Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a sturdy 4-quart pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes, with a gentle sizzle and softening appearance.

- Add minced garlic, sliced ginger, and bruised lemongrass stalk to the pot. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant, with a slightly sizzling sound and a warm aroma filling the air.

- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer steadily for 20 minutes, watching it bubble gently and develop a fragrant, herbal aroma.

- Remove the lemongrass stalk and discard. Add the shredded cooked chicken to the broth and stir gently, rewarming it and allowing the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes. The broth should be steaming, and the chicken heated through.

- Squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup and stir well, then taste and season with salt as needed. The broth should be bright and flavorful, with a balance of herbal and citrus notes.

- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing each with chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous finishing touch. Serve immediately, with extra lime on the side if desired.
Notes
Ensure the lemongrass is bruised to release maximum flavor. Add lime juice at the end to preserve its brightness. Keep the simmer gentle to keep the chicken tender and the broth clear.
