This Chicken thukpa noodles soup recipe has it’s origins grounded in the rustic Tibetan mountains but not limited to the region itself.
The word ‘Thukpa’ refers to any soup dish, so thukpa is a soup with noodles in it.
There are different varieties of thukpa noodles found in Nepal, and few Indian states such as Sikkim, Ladakh , West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh.
It is a classic noodle soup dish which is soothing and warm. The options range from veg thukpa , pork thukpa and chicken thukpa.
This is an easy homemade chicken soup recipe that is best made with bonny bits of chicken, slowly brewed to make a balmy broth full of simple aromatic flavours.
Ingredients for Making Homemade Chicken Soup
This wholesome, ultra satisfying homemade chicken noodle soup does not require any complicated ingredients to make.
Here are is a snapshot of the ingredients for you will need to make chicken soup from scratch.
FRESH AND PANTRY ITEMS
⇒Chicken with bones – 200 gms
⇒Thick Noodles – 150 gms
⇒Onions – 1, chopped
⇒Ginger – 1 inch, minced
⇒Garlic – 3 pods, crushed
⇒Green Chili – 1, chopped or slit from the middle
⇒Spring onion – 1, chopped
⇒Carrots – 2, diced
⇒Soja Sauce – 2 tbsp
⇒Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp
⇒Fresh Coriander Leaves – 1 large handful
⇒Water – 6 cups
⇒Honey – 2 tbsp
⇒Butter/avocado oil/olive oil – 2 tbsp
⇒Crushed black pepper and salt to taste
OPTIONAL SPICES FOR ADDED FLAVOUR
If you wish you can add 1 or 2 of the spices listed below to the boiling broth.
⇒Star anise – 1
⇒Cinnamon stick – 1 (Click here benefits and uses)
⇒Cloves – 3 (Click here benefits and uses)
⇒Peppercorn – 5-8 (Click here benefits and uses)
Step By Step Method With Images
I always recommend making chicken noodle soup from scratch.
This is because the canned or packed versions are high in sodium and fat besides the additives.
Below is a stepwise recipe with pictures on how to make chicken thukpa noodles from scratch.
STEP 1
Fry the pieces of chicken in oil and seal the juices until golden brown on the outside.
STEP 2
Add chopped onions, ginger, garlic and green chillies to the pot and saute until translucent.
STEP 3
Next, add the chunky pieces of vegetables to the pot and stir fry for 3-4 minutes.
STEP 4
Now add warm water, coriander leaves stalk or roots and salt to the pot and make the chicken broth.
Add your chosen whole spices to the broth at this point. You can add whole spices such as peppercorn, bay leaves, cloves to the broth for added flavour and health boost.
Continue to cover and boil on low flame for about 30 – 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes, remove the chicken pieces from the broth and add raw noodles and continue to cook.
STEP 5
While the broth is still boiling with the noodles, shred the chicken pieces and set aside for later use.
STEP 6
Finally, when the noodles are almost cooked ( leave it slightly al dente ) add fresh coriander leaves, chopped spring onions, lemon juice and the shredded pieces of chicken back in the pot.
Boil for another 2 minutes remove from heat and serve hot.
Cooking Tips & FAQ’s
- The step one of sealing the chicken in oil is an optional step. You can skip this step and stir fry chicken, onions and the vegetables together for 4-5 minutes to save cooking time.
- Frying the chicken and continuing to saute vegetables in the same fat gives the broth a richer flavour.
- Using chicken pieces with bones is best. Use any back, neck or leg piece you have to add to the broth.
- Adding whole spices adds more health benefits and flavour to the broth. Remember to take them out before serving.
- If possible, use coriander leaves with roots. Break the stalks off from the roots and add to the broth for added freshness.
- Thick noodles go best with this chicken noodle soup recipe.
- Do not overcook the noodles as till will make the soup too sloppy.
- Do not use green chillies in the beginning if you have children who do not enjoy the heat. You can add them later at the end to the soup as a garnish.
What is thukpa noodles made off?
The best type of noodles to use for making thukpa are the thick noodle variety like hakka noodles or the less starchy noodles made from buck wheat.
If you wish you can also use thick rice noodles, but the cooking time changes as rice noodles do not require a long time to cook. You can add them at the end and let it soak in the hot chicken broth for 5 minutes before serving.
What to add to chicken soup to give it more flavour?
A simple chicken noodle soup is like a blank canvas ready to take on the flavours of your choice.
To make the chicken broth more flavourful you can add whole spices like star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, fresh herbs like rosemary, coriander leaves, parsley, marjoram to name a few. Adding spices and herbs to chicken soup enhances the flavours and also the health benefits.
What are the best types of vegetables to use for thukpa ?
Homemade soup not only tastes better but is also easy to make and wholesome for the entire family.
There are many options of vegetables that you can use for making a veg loaded Tibetan thukpa recipe.
You can add fresh vegetables such as carrots, beans, mushrooms, bakchoi to the dish.
This is a chunky chicken noodle soup as the vegetables are diced or cut in large chunks, which makes the job easy.
What are the benefits of homemade chicken noodle soup?
A well made soup has the magic to strip away the tiredness, anxiousness and give you warmth and pleasure.
That is why they say, ‘ Chicken soup is for the soul! ‘
Apart from emotionally uplifting, chicken soup is good for cold.
- Chicken soup helps to strengthen immunity and fight off cold viruses, including a runny nose and cough.
- A homemade chicken noodle soup is supplemented by added vitamins and minerals when you add ingredients such as onions, garlic, carrots, coriander, any greens, and chicken.
- It is also great for keeping you hydrated when you aren’t feeling well. Chicken soup is filled with electrolytes and helps in recovering from illness.
- The natural salts, the warm soup and steam can be beneficial in helping to clear mucus membranes and soothe irritated passageways in your nose and throat.
- Assists in weight loss and controlling body mass. Chicken soup is low in calories and provides a balanced diet of proteins, minerals, vitamins and carbs in one pot
- Don’t know if you believe it or not but Chicken soup has been known to be beneficial in giving an emotional and psychological lift to your spirits. The warmth and the homemade taste can make a person feel better physically, emotionally and mentally.
Other Winter Warming Drinks To Try
Imagine sipping on a bowl of large healthy chicken soup at the end of long tiring cold day day!
Just want the soul and the body needs.
If you are looking for an instant winter warming drink any time of the day then here are my two goto’s.
- Indian Spice Tea or Masala chai for mornings and afternoons
- A selection of natural herbal teas warm teas that are good for cold.
Do you have a Chicken Noodle Soup recipe to share?
I love to make all kinds of chicken soup, would love to hear your versions too.
Please leave a comment about this recipe and share it with others if you like it.