Ginger Chicken, Cabbage & Soba Soup

Tender chicken, whole-grain soba and plentiful autumn cabbage make a warming ginger-broth supper that starts with frozen chicken and stays under an hour.

  • Total time: 55 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $10
  • Calories per serving: 470 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Mary's Organic Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Frozen
    12 ounces, as 2 individually frozen 6-ounce breasts $19.99
  • Organic green cabbage
    1 pound, about 1/2 small head $3.99
  • Whole-grain soba noodles
    4 ounces
  • Fresh ginger
    1 tablespoon finely grated
  • Peeled garlic
    2 cloves $5.99
  • Green onions
    2, about 1 ounce $3.99
  • Reduced-sodium soy sauce
    2 teaspoons
  • Unseasoned rice vinegar
    2 teaspoons
  • Toasted sesame oil
    1 teaspoon
  • Morton kosher salt flakes
    5 3/8 teaspoons, divided; most is discarded with noodle water

Instructions

  1. Remove the packaging from 12 ounces frozen chicken breast, using 2 separate 6-ounce pieces rather than a solid frozen block. Sprinkle both sides with 7/8 teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes and set on a plate while preparing the vegetables.

  2. Core and thinly slice 1 pound green cabbage. Finely grate enough fresh ginger to make 1 tablespoon, mince 2 garlic cloves, and thinly slice 2 green onions, keeping the whites and greens separate.

  3. In a medium pot, combine 4 cups water, the prepared ginger, garlic and green onion whites. Bring to a simmer, add the seasoned frozen chicken and return to a gentle simmer. Partially cover and cook for 25–35 minutes, turning once, until the thickest part reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and rest for 5 minutes.

  4. While the chicken cooks, bring 1 quart water to a boil in a separate saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes and 4 ounces whole-grain soba. Cook according to the package timing, usually 5–7 minutes. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water and drain thoroughly.

  5. Once the chicken is out of the broth, add the prepared cabbage and the following seasonings:

    • 1/2 teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes
    • 2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
    • 2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar

    Simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but still has a little bite.

  6. Slice the rested chicken across the grain. Return it and any collected juices to the cabbage broth, add 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil and warm gently for 1 minute.

  7. Divide the cooked soba between two deep bowls. Ladle the chicken, cabbage and hot broth over the noodles, then finish with the prepared green onion greens and serve immediately.

Health: Whole-grain soba adds fiber but softens quickly, so add it to the bowls just before serving.

Drink pairing: Choose unsweetened green tea rather than wine to complement the delicate ginger broth.