If you’re craving a comforting, nourishing meal that feels light yet satisfying, this Simple & Fresh Hearty Bok Choy Chicken Soup is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, crisp-tender bok choy, and a savory broth infused with garlic and ginger, this soup is cozy without being heavy and fresh without being bland.
Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or anytime you want a wholesome homemade soup, this recipe comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling genuinely good after every bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Simple & Fresh Hearty Bok Choy Chicken Soup
There are countless reasons this soup earns a regular spot in the meal rotation, but here are a few highlights:
- Light but filling: Thanks to lean chicken and vegetables, it satisfies without weighing you down.
- Fresh flavor: Bok choy adds a clean, slightly sweet crunch that balances the savory broth beautifully.
- Easy to make: One pot, simple steps, and no complicated techniques.
- Family-friendly: Mild flavors that appeal to all ages, with easy ways to customize.
- Great for leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
This soup is proof that healthy food can still feel comforting and crave-worthy.
Ingredients for Simple & Fresh Hearty Bok Choy Chicken Soup
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein & Broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6–8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
Vegetables & Seasoning
- 2–3 heads bok choy, chopped (white stems and green leaves separated)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Thighs provide richer flavor, while breasts keep the soup leaner. Both work well.
- Bok choy: Baby bok choy is especially tender, but regular bok choy works perfectly when chopped.
- Soy sauce: Swap with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Extra veggies: Mushrooms, snap peas, or spinach can be added for variety.
- Lower sodium: Use low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning at the end.
All ingredients are naturally family-friendly, with no alcohol or pork required.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
Step 2 – Simmer the Chicken
Place the chicken directly into the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the soy sauce and ginger. Stir gently to combine.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 3 – Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to distribute it evenly throughout the soup.
Step 4 – Add the Bok Choy
Add the chopped bok choy stems first and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Then add the leafy greens and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until wilted and tender.
This staggered approach ensures the stems are tender while the leaves stay vibrant and fresh.
Step 5 – Season and Serve
Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the bok choy: Add it at the end to keep it crisp-tender and bright.
- Simmer gently: A low simmer keeps the chicken tender and the broth clear.
- Shred finely: Smaller pieces of chicken distribute better and make every spoonful satisfying.
- Adjust broth level: Add extra broth if you prefer a lighter soup.
- Finish with acid: A small splash of lemon juice brightens all the flavors.
Flavor Variations
- Ginger-Garlic Boost: Double the garlic and ginger for a bolder, more aromatic soup.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Lemon Chicken Style: Stir in fresh lemon juice and a bit of lemon zest before serving.
- Herb-Forward: Add fresh cilantro or parsley at the end for a fresh herbal note.
- Noodle Addition: Stir in cooked rice noodles or thin egg noodles to make it more filling.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs nicely with:
- Steamed rice or jasmine rice
- Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls
- A simple cucumber or green salad
- Dumplings or spring rolls on the side
For a heartier meal, serve larger bowls and add noodles or extra vegetables.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For best texture, freeze without the bok choy and add fresh bok choy when reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 |
| Protein | ~24g |
| Carbohydrates | ~12g |
| Fat | ~6g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~600mg |
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Simple & Fresh Hearty Bok Choy Chicken Soup
What does bok choy add to chicken soup?
Bok choy adds a mild sweetness and gentle crunch that balances the savory broth. Its leafy greens soften quickly, while the stems provide texture without overpowering the soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is excellent for meal prep. The flavors develop even more after resting overnight, making it a great make-ahead option for lunches or dinners.
Is this soup healthy?
Absolutely. It’s high in protein, packed with vegetables, and relatively low in calories. Using low-sodium broth makes it even more nutritious.
Can I use cooked chicken instead?
Yes. Rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works well. Add it after the broth simmers and proceed directly to adding the bok choy.
How do I keep the broth clear?
Simmer gently and avoid vigorous boiling. Skimming any foam that forms at the beginning also helps keep the broth clear.
Simple & Fresh Hearty Bok Choy Chicken Soup
Equipment
- large soup pot or Dutch oven
- cutting board
- chef’s knife
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 7 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 3 heads bok choy, chopped (stems and leaves separated)
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken to the pot along with broth, soy sauce, and ginger. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the soup.
- Add bok choy stems and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add the leafy greens and cook for 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with green onions or lemon juice if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This Simple & Fresh Hearty Bok Choy Chicken Soup is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s comforting without being heavy, nourishing without being boring, and simple enough for any home cook to master. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this soup delivers warmth, flavor, and wholesome goodness in every bowl.
