Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Udon Soup is a comforting and flavorful Japanese noodle soup featuring tender chicken, thick udon noodles, and a savory broth made with soy sauce, dashi, and mirin. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick and satisfying meal, this dish delivers warmth, umami, and a delightful chewy texture in every spoonful.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless chicken thighs or breastudon noodles (fresh or frozen)dashi stocksoy saucemirin (sweet rice wine)sake (optional)garlicgingergreen onionsshiitake mushroomsbok choy or spinachsalt and pepper to taste

directions

Prepare the dashi stock and bring it to a gentle simmer in a large pot.

Add soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir to combine.

Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the broth. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and greens like bok choy or spinach to the soup. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until tender.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Divide the cooked udon noodles into bowls and ladle the hot soup over them.

Top with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 2-3 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add a soft-boiled egg for extra richness.

Use miso paste for a different broth flavor.

Try it with shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a variation.

Top with nori strips or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Spice it up with a dash of chili oil or shichimi togarashi.

storage/reheating

Store the broth and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat the broth on the stove or in the microwave until steaming, then add freshly reheated noodles before serving.For freezing, store only the broth and chicken mixture—noodles should be cooked fresh for best texture.

FAQs

What are udon noodles made of?

Udon noodles are thick Japanese noodles made from wheat flour, water, and salt.

Can I use dried udon noodles?

Yes, but fresh or frozen udon offers the best chewy texture.

Is dashi stock necessary?

Dashi adds authentic umami flavor, but you can substitute with chicken broth if needed.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

It should be opaque and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—carrots, napa cabbage, or snow peas work great.

What type of mushrooms are best?

Shiitake are traditional, but cremini or enoki can be used.

Is sake required?

No, it adds depth but can be omitted or replaced with a little rice vinegar.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes—just keep broth and noodles stored separately to avoid sogginess.

How do I make it spicier?

Add chili paste, sliced fresh chili, or a drizzle of sriracha.

Conclusion

Chicken Udon Soup is a hearty, soul-soothing dish that brings together rich broth, satisfying noodles, and tender chicken in perfect harmony. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a taste of Japanese cuisine, this quick and customizable soup is a go-to favorite that never disappoints.