If you have a craving for something comforting yet light, look no further than this Simple Chinese Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, sweet bursts of corn, and that warm, soothing broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re new to Asian cooking or a seasoned pro, this soup is incredibly forgiving, approachable, and packed with flavors that will have you coming back for seconds in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the authentic taste, texture, and vibrant color that makes this soup so special. Let’s look at these essentials closely.
- 400 grams Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless, diced into small cubes for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 1 cup Sweet Corn: Fresh or frozen, it adds a wonderful natural sweetness and appealing pop of color.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth: The soul of this soup; low-sodium works best to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced to release that aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon Ginger: Freshly grated for a subtle zing and warming spice that’s classic in Chinese cooking.
- 2 pieces Green Onions: Chopped, introduced late as a fresh garnish for a crisp, mild onion flavor.
- Salt: To taste; enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground to add subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil: Infuses the soup with its signature nutty aroma and depth.
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch: Mixed with water to create a slurry, this thickens the soup perfectly without clumps.
- Water: Added as needed to adjust the soup’s consistency to your liking.
How to Make Simple Chinese Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by dicing the chicken breast into small, uniform cubes. This ensures quick cooking and that every spoonful has tender pieces that soak up the broth beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Sauté these for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with that irresistible fragrant aroma—this builds the flavor foundation.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, toss in the diced chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned on the outside but still juicy. This step locks in flavor and prepares the chicken for simmering in the broth.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Sweetcorn
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the sweetcorn. Let it cook together for about 5 minutes so the corn sweetens the soup naturally.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly stir this into the simmering soup, allowing it to thicken evenly. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until you achieve your desired consistency. Thin or thick, it’s your choice!
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped green onions for a fresh bite and beautiful color contrast just before serving.
How to Serve Simple Chinese Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Try adding an extra sprinkle of chopped green onions or even a pinch of white pepper for a subtle heat. A drizzle of toasted sesame oil on top can enhance that nutty flavor, and for a bit of freshness, a few cilantro leaves work wonders too.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or lightly stir-fried vegetables to keep your meal balanced. If you’re feeling indulgent, crispy spring rolls or garlic noodles add a lovely textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in bright ceramic bowls that highlight the golden color of the broth and corn. For a dinner party, float a few thinly sliced red chilies on top to add dramatic color and a hint of heat. You could also ladle the soup over cooked rice in deep bowls for a heartier presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Simple Chinese Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Just cool it completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Keep in mind, the texture of the corn might slightly change but the flavors stay vibrant.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling vigorously as this can toughen the chicken. Add a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a bit more juiciness and depth of flavor. Just dice them similarly and adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
Is fresh ginger necessary, or can I use ground ginger?
Fresh ginger is best for its bright, zesty flavor and aroma, but in a pinch, you can substitute with a small pinch of ground ginger. The flavor won’t be quite the same but still enjoyable.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu cubes or shiitake mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sweetcorn and aromatics still make a delightful base.
How thick should the soup be?
The consistency can be tailored to your preference, whether you like it more brothy or thick like a stew. The cornstarch slurry allows you to control this perfectly.
Can I double the recipe easily?
Definitely, this recipe scales up wonderfully. Just remember to use a larger pot and adjust cooking times slightly to accommodate the increased volume.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Chinese Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup Recipe is one of those easy-to-make dishes that never fails to impress, whether for a quick family meal or a cozy dinner on a chilly evening. Its balance of comforting warmth, lovely textures, and fresh flavors makes it a staple worth keeping in your recipe box. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite go-to soup!
Print
Simple Chinese Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Simple Chinese Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast, sweet corn, and aromatic ginger and garlic. This light soup is thickened with cornstarch for a smooth texture and garnished with fresh green onions, making it perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Soup Base
- 400 grams Chicken Breast (Boneless, skinless, diced into small cubes)
- 1 cup Sweet Corn (Fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (Low-sodium optional)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger (Freshly grated)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (For flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (Mixed with water to thicken)
- as needed cups Water (To adjust consistency)
Seasoning and Garnish
- 2 pieces Green Onions (Chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken breast into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and tender texture throughout the soup.
- Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat to infuse the soup base with a nutty flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing their natural aromas and flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned, sealing in juices and enhancing the taste.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start the soup base and cook the chicken thoroughly.
- Simmer with Corn: Reduce heat to a simmer and add the sweet corn, cooking for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and corn to soften.
- Thicken the Soup: Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then slowly pour it into the soup while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Simmer to Desired Consistency: Let the soup simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until thickened to your preferred consistency.
- Season Soup: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the flavor to your liking.
- Add Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped green onions and serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with extra green onions if desired for freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer a lighter salt content.
- Fresh corn can add a sweeter flavor but frozen corn is convenient and works well.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more or less cornstarch slurry depending on your preference.
- This soup can be doubled easily for larger servings.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of white pepper or chili flakes.
