Japanese Chicken Soup

Experience the comforting warmth and authentic flavors of my Japanese Chicken Soup, a light yet satisfying broth crafted with tender chicken thigh and traditional dashi. Delightfully easy to prepare and brimming with umami goodness, this soup is the perfect companion to any Japanese-inspired meal! Soothe your soul and provide comfort to your body with this delightful recipe, perfect for a cozy night in or a nourishing meal any time of the day!

Japanese chicken soup being scooped up with a wooden spoon.

Why I Love This Recipe

I cherish recipes that bring back fond memories, and my Japanese Chicken Soup does exactly that as it reminds me of the comforting soups my mom used to make! It’s a savory side soup bursting with umami flavors and tender chicken, inspired by the simplicity of my Ozoni Soup. Using the dashi base found in my Japanese Meatball Soup and Japanese Hibachi Onion Soup, I simply add in chicken and cook until tender, then top it off with fresh green onions! That’s all there is to it!

With just a dashi base and juicy chicken just like in our Chicken Shabu Shabu recipe, it’s a breeze to whip up in just 10 minutes, making it the perfect accompaniment to any Japanese meal. Savory, light, and delicately flavored, this soup is for anyone craving a taste of home and simplicity, just like a classic Tofu Miso Soup but with its own taste and flavors! Dive into a bowl of nostalgia and warmth with this delightful recipe—perfect for those seeking comfort and flavor in every spoonful!

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • Chicken Thigh – boneless and skinless chicken thigh cut into bite sized cube pieces.
  • Dashi fish broth made from steeping kombu and bonito flakes with boiling water. Can also use Hondashi mixed in water for instant dashi.
  • Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
  • Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets. 
  • Salt sea salt preferred. 
  • Green Onion – freshly chopped green onion scallions.

🥢 Dashi Pro Tip

For easier preparation of the dashi, use Hondashi mixed with water. This quick tip simplifies the process and ensures a flavorful base for your dish.

Japanese chicken soup being scooped up with a wooden spoon.

Directions

Step 1 Prepare Dashi by boiling water with bonito flakes, for a deeper umami touch, incorporate kombu dried seaweed or opt for a quicker route with 1/4 tsp hondashi per cup of water.

Dashi in a pot.

Step 2 Once the dashi is prepared, introduce bite-sized chicken thigh cubes, soy sauce, Japanese sake, and salt, letting them simmer for 5-6 minutes on medium heat.

Dashi in a pot.

🧂 Flavor Adjustment Pro Tip

Adjust the taste with Salt if required.

🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip

For a finishing touch, garnish the soup with freshly chopped Green Onions. For an extra kick of flavor, consider sprinkling some Shichimi Togarashi Red Pepper, Black Pepper or White Pepper on top.

🍽️ Serving Pro Tip

When serving, be careful as this soup can be Very Hot due to the trapped heat from the chicken oils. To avoid burns, Mix the Soup Well before enjoying.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs fantastically with many Japanese-inspired meals. It goes great with a hibachi-style meal featuring Hibachi Chicken paired with Hibachi Ginger Sauce and Japanese Beef Fried Rice.

Another excellent option is to serve it alongside Japanese Beef Pepper Rice or Japanese Style Seared Salmon, accompanied by rice and a green salad dressed in Japanese Wafu Dressing.

Japanese chicken soup being scooped up with a wooden spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Japanese Chicken Soup?

You can whip up this soup in just 10 minutes from start to finish.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup can be made gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce such as tamari.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make it ahead of time. Simply prepare it before your main meal and let it simmer on the stovetop at a low heat, covered, until you're ready to enjoy it.

Can I make Japanese Chicken Soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

While you can technically make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, it's not necessary since it only takes 10 minutes to make on the stovetop. Additionally, using these appliances may result in chicken pieces that are overly tender, whereas on the stovetop, you can control the texture better.

Storage Tips

To store leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and place them in the fridge, where they will remain fresh for 7-10 days.

For longer-term storage, such as beyond 10 days, consider placing the leftovers in ziplock bags and freezing them.

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Watch How To Make It

Japanese chicken soup being scooped up with a wooden spoon.

Japanese Chicken Soup

Come have a taste of my Japanese Chicken Soup recipe! Experience the comforting flavors of Japan with this easy-to-follow Japanese chicken soup recipe. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a cozy bowl of warmth.
4.93 from 13 votes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: Japanese chicken soup, Japanese chicken soup recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Print Recipe
Calories: 271kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lbs Chicken Thigh boneless and skinless
  • 4 Cups Dashi can sub with hondashi
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Japanese Sake can substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 Stalk Green Onion

Instructions

  • Gather all the ingredients.
    Ingredients for Japanese chicken soup.
  • In stove top pot, make 4 cups of dashi. Note - if using hondashi powder, use 1 tsp of hondashi and 4 cups of water.
    Dashi in a pot.
  • In the meantime, cut chicken thighs into 1/2 x 1/2 inch bite size pieces and set aside.
    Cubed chicken.
  • Bring dashi to a boil on high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and add chicken, soy sauce, salt and Japanese sake. Cook for 5-6 minutes uncovered.
    Salt being added to Japanese chicken soup.
  • In the meantime, finely slice green onions and set aside.
    Sliced green onions.
  • Once 5-6 minutes has passed, transfer soup to serving bowl and top with green onions.
    Japanese chicken soup served in a bowl.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 954mg | Potassium: 272mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 148IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
*Values Based Per Serving
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2 Comments

  1. Just what Im looking for…..
    Mom & Dad& Auntie have to watch carbs & sugar
    Been cooking for them🤪 but so hard to make tastey food they like( pref Japanese)

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