Chicken wonton soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, and pairing it with the right sides can really elevate your meal. Spring rolls are an ideal choice—they offer a crispy, crunchy contrast to the warmth and softness of the soup, while the filling (vegetables or shrimp) adds a burst of flavor and texture.
Steamed dumplings, filled with chicken, pork, or vegetables, are another excellent pairing. They complement the wontons in the soup and enhance the overall dumpling experience. For a fresh and nutritious side, try a Chinese broccoli stir-fry.
Lightly sautéed with garlic and a splash of soy sauce, it adds color and a healthy crunch to your meal.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, Kung Pao tofu is a great choice. Its spicy, nutty flavors provide a nice balance to the soothing nature of the soup, adding variety to your meal. These sides together create a well-rounded, satisfying experience, making chicken wonton soup even more enjoyable.
Ah, the comfort of a heartfelt bowl of chicken wonton soup. It’s like that old friend who always knows how to lift your spirits. From the first sip of the savory broth to the delightful burst of flavors in each wonton, this recipe never fails to satisfy.
As a registered dietitian and an enthusiastic home cook, I’ve spent countless hours perfecting this dish. Why? Because nothing quite warms the soul like a bowl of homemade chicken wonton soup. Stick around as I guide you through this delicious journey!
What is Chicken Wonton Soup?
Chicken wonton soup is a delightful concoction of broth, tender chicken-filled dumplings, and vegetables. It’s a staple in Chinese cuisine, cherished for its comforting qualities and rich flavors.
The soup, traditionally served as a starter, can easily stand alone as a meal. The dumplings, known as wontons, are generally filled with minced chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, all enveloped in delicate wrappers. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Why This Recipe Works?
Every time I make chicken wonton soup, I’m amazed at how such simple ingredients combine to create a dish so full of flavor. Here are four reasons why this recipe is worth your time:
1. Flavorful Broth:
The foundation of any good wonton soup is the broth. By using chicken bouillon, Shaoxing rice wine, and oyster sauce, this soup reaches impressive flavor depths. Each ingredient plays a vital role, building a savory backdrop that complements the wontons.
2. Easy to Make:
This recipe simplifies the cooking process without sacrificing flavor. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, even novice cooks can whip up a pot in under an hour.
3. Nutritious Ingredients:
Packed with lean chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and fresh greens, this soup delivers essential nutrients. It balances protein and fiber, making it a nourishing option.
4. Customizable for Everyone:
Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or gluten-free eater, this recipe is flexible. You can swap out ingredients as necessary and cater it to your dietary needs without losing the heart of the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Chicken Wonton Soup
To craft this comforting dish, gather these simple yet impactful ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh fillets, or ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine
- 1 tablespoon premium oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup finely minced green onions
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- 10 fresh shiitake mushrooms, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
- 12 ounces tender Napa cabbage leaves, thinly shredded
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 packages of wonton wrappers (about 75–80 wrappers total)
How To Make This Chicken Wonton Soup
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering soup. Grab your apron, and let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, green onions, ginger, chicken bouillon powder, and five-spice powder in a large bowl.
Mix everything together using your hands for better incorporation. This is where the magic begins. The aroma is simply irresistible!
Step 2: Prepare the Wontons
Grab a wonton wrapper and place a small spoonful (about a teaspoon) of the filling in the center. Dampen the edges of the wrapper with a small amount of water. Fold the wrapper over to create a triangle, pressing out any air. Fold the ends together to form a lovely wonton shape. Don’t worry about getting this perfect; just have fun with it!
Step 3: Assemble the Soup
In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the diced shiitake mushrooms and sauté until they’re tender. Then, add the shredded Napa cabbage and cook for a couple of minutes until wilted.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables (about 6 cups). Bring it to a boil. Then, lower the heat and add the wontons carefully into the broth. Allow them to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until they float, signaling they’re done.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season the soup with sea salt and white pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each bowl gets a generous amount of wontons and veggies. Top with additional green onions if desired. Voilà! Your chicken wonton soup is ready.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Wonton Soup
- Don’t Overfill the Wontons: A teaspoon of filling per wrapper is just enough. Overfilling can cause them to burst while cooking.
- Cook Timing: Wontons cook quickly. Keep an eye on them; once they float, they are usually ready.
- Make Extra: This recipe makes a sizable batch. Consider doubling it to freeze some for later, perfect for busy days.
- Use Homemade Broth: For an ultimate flavor boost, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought versions.
- Garnish Smartly: Adding fresh herbs or a drizzle of chili oil can elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.
How to Store the Leftovers
If you happen to have some soup left over, excellent! Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the broth and wontons separately. Just make sure to reheat gently to preserve the texture.
Recommended Side Dishes for Chicken Wonton Soup
In addition to the pairing suggestions mentioned earlier, here are a few more side dishes to round out your meal:
1. Asian Cucumber Salad: Lightly pickled cucumbers add a refreshing crunch and acidity that balances the soup’s richness.
2. Fried Rice: A small bowl of fried rice complements the soup well, and it’s an excellent way to use leftover rice.
3. Chili Garlic Edamame: Steamed or sautéed edamame sprinkled with chili and garlic provides a delightful bite that’s easy to prepare.
4. Sesame Noodles: These cold noodles mixed with sesame sauce add a different texture that contrasts beautifully with the hot soup.
Substitutes for Ingredients
If you don’t have some of the ingredients listed, here are some alternatives that can still create a fantastic soup:
- Chicken: Ground turkey or pork can replace chicken in the filling. Tofu could work well for a vegetarian option.
- Shaoxing Rice Wine: Dry sherry or sake can serve as decent substitutes if you don’t have Shaoxing.
- Shiittake Mushrooms: Any other mushroom variety, like button or cremini, can be used if shiitake isn’t available.
- Wonton Wrappers: If you can’t find wonton wrappers, egg roll wrappers can be cut down to size to make larger dumplings.
Chicken Wonton Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh fillets, or ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine
- 1 tablespoon premium oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup finely minced green onions
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- 10 fresh shiitake mushrooms finely diced
- 3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
- 12 ounces tender Napa cabbage leaves thinly shredded
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 packages of wonton wrappers about 75–80 wrappers total
Instructions
- Start by combining the chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, green onions, ginger, chicken bouillon powder, and five-spice powder in a large bowl.
- Mix everything together using your hands for better incorporation. This is where the magic begins. The aroma is simply irresistible!
- Grab a wonton wrapper and place a small spoonful (about a teaspoon) of the filling in the center. Dampen the edges of the wrapper with a small amount of water. Fold the wrapper over to create a triangle, pressing out any air. Fold the ends together to form a lovely wonton shape. Don’t worry about getting this perfect; just have fun with it!
- In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the diced shiitake mushrooms and sauté until they’re tender. Then, add the shredded Napa cabbage and cook for a couple of minutes until wilted.
- Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables (about 6 cups). Bring it to a boil. Then, lower the heat and add the wontons carefully into the broth. Allow them to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until they float, signaling they’re done.
- Finally, season the soup with sea salt and white pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each bowl gets a generous amount of wontons and veggies. Top with additional green onions if desired. Voilà! Your chicken wonton soup is ready.
Notes
- Don’t Overfill the Wontons: A teaspoon of filling per wrapper is just enough. Overfilling can cause them to burst while cooking.
- Cook Timing: Wontons cook quickly. Keep an eye on them; once they float, they are usually ready.
- Make Extra: This recipe makes a sizable batch. Consider doubling it to freeze some for later, perfect for busy days.
- Use Homemade Broth: For an ultimate flavor boost, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought versions.
- Garnish Smartly: Adding fresh herbs or a drizzle of chili oil can elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
There you have it, a deep dive into chicken wonton soup, complete with pairing suggestions, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips. This warm and comforting dish not only satisfies your palate but also nourishes the body.
I hope you feel inspired to give this recipe a try in your kitchen. Your future self will thank you with each delicious bite! Remember, cooking should always be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. So roll up your sleeves, and get started!
