Laotian Khao Piak Sen Chicken Noodle Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting bowl of thick rice noodles in savory chicken broth, garnished with fresh herbs and lime, embodying Laotian home-style flavors. This asian-inspired soups ready in about 75 minutes pairs bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, water, inch piece, sliced fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 lb bone-in chicken thighs, 8 cups water, 2-inch sliced fresh ginger, and 4 smashed garlic cloves. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and broth is flavorful.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken from the broth and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids.
  3. Step 3: Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones and skin.
  4. Step 4: Bring the strained broth back to a gentle boil, add 8 oz thick fresh rice noodles, and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp fish sauce and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper to the broth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Step 6: Divide noodles and shredded chicken among 4 bowls. Ladle hot broth over them.
  7. Step 7: Garnish each bowl with 3 sliced green onions, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp fried shallots, and a lime wedge. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Laotian Khao Piak Sen Chicken Noodle Soup take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Laotian Khao Piak Sen Chicken Noodle Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Laotian Khao Piak Sen Chicken Noodle Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Laotian Khao Piak Sen Chicken Noodle Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Laotian Khao Piak Sen Chicken Noodle Soup?

Asian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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