This Giada Sesame Chicken Noodle Soup is my favorite way to unwind on a chilly evening. There’s just something so soothing about the fragrant ginger, tender chicken, and light broth, all soaking into those soft noodles. It’s light, fresh, and cozy all at once.

I usually serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad, and it never disappoints. The flavors deepen over time, so don’t be afraid to make it a little ahead. And trust me, a drizzle of sesame oil before serving makes it that much more special.

Recipe Ingredients

• 4 ounces rice noodles (like pad Thai noodles)
• 1 tbsp dark sesame oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 6 cups chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium store-bought
• 1½ tbsp tamari
• 2 cups baby bok choy, sliced (about 2 heads) or 1 cup small broccoli florets
• ½ tsp flake salt
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (regular or Thai basil)

How To Make Giada Sesame Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Cook the Noodles: Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a boil, and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the rice noodles, turn off the heat, and let them soften for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the noodles, rinse with cool water, and set aside.
2. Heat the Oils: In a medium Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat for about a minute.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the ginger, garlic, and scallions to the pot, stirring often until they’re fragrant and soft, around 2 minutes.
4. Add the Chicken: Toss the shredded chicken and kosher salt into the pot, stirring well to coat the chicken in the aromatics.
5. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the tamari and bok choy, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the bok choy is tender and the flavors meld.
6. Assemble and Serve: Divide the noodles between four bowls, ladle the hot soup over the noodles, and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil, a sprinkle of flake salt, and a handful of chopped basil on top. Enjoy immediately.

Recipe Tips

• For a gluten-free option, swap tamari for coconut aminos. It adds a subtle sweetness without compromising the classic salty, umami flavor in the soup broth.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add thinly sliced fresh chili or a drizzle of chili oil to the soup just before serving. It brings out extra warmth and flavor.
• For a heartier texture, try adding sliced mushrooms. Their earthy flavor pairs perfectly with the ginger and sesame, giving a richer depth to the broth.
• To add extra crunch, toss in a handful of bean sprouts right before serving. They’ll stay crisp in the hot broth, balancing well with the tender noodles.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More delicious Giada soup Recipes:

• Giada Pressure Cooker Curried Cauliflower Soup
• Giada De Laurentiis Vegetarian Chili Verde
• Giada Stracciatella Soup