Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a warming bowl of comfort that’s packed with flavor and ridiculously easy to whip up, you’re going to love this Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup comes together in no time, with tender chicken, sweet corn, and those delicate egg ribbons that make it feel like a cozy hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a bowl of something nourishing and satisfying. Stick with me, and I’ll share my best tips so your soup turns out absolutely delicious every single time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet harmonious ingredients. Each one plays its part, and with a couple of easy swaps, you can make it your own. Here are some key ideas to keep in mind when gathering your ingredients.

• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: For me, a good-quality broth makes a huge difference—homemade if you can, or a store-bought low-sodium option works well.
• Creamed Corn: This adds the sweet, creamy base. If you can’t find creamed corn, you can pulse whole kernel corn in a blender for a bit of texture.
• Soy Sauce: I like to use light soy sauce for a more delicate flavor, but all-purpose soy sauce is a handy backup.
• Chinese Cooking Wine or Mirin: This is my secret touch for adding depth, but if you don’t have it, sherry or skipping it entirely won’t hurt the soup.
• Ginger and Garlic: Fresh is best here for that bright, zesty kick that wakes up the soup.
• Cornflour (Cornstarch): Mixed with cold water, this helps thicken the soup just right without making it gluey.
• Egg: Whisked and gently stirred in to create those lovely silky “ribbons” that make the soup extra special.
• Cooked Chicken: Leftover chicken works perfectly here. It’s an excellent way to use rotisserie chicken too.
• Salt and White Pepper: White pepper gives the soup that subtle peppery warmth without dark specs, which I personally love.
• Sliced Scallions or Shallots (Optional): I always sprinkle these on top for freshness and a mild crunch.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I often tweak it based on what’s in my pantry or what mood I’m in. You can totally make this soup your own with just a few small changes!

• Add More Veggies: I sometimes throw in sliced mushrooms or baby corn for texture; it adds a lovely earthiness.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, a splash of chili oil or a pinch of white pepper does wonders.
• Go Vegetarian: Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable stock and omit the chicken — it’s so comforting even then!
• Sesame Oil Finish: A reader shared that a drizzle of sesame oil at the end brings fabulous aroma and warmth. I started doing this too and can’t recommend it enough.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe

Step 1: Getting Your Soup Base Ready

Start by combining your chicken broth, creamed corn, soy sauce, cooking wine (if using), minced ginger, minced garlic, and your cornstarch mixed with cold water in a saucepan. Bring this to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce to medium. Stir occasionally as it simmers to avoid lumps. You’ll notice the soup starts to thicken slightly after about five minutes—that’s when you know you’re on the right track!

Step 2: Making Those Beautiful Egg Ribbons

Once your soup has thickened a bit, taste and adjust salt if needed. Now turn off the heat, and this is a step that made me smile when I first tried it: slowly pour in the whisked egg while gently stirring the soup in a circular motion. The egg cooks instantly, forming silky ribbons that swirl through the soup. It’s such a satisfying texture contrast, and I promise you’ll want to do it just like this every time.

Step 3: Adding Chicken and Final Seasoning

Finally, stir in your shredded cooked chicken and sprinkle in a little white pepper to give the soup a soft warmth. Give it one last stir, and it’s ready to serve! I always add a handful of sliced scallions on top for that wonderful fresh pop of flavor and color.

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my soup with thinly sliced scallions because they add that fresh, mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch, which balances the silkiness perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of white pepper on top for a little visual warmth and subtle spice. And, like I mentioned earlier, a gentle drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving takes this soup from delicious to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or crispy fried wontons if you want some crunch. I also love serving it alongside stir-fried greens or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in pretty individual bowls topped with edible flowers and finely julienned coriander. It’s an easy way to impress guests without any extra fuss. Another fun idea is to use small Chinese soup spoons and serve alongside mini steamed buns for a cozy, shareable appetizer-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps really well for up to 3 days. I’ve noticed that the soup thickens a bit as it chills, so give it a gentle stir and add a splash of broth or water when reheating to get it back to the perfect consistency.

Freezing

When I freeze this soup, I usually leave out the cornstarch slurry and instead add it fresh when reheating—that way, I avoid that watery or separated texture that can happen with cornstarch-thickened sauces after freezing. Once thawed, just reheat gently and stir in the slurry for that perfect thickness.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a little leftover broth or water helps loosen the soup, and whisking in a fresh cornstarch slurry if needed brings back that classic velvety texture every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s so simple, flexible, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want to cozy up with a bowl of warm goodness, this recipe delivers every time. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every silky spoonful like my family and I do. Here’s to many cozy dinners ahead!

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