Slow-Simmered Lao Chicken Noodle Soup with Lemongrass and Ginger

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting Lao chicken noodle soup with tender chicken simmered in a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, ginger, and fresh herbs. This asian-inspired soups ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, water, lemongrass stalks, smashed and cut 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 8 cups water, 4 bone-in chicken thighs, 2 smashed and cut lemongrass stalks, 2-inch sliced fresh ginger, and 4 crushed garlic cloves. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 40 minutes, skimming any foam off the surface, until the chicken is tender and the broth is fragrant with lemongrass and ginger.
  3. Step 3: Remove the chicken thighs and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth, discard solids, then return the clear broth to the pot.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 tbsp fish sauce and 1/2 tsp white pepper to the broth, adjusting seasoning to taste. Shred the chicken meat, discarding bones.
  5. Step 5: Divide 8 oz soaked and drained rice noodles into serving bowls. Top noodles with shredded chicken, sliced 3 green onions, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Ladle hot broth over the noodles and chicken. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Lao Chicken Noodle Soup with Lemongrass and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 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 Slow-Simmered Lao Chicken Noodle Soup with Lemongrass and Ginger?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Lao Chicken Noodle Soup with Lemongrass and Ginger?

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 Slow-Simmered Lao Chicken Noodle Soup with Lemongrass and Ginger 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 Slow-Simmered Lao Chicken Noodle Soup with Lemongrass and Ginger?

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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