If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make, this Chinese Chicken and Corn Soup Recipe is just what you need. It perfectly balances the sweet creaminess of corn with tender shredded chicken, all wrapped in a warm, silky broth enriched with a hint of ginger and garlic. Quick to prepare yet deeply satisfying, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. Whether as a light starter or a soothing main, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building the soup’s harmony of flavors and inviting textures. From the rich chicken broth to the delicate corn and vibrant aromatics, every item is essential.
- Chicken or vegetable broth/stock (2 cups / 500 ml): The comforting base that gives the soup its heartwarming depth.
- Creamed corn (1 can, 16oz/420g): Provides a luscious sweetness and velvety texture that defines this soup’s character.
- Soy sauce (1 tsp): Adds just the right amount of savory umami to balance the sweetness.
- Chinese cooking wine (1 tbsp): Infuses the broth with subtle complexity; Mirin or dry sherry can be great substitutes or completely omitted.
- Ginger, minced (1 tsp): Offers a gentle zing that brightens the soup instantly.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): Enhances aroma and adds warmth to the flavor profile.
- Cornflour/cornstarch (1 tsp, mixed with cold water): The magic thickener that brings everything to a perfect consistency.
- Egg, whisked (1): Creates those signature silky “ribbons” that elevate the texture delightfully.
- Shredded cooked chicken (1 cup): Tender, protein-rich, and satisfying—ideally leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- Salt and white pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor note.
- Sliced scallions/shallots (3 tbsp, optional): Adds a fresh, mild onion crunch and beautiful color contrast when garnished on top.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Corn Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Flavorful Liquids and Aromatics
Start by placing the chicken or vegetable broth, creamed corn, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, minced ginger, garlic, and the cornflour slurry (cornflour mixed with cold water) into a saucepan. Turn the heat to high so these ingredients come together quickly, building a warm, savory base that’s full of texture and subtle sweetness.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil and Simmer Gently
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and stir occasionally. Let the soup cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly as the cornflour does its magic. The aroma of ginger and garlic starts mingling beautifully here, giving life to the broth while the creamed corn adds that luscious body.
Step 3: Season and Introduce the Egg Ribbons
Now it’s time to taste and adjust your seasoning with salt. Turn off the heat to prevent the egg from scrambling too quickly, then slowly drizzle the whisked egg into the soup while continuously stirring. This step creates delicate, silky ribbons of egg that swirl through the soup, contributing an elegant texture and a touch of protein.
Step 4: Add Shredded Chicken and Final Touches
The final step is to gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken and season with white pepper to taste. This seasoning adds a subtle heat that complements the soup’s sweetness without overpowering it. Give everything a good stir and your Chinese Chicken and Corn Soup Recipe is officially ready to comfort your soul.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Corn Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced scallions or shallots on top isn’t just for decoration; their fresh, mild bite adds brightness and a little textural contrast that really lifts the whole dish. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of freshly ground white pepper or even a few drops of toasted sesame oil can elevate your soup to restaurant-quality presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup works wonderfully alongside simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing. If you want a more filling meal, pairing it with crispy spring rolls or dumplings provides a delightful balance of textures and keeps the meal exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual mini bowls or Chinese soup spoons at a dinner party. You can also add finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or chives for a burst of color and freshness. Serving it with a wedge of lime on the side invites your guests to personalize their soup with a citrusy zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chinese Chicken and Corn Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent the broth from absorbing other odors. Before serving leftover soup, give it a good stir as some ingredients might settle at the bottom.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but take care as the texture of the creamed corn and egg ribbons may change slightly. For best results, freeze only the base soup without the egg ribbons and shredded chicken, then add those fresh when reheating. Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for easy defrosting.
Reheating
Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge for gentle reheating. Reheat on medium heat, stirring frequently to reincorporate the ingredients and maintain a smooth texture. If needed, whisk in a fresh egg slowly to recreate those gorgeous ribbons and fresh shredded chicken to keep the soup tasting freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned creamed corn?
Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels blended with a bit of cream or milk can be an excellent substitute for creamed corn, offering a fresher, sweeter taste and similar creamy texture. Just pulse in a blender to create that luscious base before adding to the soup.
Is Chinese cooking wine necessary in this recipe?
While Chinese cooking wine adds depth and authenticity, it’s completely fine to omit it or substitute with Mirin or dry sherry. The soup will still be delicious and comforting without it.
What kind of chicken works best for this soup?
Leftover roasted or boiled chicken is perfect—shredded into bite-sized pieces. Using cooked chicken saves time and adds that tender protein element that makes this soup filling and satisfying.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the shredded chicken with finely diced tofu or mushrooms for texture. Skip the egg or use a vegan egg alternative to keep it plant-based while maintaining richness.
What is the purpose of whisking the egg into the soup?
Whisking the egg in slowly creates delicate egg ribbons that add silkiness and a lovely visual element. It thickens the soup gently without making it heavy or gloopy, giving a special texture unique to this style of soup.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Chinese Chicken and Corn Soup Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Easy, quick, and packed with comforting flavors, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your home cooking rotation. So grab your ingredients, simmer up some magic, and enjoy every spoonful!
