How to Make Salt and Pepper Chicken Just Like a Restaurant

Oh, my dears, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a homemade meal simmering on the stove, especially when it’s something as deeply satisfying and flavor-packed as a truly exceptional salt and pepper chicken soup. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out, a symphony of savory notes, and a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can transform into something truly magical. This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s an aromatic journey for your senses.

I still remember chilly afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, not always with sweet treats, but sometimes with her hearty, brothy soups that brought everyone together. She had a way of making even the simplest ingredients sing, and that spirit of loving preparation is exactly what I bring to every recipe, savory or sweet. This particular recipe for salt and pepper chicken captures that same essence of warmth and tradition.

This recipe is incredibly approachable, making it perfect for both seasoned home cooks and those just starting their culinary adventures. You’ll find it’s not only a wonderful way to nourish your family but also incredibly easy to adapt to your pantry. My top tip? Always taste as you go; your palate is your best guide!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful soup relies on a few star players that truly make the flavors shine. You’ll want to gather your boneless, skinless chicken breast for that tender bite, alongside fresh ginger and garlic which build the aromatic foundation of this exquisite salt and pepper chicken creation. These simple components, combined with hearty shiitake mushrooms and crisp bok choy, promise a comforting and flavorful experience. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below, my dear.

How to Make Salt and Pepper Chicken

Creating this restaurant-quality salt and pepper chicken soup is a joyful process, truly. You’ll begin by tenderizing the chicken with a simple marinade that locks in flavor, then gently simmer your rich broth with fresh aromatics, letting all those wonderful essences meld. Finally, you’ll bring it all together, adding the chicken and fresh vegetables until perfectly cooked. It’s a straightforward journey to a deeply satisfying bowl of deliciousness.

Aromatic Salt and Pepper Chicken Soup

This comforting and flavorful soup features tender chicken pieces seasoned primarily with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, simmered in a light, aromatic broth with ginger, garlic, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-inspired

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tsp Coarse Sea Salt
• 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp White Pepper
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Light Soy Sauce
• 1/2 tsp Sesame Oil

For the Soup

• 6 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• 2 inch Fresh Ginger sliced thinly
• 3 cloves Garlic smashed
• 4 oz Shiitake Mushrooms sliced
• 4 oz Bok Choy chopped, stems and leaves separated
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper or to taste

For Garnish (Optional)

• 2 Green Onions sliced
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped
• 1 tsp Chili Oil

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Cutting Board

Method

 

Prepare the Chicken

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast with coarse sea salt, black pepper, white pepper, cornstarch, light soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to ensure all chicken pieces are coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Simmer the Broth

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, sliced ginger, and smashed garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Cook the Soup

1. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the simmering broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
2. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot, one by one, to prevent them from clumping together. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The cornstarch in the marinade will slightly thicken the broth.
3. Stir in the chopped bok choy stems first, cook for 1 minute, then add the bok choy leaves and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are just wilted but still vibrant.
4. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.

Serve

1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of chili oil if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can lightly brown the marinated chicken pieces in a separate pan with a tablespoon of oil before adding them to the simmering broth.

Pro Tips for Making This Salt and Pepper Chicken

Over my years in the kitchen, I’ve learned that a few small touches can elevate a dish from good to absolutely unforgettable. When it comes to our beloved salt and pepper chicken, I have a handful of secrets to share to ensure your soup is a resounding success every time.

My Secret Trick: When preparing the chicken, always pat it thoroughly dry before seasoning and coating with cornstarch. This small step ensures a beautiful, velvety texture once cooked, preventing any blandness and allowing the delicate flavors of the salt and pepper to truly adhere.

Don’t be shy with your aromatics, darling! Fresh ginger and garlic are the heart of this soup’s incredible aroma. I always recommend grating or finely mincing them directly into the broth as it simmers, releasing their full, vibrant essence. It makes all the difference in the final depth of flavor for your salt and pepper chicken.

For the bok choy, I find that adding it towards the very end of the cooking process, just before serving, keeps it perfectly crisp-tender. Overcooking can make it a little limp, and we want that lovely fresh crunch in every spoonful of this comforting soup.

Lastly, trust your instincts and adjust seasonings to your liking. A final pinch of salt, a dash more white pepper, or a swirl of chili oil can perfectly balance the flavors, making this salt and pepper chicken truly yours. It’s all about making it taste wonderful to you and your loved ones.

Fun Variations for Salt and Pepper Chicken

One of the greatest joys of home cooking is the freedom to play and adapt, and this salt and pepper chicken soup is a wonderful canvas for creativity! Here are a few ways you might like to playfully tweak it, perhaps to suit a family preference or just to explore new flavors.

Veggie Delights

Feel free to introduce other lovely vegetables into the mix. My friend, who loves a heartier soup, often adds sliced carrots or snow peas along with the bok choy. Even a handful of spinach wilted in at the very end can add a lovely splash of color and nutrition to your aromatic chicken soup.

A Touch of Heat

If you, like my husband, enjoy a little extra warmth, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re sautéing the ginger and garlic. Or, for a beautiful layered spice, a drizzle of your favorite Sriracha or extra chili oil just before serving can truly awaken the senses.

Noodle Know-How

For those who adore a more substantial meal, a handful of rice noodles or thin egg noodles, cooked separately and added to individual bowls, makes this salt and pepper chicken soup even more filling. It’s a comforting touch that truly transforms it into a full main course.

What to Serve With Salt and Pepper Chicken

This delightful salt and pepper chicken soup is a comforting meal all on its own, but sometimes, a little accompaniment makes the whole experience feel even more special. When I serve it, I love thinking about what will complement its savory, aromatic notes without overpowering them.

I often find that a simple side of steamed jasmine rice is just perfect. It’s wonderfully absorbent, soaking up all those delicious broth flavors, and provides a lovely counterpoint to the tender chicken. My mom always said a good rice could make any meal sing!

For something a little different, especially if you’re looking for an extra crunch, a plate of light, crispy spring rolls or delicate potstickers makes a fantastic pairing. You can even find wonderful frozen options that just need a quick bake or pan-fry – a real time-saver on a busy weeknight!

And, of course, a cup of warm, soothing green tea is always a beautiful companion to this savory salt and pepper chicken soup. It cleanse the palate and adds to the overall feeling of warmth and well-being that this kind of homemade meal provides.

How to Store This Aromatic Soup

Once you’ve savored a bowl (or two!) of this wonderful salt and pepper chicken soup, you’ll likely want to enjoy it again, and happily, it stores beautifully. Proper storage ensures those comforting flavors remain just as delightful on subsequent servings.

To keep your delicious soup fresh, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When I make a big batch, I like to portion it into single-serving containers for quick, comforting lunches throughout the week.

If you’re thinking longer-term, this aromatic chicken soup freezes like a dream! Simply transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It will stay delicious in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then gently warm on the stovetop until simmering, or in the microwave. A little fresh cilantro and a dash of white pepper after reheating truly brings this salt and pepper chicken back to life, just as fresh as the day you made it.

Nutritional Benefits

This soul-satisfying salt and pepper chicken soup is not just a treat for your taste buds, it also offers wonderful nourishment. With lean chicken breast as its base, it’s a great source of protein, while the vibrant shiitake mushrooms and bok choy contribute essential vitamins and fiber. It’s truly a comforting bowl that balances indulgence with wholesome, simple ingredients, making it a delicious choice for any meal.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will offer a richer flavor and even more tender texture in your salt and pepper chicken soup. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through thoroughly.

Faq 2

What if I can’t find fresh shiitake mushrooms?
No worries, darling! Dried shiitake mushrooms work beautifully. Rehydrate them in warm water for about 20-30 minutes, then slice and add as directed. You can even use the strained soaking liquid for extra depth in your salt and pepper chicken broth.

Faq 3

Is this soup spicy?
The base recipe for salt and pepper chicken is not inherently spicy, relying more on the savory notes of the salt and peppers (black and white) and aromatics. The chili oil is added at the end, allowing you to customize the heat level to your liking.

Faq 4

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
You certainly can! The broth and chicken can be prepared a day in advance. Simply cool, store separately if preferred, and then combine and gently reheat with the fresh bok choy and green onions just before serving your delicious salt and pepper chicken.

Conclusion

And there you have it, my dear friends – a recipe for salt and pepper chicken soup that truly brings the warmth and comfort of a beloved restaurant dish right into your home kitchen. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love and patience, can create a meal that nourishes both body and soul. I truly hope this recipe inspires you to embrace the joy of creating homemade meals that bring people together, making beautiful memories, one comforting spoonful at a time. Happy cooking!