Chicken hot and sour soup is a warm, tasty, and comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days or when you want something light but full of flavor. The soup has a mix of spicy heat and tangy sourness, making every spoonful exciting. It’s made with simple ingredients like chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, and eggs, and comes together in just 30 minutes.
This soup is also healthy, packed with protein, and easy to customize by adding mushrooms, tofu, or vegetables. It’s the perfect quick meal when you’re craving something flavorful, hot, and satisfying without much effort.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it uses simple ingredients to create bold, comforting flavors. The chicken makes the soup filling, while the broth, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili bring the classic hot and sour taste. The beaten egg added at the end gives the soup a silky texture, making it feel rich without being heavy. It’s a great balance of spicy, sour, and savoryflavors in every bite.
Another reason this recipe is so good is how easy and flexible it is. You can adjust the spice level, add extra vegetables, or use leftover chicken to save time. It’s perfect as a starter or a light meal, and it’s ready in just half an hour. If you want something warm, healthy, and flavorful without a lot of work, this soup is an excellent choice.
Ingredients
Chicken Breast – Adds lean protein to the soup. You can use chicken thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken as a substitute.
Mushrooms – Adds an earthy flavor and soft texture. You can use button, shiitake, or any mushrooms you like.
Soy Sauce – Gives the soup a salty, umami taste. Tamari or coconut aminos can be used for a gluten-free option.
Vinegar – Adds sourness to balance the flavors. White vinegar, rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar all work.
Egg – Creates silky egg ribbons in the soup. You can skip the egg if you want a lighter version.
Tips
- Slice the chicken thin so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust vinegar and pepper levels to match your taste preference.
- Stir the soup slowly while adding the egg to make nice egg ribbons.
- Add a little cornstarch mixed with water if you want a thicker soup.
How to Serve
Chicken hot and sour soup is warm, tangy, and slightly spicy, perfect as a starter or a light meal. It’s comforting, filling, and packed with bold flavors. This soup is great for cold days or when you want something soothing yet flavorful.
Starter Course – Serve before a main meal like fried rice or noodles.
- Light Meal – Enjoy on its own with a side of steamed dumplings.
- Family Dinner – Pair with spring rolls and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
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Chicken Hot And Sour Soup
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast thinly sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
- 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Add sliced chicken and mushrooms. Cook for 5-6 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, and sesame oil.
- If you want a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add to the pot. Stir well.
- Slowly pour in the beaten egg while stirring to create egg ribbons.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
• Use fresh mushrooms for the best taste and texture.
• Adjust vinegar and pepper levels to match your taste preference.
• Stir the soup slowly while adding the egg to make nice egg ribbons.
• Add a little cornstarch mixed with water if you want a thicker soup.
Itโs made with simple ingredients like chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, and eggs, and comes together in just 30 minutes.