How to Make Lean Chicken Soup (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Lean Chicken Soup is a beloved staple in Singaporean cuisine, renowned for its comforting aroma and nourishing qualities. Found in many local kopitiams and hawker centres, this clear soup reflects Singapore’s multicultural heritage, blending simple ingredients with a touch of local ingenuity. Traditionally enjoyed as a light meal or a restorative lunch, Lean Chicken Soup is both satisfying and guilt-free, making it a preferred choice for health-conscious locals. In Singapore, where fusion influences are part of daily life, Lean Chicken Soup is often prepared with a blend of Asian aromatics like ginger and garlic. The emphasis on lean chicken and minimal oil ensures that the soup remains light yet flavorful, perfect for humid Singaporean afternoons. The clean, umami-rich broth, complemented by fresh local vegetables, makes it a wholesome option for anyone looking to enjoy a classic hawker-style meal without excess calories. This recipe is specially adapted to be vegetarian-friendly, using high-protein vegetarian chicken alternatives, so it retains the familiar taste and texture found in kopitiam versions. Whether you’re after a quick lunch or a nutritious post-workout meal, Lean Chicken Soup brings together the best of Singaporean comfort food and mindful eating.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Prepare all vegetables by washing
Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling, and slicing carrot, daikon, shiitake mushrooms, and young corn.
Step 2 · In a medium soup pot
In a medium soup pot, add low-sodium vegetable stock and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Step 3 · Add ginger slices and smashed garlic to the boiling stock
Add ginger slices and smashed garlic to the boiling stock. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until aromatic.
Step 4 · Add carrot
Add carrot, daikon, shiitake mushrooms, and young corn to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 5 · Stir in vegetarian chicken chunks and cook for another 5 minutes un...
Stir in vegetarian chicken chunks and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
Step 6 · Season soup with light soy sauce and white pepper
Season soup with light soy sauce and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7 · Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped spring onion if desired
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped spring onion if desired. Serve hot.
Why this recipe is healthy
This dish is healthy because it uses lean, plant-based protein and a variety of nutrient-rich vegetables without excessive fats or sodium. The clear, non-oily broth ensures hydration and satiety, while the use of whole, minimally processed ingredients aligns with clean eating. With only 120 calories per serving, it’s perfect for weight management, diabetes-friendly diets, and supports overall wellness, as recommended by many nutritionists.
A note on tradition
Lean Chicken Soup is a familiar sight in Singapore’s hawker centres and kopitiams, enjoyed by people from all walks of life for its nourishing qualities and simplicity. Traditionally served as a light lunch or as a restorative dish during periods of recovery, it has become a go-to comfort food for many Singaporeans. The vegetarian adaptation reflects Singapore’s modern fusion trends and inclusivity, catering to diverse dietary needs while staying true to local flavors.