Chicken Bok Choy Soup Recipe

Chicken Bok Choy Soup is one of those comforting, nutritious dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Imagine the tender, juicy chicken paired with the earthy crunch of bok choy, all simmered together in a savory broth that has been infused with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and sometimes a dash of soy sauce for an extra flavor kick. Whether you’re in need of a quick, light meal on a busy weeknight, or you’re nursing a cold and looking for a nourishing soup to soothe your body and soul, this dish ticks all the boxes.

Not only is it delicious, but it also boasts a range of health benefits. Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage, loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants and fiber. Combine that with lean chicken, and you have a soup that’s as much about wellness as it is about flavor. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible to anyone, from the beginner cook to seasoned chefs looking for a quick, healthy fix.

Let’s dive into how to create this flavorful, nutrient-packed dish right in your own kitchen.

This recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require a ton of complicated ingredients or advanced techniques. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a warming, nourishing soup that will make you feel like you’re sitting at a cozy restaurant, even if you’re at home in your pajamas. Let’s get started!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Chicken Bok Choy Soup:

Bone-in Chicken Thighs (or Chicken Breasts) – 2-3 pieces
- Using bone-in chicken gives the broth a richer, deeper flavor. Chicken thighs are especially good for this recipe because they remain juicy and tender even when simmered.
Bok Choy (2 medium stalks) – 2 heads, chopped
- Bok choy is the star of the show here. It’s mild in flavor but has a satisfying texture that’s perfect for soups.
Garlic (3-4 cloves) – minced
- Garlic adds a lovely aroma and an earthy sharpness that infuses the broth.
Ginger (1-inch piece) – fresh, sliced or grated
- Ginger provides a subtle heat and aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Green Onions (2 stalks) – chopped
- These will add a fresh, slightly peppery bite to the soup once it’s finished cooking.
Carrots (1-2) – peeled and sliced
- Carrots offer a pop of sweetness and color, balancing the savory broth.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (1-2 Tablespoons)
- Soy sauce brings a savory, umami-rich depth of flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of the broth.
Chicken Broth (4 Cups)
- You can use homemade or store-bought, but opt for a low-sodium version for more control over the salt levels.
Salt & Pepper (to Taste)
- You’ll need these to season the soup to perfection.
Olive Oil Or Sesame Oil (1 Tablespoon)
- A little oil helps sauté the aromatics before the liquid is added, enriching the flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious Chicken Bok Choy Soup:

Prepare The Ingredients
- Start by chopping your bok choy into bite-sized pieces, slicing the carrots, and mincing the garlic. If you’re using fresh ginger, slice or grate it so it’s ready to go. Set these aside for now.
Cook The Chicken
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive or sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the bone-in chicken thighs. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sear the chicken on both sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. The browning adds flavor to the broth.
Sauté The Aromatics
- Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This is where the base of the flavor starts to develop!
Add The Broth And Bring To A Simmer
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Add the soy sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook The Chicken In The Broth
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot. Let them simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. If using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to 15-20 minutes as they cook faster.
Add The Vegetables
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Add the chopped bok choy and carrots to the pot, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the bok choy wilts down and the carrots soften.
Final Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and let it all simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot. For an added touch, a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can bring an extra zing!

Ingredient Insights

Bok Choy: This leafy green is a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s low in calories but high in vitamins A and C, which are essential for immunity and skin health. Bok choy is also a great source of fiber, helping with digestion, and its mild flavor allows it to pair perfectly with almost any protein or broth.
Chicken: The chicken adds protein and richness to the soup, making it a complete meal. Bone-in chicken is often preferred because it contributes to a fuller, more flavorful broth. The collagen from the bones also provides a silky texture and helps support joint and skin health.
Ginger and Garlic: Both of these ingredients are known for their health benefits. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe nausea, while garlic has been linked to improved heart health and immune support.
Carrots: These vibrant vegetables bring sweetness to the broth, balancing the savory and slightly spicy notes of the ginger and garlic. They’re also packed with beta-carotene, which is important for eye health.

Expert Tips

Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Bok choy wilts quickly, so avoid overcooking it. You want it to retain some crunch and texture to provide contrast against the tender chicken.
Shred the Chicken for Texture: After cooking the chicken, shredding it gives the soup a more satisfying mouthfeel, allowing you to get bits of chicken in every spoonful.
Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth will elevate the flavor of the soup significantly. The richness and depth of homemade stock are unmatched and will infuse every spoonful with extra goodness.
Adjust the Broth to Your Preference: If you like a stronger flavor, feel free to add more soy sauce or a splash of fish sauce for additional umami. A squeeze of lime or a dash of rice vinegar can brighten the whole dish.

Recipe Variations

Add Mushrooms: If you love earthy flavors, mushrooms (shiitake or cremini) can be a great addition to this soup. They’ll give the broth more depth and a meaty texture.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy spice, consider adding some sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili paste. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add heat without overpowering the dish.
Noodles or Rice: You can easily transform this soup into a heartier meal by adding some cooked noodles (like rice noodles or udon) or a serving of steamed rice. It’ll make it more filling and add some comforting carb goodness.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use tofu instead. You can also use vegetable broth as the base and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, corn, or bell peppers.

Final Words

Chicken Bok Choy Soup is one of those dishes that never gets old. Whether you’re cooking it for yourself, your family, or as a comforting treat when you’re feeling under the weather, it has a way of making everything better. It’s quick, simple, and full of flavor, with so many ways to customize it based on your taste and dietary needs. The key is really in letting the ingredients speak for themselves-fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a rich broth-nothing fancy, just good, wholesome food.

Chicken Bok Choy Soup Recipe