This ginger chicken noodle soup showed up in my life on one of those days where my throat felt scratchy, my nose was half blocked, and I was wearing the same hoodie for the third day in a row. I wanted chicken noodle soup, but also something with a little kick.
Something that felt like it was doing more than just sitting there politely in a bowl. Ginger, garlic, sesame, rice noodles. Suddenly, it wasn’t just soup. It was comfort with a tiny attitude.
The kind of soup that makes you feel like you’re being gently yelled at by warmth and flavor to get better already.
Why I Keep Making This Dish (The Real Reasons)
- Cold-Day Savior: It warms you from the inside out, like a heated blanket you can eat.
- Throat-Friendly: Ginger and garlic feel like they’re doing actual work.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes means future-me is happier.
- Light but Filling: You don’t feel stuffed, just… cared for.
- Leftover Chicken Hero: It’s great at rescuing random cooked chicken.
- Gluten-Free Without Trying Hard: Rice noodles just slide right in and do their thing.
- Smells Like Healing: The kitchen instantly feels calmer.
Tips I Learned the Hard Way

- Don’t Burn the Ginger: One minute is enough. Burnt ginger is bitter and sad.
- Go Easy on the Sesame Oil: A little is magic. Too much is soap.
- Taste Before Adding More Tamari: Salt sneaks up fast in broth.
- Soak the Noodles Separately: They turn to mush if boiled forever in the soup.
- Use Low Sodium Broth: You can always add salt. You can’t remove it.
- Fresh Ginger Matters: Powder just doesn’t bring the same warmth.
- Add Herbs at the End: They stay brighter and fresher.
Variations You Can Mess Around With
- Extra Spicy: Add chili oil or red pepper flakes.
- Veggie Boost: Mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn work great.
- No Chicken: Tofu cubes or just go full veggie.
- Lemon Kick: A squeeze at the end wakes everything up.
- Coconut Broth: Swap part of the broth for coconut milk.
- Ramen Style: Add a soft-boiled egg on top.
- Herb Swap: Try basil instead of cilantro.
How To Make Gluten-Free Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup?

Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- About 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- About 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 to 5 tablespoons gluten-free tamari or soy sauce
- 12 ounces cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 4 ounces wide rice noodles
Instructions
Step 1:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the carrots and celery and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 2:
Stir in the green onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for about one minute until everything smells amazing.
Step 3:
Add the sesame oil, 3 tablespoons of tamari, the chicken, broth, and cilantro. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors can hang out and get to know each other.
Step 4:
While the soup simmers, place the rice noodles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak until soft, about 15 to 20 minutes, then drain.
Step 5:
Add the softened noodles to the soup and let them cook in the broth for about 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust with more tamari, sesame oil, or herbs if needed. Serve hot.


Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (Gluten Free)
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the carrots and celery and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the green onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for about one minute until everything smells amazing.
- Add the sesame oil, 3 tablespoons of tamari, the chicken, broth, and cilantro. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors can hang out and get to know each other.
- While the soup simmers, place the rice noodles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak until soft, about 15 to 20 minutes, then drain.
- Add the softened noodles to the soup and let them cook in the broth for about 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust with more tamari, sesame oil, or herbs if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutritional Information
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 111 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13.1 gm |
| Fat | 2.1 gm |
| Protein | 10 gm |
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
How I Like to Serve This
- In the biggest bowl I own.
- With a blanket and zero plans.
- When someone has a cold and needs comfort.
- On rainy nights.
- With extra cilantro on top.
- When I want something light but cozy.
Storage, Leftovers, and Next-Day Thoughts
- Fridge Friendly: Keeps well for 3 to 4 days.
- Noodles Soften More: Still tasty, just softer.
- Reheat Gently: Low heat so the broth stays clear.
- Freeze Without Noodles: Add fresh ones later.
- Flavor Gets Deeper: Even better the next day.
FAQs (Real Questions People Actually Ask)
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, just simmer it longer until fully cooked, then shred.
Is it really gluten free?
Yes, if you use tamari and rice noodles.
Can I skip cilantro?
Totally. Use parsley or leave it out.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
You can use ground, but fresh is way better.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Chili oil or sriracha work great.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, but freeze the broth and chicken without the noodles.
Is it good for a sore throat?
Very. Warm, gentle, and soothing.



