Chicken Wonton Soup is the perfect comfort food-a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken wrapped in delicate wonton wrappers, swimming in a flavorful, aromatic broth. This dish has its roots in Chinese cuisine and has become a beloved comfort food worldwide. What’s incredible about chicken wonton soup is how versatile it is. Whether you’re making it from scratch or buying pre-made wontons, the end result is a heartwarming, savory bowl that’s both satisfying and soothing.

This soup brings together multiple layers of texture and flavor. The chewy wontons contrast beautifully with the savory broth, and the crispy vegetables add a crunch to every bite. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients. If you’re craving something that’s flavorful, yet light enough to not feel too heavy, chicken wonton soup is your go-to dish.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through how to make this delicious soup at home-from the ingredients you’ll need to tips for making your wontons extra special. I’ll also share a few variations to keep things interesting if you want to switch it up from the standard recipe.

Chicken Wonton Soup Recipe

Here’s the recipe that will leave you hooked-comforting, aromatic, and so easy to whip up in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

You won’t need to make an extra trip to a specialty store for this one! Most of these ingredients are staples in a well-stocked kitchen, with the exception of the wonton wrappers, which you can find at any grocery store that has an Asian food section. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • For The Wontons

    • 1 lb ground chicken (or chicken breast finely chopped)
    • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (scallions)
    • 1/4 cup chopped shiitake mushrooms (optional, but adds great depth)
    • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 pack wonton wrappers (typically comes with about 50-60 wrappers)
  • For The Broth

    • 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
    • 2 cups water (or more if you want a lighter broth)
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced
    • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
    • Salt to taste
    • Optional: handful of baby bok choy, spinach, or other leafy greens
  • Garnishes

    • Fresh cilantro (for a burst of fresh flavor)
    • Chopped green onions (for an extra pop of color and taste)
    • Chili flakes or chili oil (if you like a little heat)

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process. It’s so simple to make, and the results will blow your mind!

  1. Make The Wontons

    • In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, green onions, mushrooms (if using), ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and garlic powder.
    • Take a wonton wrapper and place about 1 teaspoon of the chicken filling in the center.
    • Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, then fold the wrapper into a triangle, pinching the edges tightly to seal.
    • You can leave it like this, or you can fold the ends together to form the classic wonton shape. (Watch a YouTube video for a quick visual guide if you’re unsure.)
    • Repeat with the rest of the wrappers and filling. You should have about 20-25 wontons, depending on how much filling you use.
  2. Prepare The Broth

    • In a large pot, bring the chicken broth and water to a simmer over medium heat.
    • Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and white pepper. Stir to combine.
    • Let the broth simmer for 10-15 minutes so that the flavors can meld together.
    • Taste the broth and adjust with salt or more soy sauce if needed.
  3. Cook The Wontons

    • Gently add the wontons to the simmering broth, one by one, being careful not to crowd the pot.
    • Let them cook for 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface. If you’re using frozen wontons, it might take a little longer.
    • If you want to add leafy greens like bok choy or spinach, toss them in during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  4. Assemble And Serve

    • Ladle the wontons and broth into bowls.
    • Garnish with cilantro, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of chili oil or chili flakes, depending on your spice preference.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a specific purpose to enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup. Here’s a quick breakdown of why they’re so important:

  • Chicken: The star of the show! Ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken breast) is light but flavorful, offering the perfect base for the wontons. Chicken is also versatile-it pairs well with both bold and subtle flavors.
  • Wonton Wrappers: These little pockets of joy are what make the soup so unique. They’re thin but sturdy, allowing for that satisfying bite. Plus, they soak up the broth and become wonderfully tender.
  • Ginger & Garlic: These two aromatic ingredients add a warm, savory punch to the broth, infusing it with that unmistakable depth of flavor you can only get from fresh garlic and ginger.
  • Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil takes the broth to the next level by adding a toasty, nutty flavor that complements the chicken and veggies.
  • Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and umami to the broth, which balances the lightness of the chicken and the freshness of the greens.
  • Mushrooms: Adding mushrooms, especially shiitakes, gives the soup a rich, earthy undertone, which makes the broth even more robust.

Expert Tips

  • Use Homemade Broth: If you have time, making your own chicken broth is always a great idea. It adds more richness and depth to the soup, making it even more flavorful. You can even make a big batch and freeze it for future use.
  • Don’t Overcook the Wontons: Wontons cook quickly, and overcooking them will make the wrappers mushy. As soon as they float to the surface of the broth, they’re done.
  • Frozen Wontons: If you’re in a rush, you can use frozen wontons. They’re an excellent shortcut and work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to add them to the broth when it’s already simmering, and they’ll cook up in no time.
  • Add Extra Texture: For a bit of crunch, try topping the soup with crispy fried onions or shallots.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about chicken wonton soup is how easy it is to make it your own. Here are some fun variations you can try:

  • Add Tofu: For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu. Soft tofu can be cut into cubes and added to the broth, or you can make tofu-based wontons if you’re up for it.
  • Spicy Version: Kick things up a notch by adding fresh chopped chili peppers, a spoonful of chili paste, or a drizzle of hot sesame oil. You can also use sriracha as a condiment to spice it up at the table.
  • Herb Alternatives: If you don’t have green onions or cilantro, feel free to use Thai basil or mint for a unique twist.

Final Words

Chicken wonton soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. From the moment the broth starts to simmer and fill the kitchen with those mouth-watering aromas to the last satisfying spoonful, every step of the process brings joy. It’s the type of soup that can easily be made ahead of time, and it’s even better the next day. It’s light but hearty, comforting but not too heavy-truly the best of both worlds.

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