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30 Minute Chinese Egg Drop Chicken and Rice Soup with Garlicky Chile OIl. For nights when you’re craving Chinese, but don’t want to leave the comfort of your kitchen. Classic egg drop soup made with a touch of soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, creamy eggs, winter greens, and steamed rice. Top each warming healthy bowl of soup with garlicky chili oil spooned over top. This quick, simple, and healthy rice-filled Chinese soup can be made and ready in just twenty minutes, perfect for any night of the week.
I have this bizarre memory of eating Chinese food with my brothers on Christmas Eve when I was a kid. To set the scene, my mom was running around the house getting ready for her annual Christmas Eve party (so it was chaos). My brothers and I were watching The Santa Clause (still one of my favorite movies) while eating chicken fried rice…and basically ignoring everything my mom asked us to do. And yes, I too have no idea where my brothers scored Chinese food on Christmas Eve.
For whatever reason, I recall this memory every single December. It seems to have been ingrained in me. Because like clockwork, December rolls around and I always want to make Chinese food. I know, so weird and very random.
But I’m not apologizing for making Chinese inspired food. Last year I made chicken potstickers. This year it’s classic Chinese style egg drop soup…with a few twists, of course. Because you all know me, I can’t follow a recipe if my life depended on it.
Here is how you make Chinese egg drop soup.
If you’re not familiar with egg drop soup, it’s a classic Chinese soup made with seasoned broth and soft “egg noodles” throughout. The “egg noodles” are quickly made by whisking raw eggs into the simmering chicken broth. It’s incredibly simple, but also incredibly delicious. And so cozy too!
I added a few additions to make my soup a little unique, while still keeping the cooking process very easy.
This soup is made in one pot, requires mostly pantry staple ingredients, and comes together in just about thirty minutes. Start out by cooking up a good amount of ginger, then adding in broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Then add the chicken for a nice dose of protein. Of course, if you’re vegetarian you can omit the chicken and simply use vegetable broth.
Simmer everything together until the chicken is cooked through. While that’s happening, whisk up a few eggs, then slowly pour the eggs into the simmering broth. The eggs will cook and create pretty looking “egg noodles” throughout the soup.
Make extra garlicky chile oil…
Yes, you should do this. I know they sell chili oil in the store, but this homemade chili oil is better. It’s full of peanut oil, garlic, chili flakes (use Sichuan or Korean chili flakes if you can find), and a little salt.
It’s without a doubt my favorite sauce to spoon over dishes for additional flavor. I almost always have a jar full in my pantry. Make the chili oil while the chicken is simmering. Trust me your bowl of soup NEEDS some chili oil.
Tip: double the oil recipe and keep some on hand to use throughout the week. The oil is delicious when spooned over basically anything savory.
Finish things up.
The most important ingredient? Rice. Yes, your bowl of egg drop soup needs rice. It’s not traditional by any means, but it sure is good.
I like to spoon steamed rice into bowls, then ladle the soup over top. This way the rice won’t soak up all the soup broth in the larger pot. Top each bowl off with green onions and a few spoonfuls of that garlicky chili oil.
This soup is…
…so incredibly easy to make
…a little creamy, but also brothy too.
…salty, but full of ginger and garlic to balance it all out.
…healthy, with plenty of greens and lean chicken.
…the best thing you can make on a busy Wednesday night in December.
If you make this 30 minute Chinese egg drop chicken and rice soup, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
30 Minute Chinese Egg Drop Chicken and Rice Soup
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: 667 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 2 to 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 green onions chopped, plus, more for serving
Garlicky Oil
- 1/3 cup peanut oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or smashed
- 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- 1. Heat the sesame oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ginger and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in the broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Add the chicken. Increase the heat to high and bring to a simmer. Simmer covered for 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken with 2 forks. 2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1⁄4 cup cold water until smooth.3. Bring the soup to a boil and slowly add the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring often, until thickened, about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and carefully add the eggs, stirring to break them apart as they cook in the liquid. Stir in the spinach. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the green onions. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.4. Divide the rice among four bowls and pour the soup over the top. Garnish with green onions and chili oil.
Garlicky Chile Oil
- 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peanut oil, garlic, and chili flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally until the garlic is fragrant, 5-8 minutes. Remove from the heat and very carefully transfer the oil to a heat proof bowl or glass jar.
I just came across this recipe so I have not had a chance to make it yet, but it looks delicious! I was wondering how long the chili oil will keep? Does it need to be refrigerated?
Hey Lynette,
You can store your chili oil in the pantry for up to 2 weeks. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
Oh my gosh I’m glad I ended up with leftovers! I used chicken legs and simmered for 2 hours, but everything else was to your recipes. The eggs made me nervous but I’m glad I went for it, it was way easier than I thought! Thank you, I always look forward to your recipe releases!
Hey Miranda,
Awesome!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for making it! xTieghan
This soup is absolutely fabulous! It’s quick and easy and totally satisfying. I made the chili oil but found the soup just perfectly spiced without it. If you’re a spice junkie ( like most of my fam) you’d love the additional heat. I used some chicken breast tenders I had and reduced the cooking time on the chicken to about 7-8 minutes. For the rice I used the microwaveable brown rice as I was cooking for 1. It helped speed things along. I’ll be making this one A LOT! Thanks for such a different take on a basic chicken and rice soup!
Hey Wendy,
Happy Sunday!! Love hearing that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it!! xxT
I’ve made this twice now and both times it was a HIT! The first time it took me a little bit longer trying to figure out everything, but now I’ve got the recipe down I think it’s going to be a regular in the recipe rotation.
I made it again last night for dinner and then brought the leftovers in for my coworkers for lunch. They all loved it! Even the guy who hates adventurous foods and vegetables. If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would.
Hi Laura,
Wonderful! I really appreciate you giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!! xTieghan
We don’t often have recipes become staples in our home, but this one managed to lodge itself firmly into our regular rotation.
Hey Sarah,
Fantastic! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy New Year!? xxT
Delicious!! Will be making this again and again and again.
Hey Jennifer,
Happy Sunday! Thanks for giving the recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious!! Will be making this again and again and again.
Hi Jennifer,
Happy Sunday! Thanks for giving the recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
So, so good!
Hey Jan,
I am thrilled that you enjoyed this recipe, thanks a lot for giving it a try. I hope you have an amazing week! xTieghan
One of my absolute favorite HFH recipes, I’ve probably made it about a dozen times! Easy to make, super nourishing, and bursting with flavor. I recently had a no chew diet after a dental procedure and this soup is fantastic blended as well!
Hey there,
Happy Friday! I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! xTieghan
Made it. Ate it ALL by myself in 3 days, went to the market, made it again day 4! I didn’t use fresh ginger I substituted with ground(laziness). Even with the ingredient swap, this soup is absolutely delicious!
Hey Ashley,
Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try, I am delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a wonderful week:) xTieghan
Really easy and delish! Will definitely make again
Hey Chelsey,
I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
Another delicious recipe packed with flavour — love all your spicy, brothy recipes for a winter night!
Hey Courtney,
I am thrilled you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for giving it a try! xTieghan
I’ve made this twice now this past month and it is the perfect soup to warm you up. So tasty and versatile. My husband usually hates soup but he had 3 bowls in one sitting! Will make this a staple in our house
Hey Joanne,
I am so glad you have enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for giving it a go! Happy New Year! xTieghan
Tonight is my second time making this incredible soup. I love it!! The flavors are absolutely amazing – interesting, complex and hearty. I just might be addicted to it. I don’t think I’ll ever make another chicken soup ever. Thank you so much for this recipe!!
Hey Leslie,
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for giving it a try! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
What can u use to substitute cornstarch in the egg drop soup recipe. Living with a new corn allergy
Hey Kate,
You can use arrowroot or flour in place of the cornstarch. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I substitute tapioca starch in all recipes that ask for corn starch. I too have a corn allergy and tapioca is a magical ingredient.