Chicken cabbage soba noodles have become my go-to for a quick, satisfying meal, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! I first discovered how wonderful this combination could be on a blustery autumn evening. The aroma of ginger and garlic filled my kitchen, promising warmth and comfort. This savory chicken cabbage soba noodle bowl is incredibly nourishing, featuring tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and those delightful nutty soba noodles all swimming in a flavorful broth. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s get cooking this simple yet elegant dish!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cabbage Soba Noodle Soup
This recipe is a true weeknight warrior, and I know you’ll be making it again and again. Here’s why:
- Incredibly Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver on busy nights.
- Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and veggies for a balanced meal.
- Flavorful Broth: The ginger and garlic create a savory base that’s utterly comforting.
- Satisfying Texture: Tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and chewy soba noodles are a perfect combo.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this chicken soba noodle soup with vegetables to your liking.
- Minimal Cleanup: Mostly a one-pot wonder, which means less washing up!
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients for a delicious meal.
- Perfect Comfort Food: This warm chicken cabbage soba noodle dish is like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients for Chicken Cabbage Soba Noodles
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful chicken cabbage noodle recipe:
- 2 chicken fillets, diced into bite-sized pieces – I prefer boneless, skinless breasts or thighs for ease.
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded – This adds a wonderful crispness and freshness to the soup. Napa or savoy cabbage also works beautifully.
- 200g dried soba noodles – These nutty buckwheat noodles are the star of our chicken and cabbage soba noodle soup.
- 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium is my preference so I can control the saltiness.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce – For that essential savory umami depth. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated – Fresh ginger really wakes up the broth with its zingy warmth.
- 1 garlic clove, minced – A little garlic goes a long way to build flavor.
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil – This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor, especially as a finishing touch.
- 2 green onions, sliced thin – For a fresh, slightly sharp garnish.
How to Make Chicken Cabbage Soba Noodles
This recipe for chicken and cabbage soba noodle soup is surprisingly simple and comes together quickly. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can pack into one pot in under 30 minutes!
- Step 1: Start by heating 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until the kitchen fills with that amazing fragrant aroma.
- Step 2: Add the diced chicken to the pot. Try to spread it in a single layer so it browns nicely. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, then stir and cook for another minute until the chicken is mostly opaque.
- Step 3: Pour in the 4 cups chicken broth and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Use your spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot – that’s pure flavor! Bring this savory liquid to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Now, add the 4 cups shredded green cabbage to the simmering broth. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. You want the cabbage to soften but still have a little delightful crunch, not turn mushy. This is key for texture in your soba noodles with chicken and cabbage.
- Step 5: While the soup simmers, cook the 200g dried soba noodles separately according to their package directions. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Drain them well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and remove excess starch. This prevents them from clumping in the soup.
- Step 6: Just before you’re ready to serve this wonderful chicken cabbage noodle recipe, add the cooked soba noodles to the pot. Stir gently, allowing the noodles to warm through in the flavorful broth for about a minute.
- Step 7: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish generously with the 2 sliced green onions and, if you like, an extra drizzle of sesame oil for an even richer aroma. Enjoy your comforting bowl of easy chicken cabbage soba noodles!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Cabbage Soba Noodle Recipe
I’ve made this dish countless times, and a few little tricks really elevate it. Here are my go-to tips for the most delicious chicken cabbage soba noodle stir fry:
- Don’t overcook the soba noodles separately; they’ll continue to cook slightly in the hot broth.
- Shred your cabbage thinly for faster cooking and better texture.
- Taste the broth before adding the noodles and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed.
- For an extra punch, add a splash of rice vinegar right at the end for brightness.
What’s the secret to perfect chicken cabbage soba noodle soup?
The secret is in the broth base and not overcooking the ingredients. Sautéing the ginger and garlic first, then browning the chicken, builds a deep flavor. Adding the cabbage just long enough to soften, not wilt, keeps it fresh and appealing in this savory chicken cabbage soba noodle bowl.
Can I make chicken cabbage soba noodles ahead of time?
You can prepare most of the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and broth mixture, shred the cabbage, and even cook the soba noodles separately (rinse them well and toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking). Store them in the fridge, then combine and reheat gently just before serving to maintain the best texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with chicken cabbage soba noodles?
The biggest pitfall is mushy noodles or cabbage. Cook soba noodles al dente and rinse them. Add the cabbage towards the very end of cooking so it stays slightly crisp. Also, be careful not to overcook the chicken; it should be tender and juicy.
Best Ways to Serve Savory Chicken Cabbage Soba Noodle Bowls
This versatile chicken cabbage noodle recipe is wonderful served piping hot on its own, but I love to jazz it up with a few simple additions. For an extra pop of flavor and texture, consider topping your chicken and cabbage soba noodle soup with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few slivers of nori seaweed.
If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, serve this dish alongside some steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. These complementary sides offer a refreshing contrast and round out the meal beautifully, making for a truly satisfying healthy chicken cabbage soba noodle dish.
Nutrition Facts for Chicken Cabbage Soba Noodles
This chicken cabbage soba noodle dish is not only delicious but also quite healthy! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your personal chicken and cabbage soba noodle soup.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Cabbage Soba Noodles
One of my favorite things about this quick chicken cabbage soba noodle meal is how well it keeps! Once cooled completely, transfer any leftovers of your chicken cabbage soba noodle soup into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to prepare even further ahead, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. The key is to ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored soup, reheating is simple. For fridge leftovers, gently warm them on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra broth if needed to loosen things up. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the soba noodles gummy. For frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Cabbage Soba Noodles
Can I make chicken cabbage soba noodles with different vegetables?
Absolutely! While cabbage is fantastic, feel free to experiment. This chicken soba noodle soup with vegetables is very forgiving. Try adding shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, bok choy, or even a handful of spinach towards the end of cooking. Each addition will bring its own unique flavor and texture to your bowl.
What kind of chicken is best for this chicken cabbage noodle recipe?
I usually use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for this chicken cabbage noodle recipe because they cook quickly and are easy to dice. Thighs tend to stay more moist, which is great for a soup like this. If you’re in a hurry, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can also be a great shortcut!
How do I make spicy chicken cabbage soba noodles?
If you enjoy a little heat, adding some spice is easy! You can stir in a teaspoon or two of sriracha or chili garlic sauce at the end of cooking. Another option is to add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the ginger and garlic in the first step. This will give your spicy chicken cabbage soba noodles a lovely kick.
Is this a healthy chicken cabbage soba noodle dish?
Yes, this healthy chicken cabbage soba noodle dish is quite nutritious! It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the cabbage and soba noodles, and healthy fats if you use toasted sesame oil. It’s a well-balanced meal that’s satisfying without being too heavy.
Variations of Chicken Cabbage Soba Noodles
While this recipe for chicken cabbage soba noodle soup is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile! I love experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs, and you can too. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap the chicken for firm or extra-firm tofu cubes. Add the tofu when you add the broth and let it simmer to absorb the flavors. Use vegetable broth and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a vegan version of this chicken noodle soup with cabbage and soba.
- Spicy Kick: Want to turn up the heat? Add a teaspoon or two of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the broth, or sprinkle red pepper flakes in with the ginger and garlic. This creates a delightfully spicy chicken cabbage soba noodles dish.
- Miso Boost: For an extra layer of umami, stir in a tablespoon or two of white or red miso paste into the broth just before adding the noodles. This adds a wonderful depth to the savory chicken cabbage soba noodle bowl.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure you’re using 100% buckwheat soba noodles (check the packaging!) and substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce. This makes your chicken cabbage soba noodle recipe accessible for those avoiding gluten.
Chicken Cabbage Soba Noodles: 30 Min Savory Bowl
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and nourishing chicken cabbage soba noodle soup, perfect for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight. This recipe balances heartiness and lightness with tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and nutty soba noodles in a flavorful ginger-garlic broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and adaptable meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken fillets, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 200g dried soba noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken to the pot. Spread it in a single layer and let it brown for 2-3 minutes without stirring. Stir and cook for another minute until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
- Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the broth to a gentle boil.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the simmering broth. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it softens but retains some crunch.
- While the soup simmers, cook the soba noodles separately according to package instructions (usually 4-5 minutes). Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking and remove excess starch.
- Add the cooked soba noodles to the soup just before serving. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and an optional drizzle of sesame oil before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use 100% buckwheat soba noodles and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Vegetarians can substitute cubed extra-firm tofu for chicken. Add tofu with the broth and skip browning.
- Napa cabbage, savoy cabbage, kale, or bok choy can be used as cabbage variations.
- Miso paste can be added to the broth for deeper umami.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. Do not microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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