If you are craving something both comforting and flavorful, this Lao Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a true gem that you definitely want to have in your kitchen repertoire. It’s a vibrant bowl of tender shredded chicken, silky rice noodles, and aromatic broth that brings together the freshest herbs and bright citrus notes in perfect harmony. Each spoonful delivers a heartwarming experience, balancing savory, tangy, and slightly spicy elements that feel like a warm hug on a cool day. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Lao Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is simple, yet essential, working together to create a broth that is rich and inviting, paired with noodles and fresh garnishes that give the dish its delightful texture and pop of color.
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg): Provides the tender meat and flavorful base for the broth that’s both hearty and nourishing.
- 8 cups water: The essential liquid that forms the comforting broth, extracting the rich flavors from the chicken and aromatics.
- 1 tbsp salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the soup, making every bite savory and satisfying.
- 1 tsp black peppercorns: Adds subtle warmth and a gentle spice to the broth’s aroma.
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed): Infuses savory depth to the broth with its aromatic and slightly sweet undertone.
- 1 piece ginger (about 2 cm, sliced): Gives a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness and freshens the soup.
- 200 g rice noodles (soaked in warm water): Soft and slippery, they are the perfect base to soak up the aromatic broth.
- 2 tbsp fish sauce: Brings authentic Southeast Asian umami and saltiness to the broth.
- 1 tbsp lime juice: Offers a fresh, tangy kick that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances out the flavors by adding a hint of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped): Adds fresh herbal brightness and a pop of green color.
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced): Contributes mild oniony crunch and contrast.
- 1 lime (cut into wedges): Served on the side to customize tanginess with each bite.
- 1 red chili (sliced, optional): Perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
How to Make Lao Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Chicken and Aromatics
Begin by placing the whole chicken pieces into a large pot with water, salt, black peppercorns, crushed garlic, and sliced ginger. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then turn the heat down to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer extracts the rich flavors from the chicken and infuses the broth with fragrant garlic and ginger, perfectly setting the foundation for this heartwarming soup.
Step 2: Shred Chicken and Strain the Broth
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine sieve back into the pot, discarding the solids. Shred the chicken meat off the bones into bite-sized pieces. This step clears the broth for a smooth texture while giving you tender chicken to pile on top of your noodles.
Step 3: Season the Broth
Return the strained broth to the stove and stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning for the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. This seasoning trio is what gives the soup its signature character, reminiscent of authentic Lao cuisine.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice Noodles
While the broth simmers, cook the soaked rice noodles according to the package instructions, usually by plunging them briefly in boiling water until tender yet still springy. Drain the noodles well and divide them evenly among your serving bowls. These soft noodles are essential for soaking up all the wonderful flavors of the broth.
Step 5: Assemble the Soup
Layer the shredded chicken generously over the noodles, then ladle the steaming hot seasoned broth into each bowl to envelop the noodles and chicken. This assembly ensures every bowl is a comforting mix of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Lao Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe with a fresh sprinkle of chopped cilantro and green onions. Add lime wedges and optional red chili slices on the side so everyone can personalize their bowl just the way they like it. The burst of freshness and optional heat make each mouthful even more exciting!
How to Serve Lao Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are your chance to add texture, color, and brightness to the soup. Fresh cilantro and green onions provide herbal notes and crunch, while lime wedges bring a zesty acidity to balance the savory broth. Optional sliced red chili is an exciting touch for those who enjoy a spicy kick, adding complexity without overpowering.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with light, complementary sides such as a fresh cucumber salad or crisp vegetable spring rolls. These cool, crunchy sides contrast the warmth of the soup while keeping the meal vibrant and balanced. For something heartier, sticky rice is a traditional favorite to scoop up the savory broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve your soup in individual bowls garnished with colorful herbs and arranged lime wedges. You can also offer the garnishes and chili slices family-style on a platter so everyone can customize their bowls. Another fun idea is to wrap some of the shredded chicken and herbs in lettuce leaves on the side for a fresh bite between sips of soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover broth and shredded chicken can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep noodles separate if possible to maintain their texture, as they tend to soften too much when refrigerated with the broth.
Freezing
The broth and chicken freeze well. Pour the broth and chicken into freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. Avoid freezing the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy after thawing.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the broth and chicken on the stove until steaming hot. Cook fresh rice noodles or rewarm them briefly before assembling the soup bowl. Add fresh garnishes and lime wedges to revive all the vibrant flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, but using a whole chicken provides a richer, more flavorful broth thanks to the bones and skin.
What kind of noodles work best for this soup?
Rice noodles are traditional and ideal because of their delicate texture and ability to absorb the flavorful broth without becoming too heavy.
Is the soup typically spicy?
The classic recipe is mildly flavored, but adding sliced red chili gives it a nice heat for those who like a spicy kick. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can create a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with tofu and using vegetable broth, but the distinctive flavor of the original comes from the chicken and fish sauce.
How important is fish sauce in the recipe?
Fish sauce is key to achieving the authentic umami flavor in this Lao Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. If needed, you can substitute with soy sauce, but expect a different taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Lao Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe that makes it feel like more than just a meal — it’s an experience of warmth, freshness, and comfort all in one bowl. Whether you’re new to Lao cuisine or already a fan, this dish invites you to slow down, savor every flavor, and enjoy a moment of homestyle happiness. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your next favorite go-to soup recipe!
Print
Lao Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lao
- Diet: Halal
Description
Lao Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful traditional dish featuring tender shredded chicken, fragrant broth infused with garlic and ginger, and delicate rice noodles. Enhanced with bright lime juice and fish sauce, this soup is garnished with fresh cilantro, green onions, and optional chili for a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors. Ideal for a wholesome family meal, it can be prepared in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg), cut into pieces
- 8 cups water
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 piece ginger (about 2 cm), sliced
- 200 g rice noodles (soaked in warm water)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, water, salt, black peppercorns, crushed garlic, and sliced ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes to develop a rich and flavorful broth.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the broth and allow it to cool slightly. Shred the meat off the bones into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, strain the broth through a fine sieve or strainer back into the pot to remove solids.
- Season the broth: Add fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar to the strained broth. Stir well and adjust the seasoning by tasting and adding more fish sauce or lime juice as desired for a balanced savory and tangy flavor.
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions—typically soaking in warm water until tender. Drain the noodles well and evenly divide them into serving bowls.
- Assemble the soup: Top the rice noodles in each bowl with shredded chicken. Then ladle the hot seasoned broth over the noodles and chicken to warm and combine the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Finish the soup by garnishing with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, lime wedges, and optional red chili slices for added color and a bit of heat. Serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, simmer the chicken longer, up to 40 minutes.
- Adjust the amount of fish sauce and lime juice according to your taste preference.
- Rice noodles should be soaked just until tender to avoid mushiness.
- Use fresh herbs and lime wedges for the best flavor and presentation.
- optional chili can be omitted or substituted with chili flakes for mild heat.
