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Lemongrass Ginger Chicken Soup

This vibrant chicken soup combines fragrant ginger and zesty lemongrass with tender shredded chicken, creating a bright and comforting bowl. The soup is simmered gently to develop herbal and citrusy flavors, resulting in a clear, aromatic broth with a lively final punch of lime and fresh cilantro. It’s quick to prepare yet feels like a culinary adventure in each spoonful.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger sliced thin
  • 2 stalks lemongrass bruised to release flavor
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken preferably leftover or poached
  • 1 lime lime juiced, plus extra for serving
  • 0.5 cup cilantro chopped
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • 4-quart pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Ladle
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a sturdy 4-quart pot over medium heat until it shimmers and begins to smell fragrant.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. You should hear gentle sizzling and see the onions turn a light golden color.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and sliced ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 2 minutes. The mixture will release a warm, spicy aroma and the garlic will turn a bit golden.
  4. Add the bruised stalks of lemongrass to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, watching for small bubbles; avoid boiling vigorously.
  5. Let the broth simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors of the ginger, garlic, and lemongrass to infuse thoroughly. You’ll notice the broth darkening slightly and becoming aromatic.
  6. Remove and discard the lemongrass stalks, then stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Heat through for 5 minutes, so the chicken absorbs some of the broth’s fragrant flavors.
  7. Squeeze the juice of one lime into the soup and stir well. Taste the broth and add salt as needed, adjusting for flavor balance.
  8. Garnish the soup generously with chopped cilantro right before serving, adding fresh herbal brightness.
  9. Serve the soup hot in bowls, with extra lime wedges on the side for an additional zesty punch.

Notes

Ensure lemongrass is bruised to release maximum flavor. Add lime juice at the end to preserve its bright citrus note. Keep the simmer gentle to prevent toughening the chicken and losing clarity in the broth.