Chicken Sweetcorn Soup with Ginger

Chicken Sweetcorn Soup with Ginger is one of those heartwarming, feel-good bowls of comfort that never fails to soothe your soul. This classic Asian-inspired soup combines tender shredded chicken, naturally sweet corn, and the subtle heat of fresh ginger in a light yet flavorful broth.

It’s a perfect balance of savory and sweet, thickened slightly for a silky texture that coats the palate beautifully. Often served as a starter in Chinese restaurants, this homemade version tastes even better — wholesome, fresh, and full of depth.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple, everyday ingredients. The addition of ginger elevates the dish with warmth and aroma, while the corn lends sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the chicken.

It’s also highly nourishing — ideal for cold weather, recovery meals, or just a cozy night in. This soup is light yet satisfying, and it’s incredibly quick to prepare. I especially love how it fills the kitchen with the comforting scent of ginger and chicken broth — a true comfort food experience.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This soup is a must-try because it’s:

  • Wholesome & comforting: Perfect for boosting immunity and easing colds.
  • Quick & simple: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
  • Versatile: You can easily adapt it — make it vegetarian, spicy, or add extra veggies.
  • Family-friendly: Loved by both adults and kids for its mild, soothing taste.

Preparation & Cooking Details

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
  • Course: Soup / Starter
  • Cuisine: Chinese / Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (boiled or rotisserie)
  • 1 can (400 g) creamed corn
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 4 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and white pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp spring onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

  1. Prepare the broth:
    In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  2. Add flavor base:
    Stir in the grated ginger, soy sauce, and sweet corn kernels. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  3. Incorporate the creamed corn:
    Add the creamed corn and mix well. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
  4. Add chicken:
    Stir in the shredded chicken. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until heated through.
  5. Thicken the soup:
    Stir in the cornstarch slurry slowly while stirring continuously until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
  6. Add egg whites:
    Slowly pour in the beaten egg whites while gently stirring the soup in one direction to create delicate egg ribbons.
  7. Season:
    Add salt, white pepper, and sesame oil. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  8. Finish & garnish:
    Remove from heat and top with chopped spring onions before serving.

How to Serve

Serve the Chicken Sweetcorn Soup hot, garnished with extra spring onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. It pairs wonderfully with:

  • Crispy wontons or fried noodles on the side.
  • Steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
  • Chili oil or soy sauce drizzle for an extra kick.

Recipe Tips

  • Use homemade chicken stock for a richer flavor.
  • Don’t skip the ginger — it adds warmth and balances the sweetness.
  • Add the egg whites slowly to create silky ribbons instead of clumps.
  • For a thicker texture, increase the cornstarch slightly.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Chicken Sweetcorn Soup:
    Add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha for heat.
  2. Vegetarian Version:
    Replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth.
  3. Seafood Twist:
    Add prawns or crab meat instead of chicken for a coastal flavor.
  4. Extra Veggies:
    Mix in carrots, peas, or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Freezing & Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat. Add a little water or broth if it thickens too much.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Large saucepan or soup pot
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Grater for ginger
  • Ladle for serving

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, simmer raw chicken breasts in the broth until fully cooked, then shred before adding back to the soup.

Q2: Can I skip the egg whites?
Absolutely — the soup will still be delicious, though it won’t have that traditional silky texture.

Q3: How do I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your stock is gluten-free.

Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

Chicken Sweetcorn Soup with Ginger is the epitome of warmth and comfort in a bowl — nourishing, easy, and bursting with subtle Asian flavors. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving something cozy, or want a quick yet satisfying meal, this soup delivers every time. It’s a simple recipe that brings big comfort and even bigger flavor, making it a timeless favorite for all seasons.

Chicken Sweetcorn Soup with Ginger

Recipe by Elina JamesCourse: SoupsCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

30

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Soup:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (boiled or rotisserie)

  • 1 can (400 g) creamed corn

  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated

  • 4 cups chicken stock or broth

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

  • 2 egg whites, lightly beaten

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • Salt and white pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp spring onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  • Prepare the broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  • Add flavor base: Stir in the grated ginger, soy sauce, and sweet corn kernels. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  • Incorporate the creamed corn: Add the creamed corn and mix well. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
  • Add chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until heated through.
  • Thicken the soup: Stir in the cornstarch slurry slowly while stirring continuously until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
  • Add egg whites: Slowly pour in the beaten egg whites while gently stirring the soup in one direction to create delicate egg ribbons.
  • Season: Add salt, white pepper, and sesame oil. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  • Finish & garnish: Remove from heat and top with chopped spring onions before serving.

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