Craving a bowl of comfort with vibrant Southeast Asian flavors? Our lemongrass chicken noodle soup recipe, inspired by Thailand’s bustling markets, combines fragrant lemongrass, tender chicken, and rice noodles in a nourishing broth. Perfect for cozy nights or a quick family meal, this soup brings our travel memories to your table. Explore more recipes at our Recipes Collection!
A Taste of Thailand: The Story Behind Our Soup
This lemongrass chicken noodle soup holds a special place in our hearts. During our early travels in Thailand, when Natalia and I were exploring Koh Chang, we stumbled upon a small street food stall. The air was alive with the scent of lemongrass and ginger, drawing us to a steaming bowl of this soup. One taste, and we were hooked—it was like Thailand in a bowl.
Years later, with my culinary training from Austria and Oman, I refined this recipe to capture those vibrant flavors. Victor loves bruising the lemongrass stalks, a task that makes him feel part of our Thai adventures. As we adapted it during our current travels in Vietnam, adding local twists, it became a family favorite, especially on chilly UK evenings. For more stories, check our Asia Travel Guides.
Why You’ll Love This Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup
- Bursting with Flavor: Lemongrass, ginger, and garlic create a fragrant, soul-warming broth.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and herbs for a balanced meal.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and clear steps make it accessible for all cooks.
- Perfect for Any Season: Light enough for summer, comforting for winter nights.
- Customizable: Adaptable for vegetarian, gluten-free, or spicy preferences.
Health Benefits of Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup isn’t just delicious; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s why:
- Lemongrass: Offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, boosting immunity and aiding digestion (Healthline).
- Chicken: Provides lean protein (~25g per serving) for muscle repair and satiety.
- Ginger: Supports digestion and reduces nausea, perfect for wellness.
- Garlic: Enhances immune function with antibacterial properties.
- Vegetables: Carrots and bok choy add vitamins A, C, and fiber.
Explore more healthy recipes at our Healthy Meal Plans.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Quality ingredients make this soup shine. During my training in Oman, I learned the importance of fresh herbs. Choose firm, green lemongrass stalks for maximum flavor. A sharp Chef Knife simplifies prep, while fresh ginger and garlic add depth, and rice noodles keep it light and gluten-free.
Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup
A fragrant, comforting soup with tender chicken, rice noodles, and vibrant Thai flavors, perfect for any meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and chopped (Chef Knife)
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, basil, and mint for garnish
- Sliced chili peppers (optional)
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Chef Knife - For precise chopping of lemongrass and vegetables.
- Bamboo Cutting Board - Durable and eco-friendly.
- Crock-Pot Slow Cooker - Optional for simmering broth.
- Large pot and ladle
Watch How to Prepare Lemongrass
Learn how to prepare lemongrass with this helpful video from Tasty.
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Add sliced chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Add carrots and bok choy. Cook for 5 minutes until tender.
- Season: Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prepare Noodles: Cook rice noodles separately according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Place noodles in bowls, ladle hot soup over them, and garnish with cilantro, basil, mint, and chili peppers if desired.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, richer broth.
Notes
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Store broth and noodles separately to maintain texture.
- Adjust chili peppers for desired heat level.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 bowl. Estimates based on chicken breast and rice noodles.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350 | - |
| Total Fat | 8g | 10% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 65mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 900mg | 39% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Total Sugars | 4g | - |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 100µg | 11% |
| Calcium | 60mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 500mg | 11% |
*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition may vary.
Variations and Customizations
Vegetarian Version
Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a plant-based option.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the soup gluten-free.
Spicy Kick
Add more chili peppers or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Creamy Twist
Stir in ½ cup coconut milk for a richer, creamier broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fresh lemongrass is best for flavor, but you can use dried in a pinch. Use 1 tsp dried per stalk.
Store broth and noodles separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat broth and add fresh noodles when serving.
Yes, freeze the broth without noodles for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat, then add freshly cooked noodles.
For a vegetarian option, use soy sauce or tamari. For non-vegetarian, oyster sauce works too.
It has a mild heat from ginger and optional chili peppers. Adjust to your taste.
Recommended Products
- Chef Knife - Essential for precise chopping.
- Bamboo Cutting Board - Durable and eco-friendly.
- Crock-Pot Slow Cooker - Perfect for simmering broth.
Let’s Make It Together!
Our lemongrass chicken noodle soup is more than a recipe; it’s a journey through Thailand’s flavors and our family’s memories. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as we do. Share your creations with #MangoesAndPalmTreesSoup by emailing team@mangoesandpalmtrees.com. Explore more at our Recipes Collection or Personality Quiz Hub. Happy cooking!
How Will You Customize Your Soup?
Choose your preferred customization to make this soup your own! Options include a classic version with chicken, a vegetarian tofu alternative, a spicy kick with extra chilies, or a creamy twist with coconut milk.
Classic Chicken Vegetarian Tofu Spicy Version Creamy Coconut
