19 Chicken Onion Soup Chinese Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!

Published on: Mar 22, 2024

Chicken onion soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine, known for its hearty and comforting flavors. This classic recipe combines the rich umami of chicken broth with the sweet and savory notes of caramelized onions. It's a perfect dish for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather. In this article, we will break down the steps to make this delicious chicken onion soup, along with some helpful tips and variations to make it your own.

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Ingredients You Will Need

1. Chicken

The star of this recipe is, of course, the chicken. For the best flavor, use bone-in chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks. The bones will add depth to the broth and the dark meat will stay tender and juicy even after simmering. You can also use whole chicken, which you can cut into pieces yourself. Pro tip: marinate the chicken in some soy sauce and ginger for extra flavor.

2. Onions

Onions are a key ingredient in Chinese cooking, and they add a beautiful sweetness to this soup. Traditionally, yellow onions are used, but you can also use red onions for a slightly different flavor. Pro tip: slice the onions thinly and cook them slowly over low heat to get them caramelized and extra flavorful.

3. Broth

You can make your own chicken broth from scratch, or use store-bought broth for convenience. If using store-bought, look for low-sodium options as the soup will already have a salty flavor from the soy sauce. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

4. Seasonings

To add depth and complexity to the soup, we will use a few seasonings commonly found in Chinese cuisine. These include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. Pro tip: if you don't have Chinese five-spice powder, you can use a combination of ground cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

5. Optional Additions

While the base of this soup is delicious on its own, you can add some additional ingredients to make it even heartier. Some popular options include mushrooms, bok choy, carrots, or noodles. Pro tip: for added heat, add some sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of chili oil.

How to Make Chicken Onion Soup

In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook over low heat until they are caramelized and golden brown. This can take about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add minced garlic and ginger to the pot and cook for another minute.
Return the chicken pieces to the pot and add the broth, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
If adding any additional ingredients like vegetables or noodles, add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove from heat and serve hot.

Variations and Tips

1. Slow Cooker Method

If you have a slow cooker, you can easily adapt this recipe to make it even easier. Simply add all the ingredients (except for any optional additions) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Pro tip: for extra flavor, brown the chicken and caramelize the onions before adding to the slow cooker.

2. Vegetarian Option

To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add some tofu for protein or extra vegetables like mushrooms or bok choy.

3. Leftover Chicken

If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can shred or dice it and add it to the soup towards the end of cooking. This is a great way to use up leftovers and add some extra protein to the dish.

4. Garnishes

For some added freshness and crunch, garnish your soup with some chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds. You can also serve it with some steamed rice for a more filling meal.

Conclusion

This chicken onion soup is a classic Chinese recipe that is easy to make and full of delicious flavors. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. So the next time you are craving a warm and satisfying soup, give this recipe a try and make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Enjoy!