One-Pot Chinese Soy Sauce Chicken Soup
A comforting one-pot chicken soup infused with soy sauce, ginger, and aromatic spices, perfect for a nourishing meal. This chinese-inspired asian ready in about 55 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 600 g bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 30 g fresh ginger, sliced thin
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, smashed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 stalks scallions, cut into 2-inch lengths
- 2 whole star anise pods
- 4 pieces dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 600 g bone-in chicken thighs and pat dry. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large pot, combine 6 cups chicken broth, 3 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 30 g sliced fresh ginger, 5 smashed garlic cloves, 2 whole star anise pods, and 4 soaked and sliced dried shiitake mushrooms. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Step 3: Add the chicken thighs to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 30 minutes, skimming any foam that rises to the surface.
- Step 4: After 30 minutes, add 3 scallions cut into 2-inch lengths and continue simmering for another 10 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 5: Season the soup with 1/2 tsp white pepper, 1 tsp sesame oil, and salt to taste. Remove the star anise and discard.
- Step 6: Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles, garnished with additional scallions if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Chinese Soy Sauce Chicken Soup take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Chinese Soy Sauce Chicken Soup?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chinese Soy Sauce Chicken 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 One-Pot Chinese Soy Sauce Chicken 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 One-Pot Chinese Soy Sauce Chicken Soup?
Chinese asian 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.
