A list of the 13 best Chinese side dishes for Chicken Noodle Soup, from salads to breads.
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Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic dish that you can serve on its own, as a side dish or as a main. In its most basic version, this comfort food is a simple recipe that consists of chicken broth, egg noodles and salt. You can throw in chicken meat and vegetables to bulk up the light broth, if serving as a main dish, or serve it with some of the following sides.
Tip: chicken noodle soup is is a favourite when one is feeling under the weather- if so, load up on the garlic cloves in the soup, pair it with saltine crackers and this turmeric, lemon and ginger tea, which is full of flu-busting ingredients!
How to freeze
Soups freeze well but noodles don't- they turn soggy and mushy! I recommend making the chicken soup separately ahead of time and freezing it (it should last for up to 3 months if stored properly)- you can simply bring it to the boil, then add the noodles, when you want to eat it.
If you've already made a huge batch of soup and noodles, separate the chicken broth from the noodles, and freeze the liquid after it has cooled. The noodles can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge and eaten over the next 1-2 days.
Variations
- Creamy chicken noodle soup: add a few tablespoons of cream to the soup just before switching it off- heat up the soup but don't let it boil (after adding the cream) as you don't want it to split! Pair with some crusty bread and cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese to complement the cream.
- Asian chicken noodle soup: Add some dried shrimp or dried scallops to the soup base, use fish sauce instead of salt to season then drizzle sesame oil and cilantro (or spring onions) on top.
- Alternatively, use this chicken coconut soup base for the noodles.
- Vegan chicken noodle soup: If you're vegan, substitute with vegetable broth or try this plant-based chicken wonton noodle soup, which tastes just like the original!
Tips
- How to make Campbell's Chicken noodle soup better: add some diced vegetables and fresh herbs, such as fresh basil and/or parsley, to brighten the flavours. A squeeze of lemon or lime never hurt too, and don't forget to top with black pepper.
- For juicy & tender chicken: Use chicken thighs- dark meat has more fat and thus so much more flavour than chicken breasts. It also doesn't get as dry so you don't have to worry so much about overcooking!
- Leftover roast or rotisserie chicken makes for an easy addition to a bowl of chicken noodle soup
- For a light and clear soup base: cook the noodles in a separate pot from the soup, as it will release starch which will make the soup cloudy.
FAQ
Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, can be triggered by anything from pregnancy, being overweight to the food one eats. Different people have different food triggers, but some common foods to avoid if you suffer from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder- the fancy name for acid reflux) are fatty foods, acidic foods such as tomato-based sauces, tea and spicy foods. Depending on what goes into your chicken soup, it may or may not trigger your acid reflux- generally speaking, chicken noodle soup tends to be lighter (less fatty) and assuming it's not acidic, oily or spicy, it could be OK for people with acid reflux, but do observe your reaction after eating it before giving it the green light.
It depends on whether it is shop-bought or homemade. Canned/ shop bought chicken noodle soup tends to have a lot of sodium as well as preservatives, which isn't great for you. Even homemade chicken soup varies widely depending on the ingredients- some have cream and can thus be more fattening/ bad for your cholesterol whilst others are lighter and more like chicken consommés.
Snacks
These fingers foods are some of the best sides as they're full of flavour but won't make you so full you can't enjoy the main meal.
Vegetables
Sweet potato fries are 1 of the most popular side dishes out there- they taste great with sambal mayo!- but why not widen your diet and try butternut squash fries instead? (Or grilled asparagus spears make super healthy veggie fries!)
Fresh salad is always a great addition to a meal but instead of avocado salad or Italian salads, why not try Korean mashed potato salad (gamja salad), Chinese spinach salad or Chinese Cucumber salad, a very popular side dish?
Mushrooms
Mushroom recipes make for some of the best side dishes as they tend to cook very quickly. Just remember to rinse them lightly instead of soaking, as the mushrooms will absorb all the water like a sponge.
For more Asian side dishes which use mushrooms, click here.
Tofu
Tofu is a good side dish for those on a budget as it tends to be inexpensive- it also absorbs the flavour of its sauce very well. The umami-ness and creaminess of this salted egg tofu makes for a nice contrast with the lightness of the chicken soup.
Meat
Carbs
Instead of garlic bread, fluffy biscuits, cornbread and pretzel rolls, why not try some Asian breads?
Some people like to pair noodle soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or vegetable panini, but I personally find it too heavy a combination- these steamed mantou buns are much lighter in texture, and are a great way to bulk up the dish without stuffing oneself!
Tip: You can also pop the mantou into the air fryer, if you're not a fan of steamed bread.
If these Chinese side dishes aren't enough, here are some Asian desserts to complete your meal:
What is your favourite side dish for chicken noodle soup? Let me know in the comments! If you've found this list of Chinese side dishes useful to you, do share it on your social media!
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