Chinese Chicken Soup Recipe

Do you start your chicken soup with cold water or hot water? Should it simmer gently or boil hard? These little details can make all the difference in a rich, flavorful broth. In this recipe, I’m sharing my Chinese Chicken Soup with Red Dates and Mushrooms—a comforting classic that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Stick around for essential tips that will take your soup from good to unforgettable!

Chinese Chicken Soup Recipe

Serving 4-6
Prep time: 5 minutes
Rest time: 2 hours
Cook time: 1 hour

For the shiitake mushrooms:
1 ½ cups water
12 pieces dried shiitake mushrooms

For the soup:
1 whole chicken (4 pounds)
8 cups water
6 pieces ginger
2 tablespoons rice wine
12 red dates, deseeded
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon goji berries

Chinese chicken soup instructions

1. Soak the mushrooms:

• In a bowl, add the dried shiitake mushrooms and pour in 2 cups of water.
• Let them rehydrate for 2 hours until soft.

2. Blanch the chicken:

• Place the whole chicken in a pot of water over high heat.
• Bring to a simmer and skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.

3. Simmer the soup base:

• Add the rehydrated shiitake mushrooms along with their soaking water, sliced ginger, and rice wine (if using).
• Turn the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Add the red dates:

• Remove the seeds from the red dates and add them to the pot.
• Cover and continue to cook for another 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

5. Finish with seasoning and goji berries:

• Season the soup with salt to taste.
• Add the goji berries and simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & notes

• Start cooking chicken in cold water for a more flavorful soup, or in hot water for better-tasting meat—choose based on your goal.
• For a clear broth, use low heat. For a richer flavor, cook at a higher heat.
• Remove seeds from red dates to prevent excessive internal heat (“shang huo”) and a sour taste. Don’t cook them too long or they’ll disintegrate.
• Add goji berries at the end to preserve their nutrition and prevent them from breaking apart.