of boiling?

A

Low‑heat simmering gently extracts flavors from the apple, onion, and cabbage while keeping the chicken moist. Boiling creates turbulence that can break down the meat fibers, resulting in a tougher texture and cloudy broth.

technical
Q

Can I make this chicken soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the soup improves after a few hours as the flavors meld. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Eatbook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Eatbook focuses on simple, home‑cooked meals from various world cuisines, emphasizing clear step‑by‑step tutorials, budget‑friendly ingredients, and comforting flavors that anyone can recreate.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Eatbook's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

Eatbook presents Korean dishes with a minimalist ingredient list and straightforward techniques, targeting busy home cooks, whereas many Korean channels emphasize traditional rituals, extensive side dishes, and specialty ingredients.

channel

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