Easy Clay Pot Soy Sauce Chicken Soup
This Easy Clay Pot Soy Sauce Chicken Soup is the perfect addition to your dinner table, offering both comfort and bold flavor. Simmer tender chicken thighs in a traditional clay pot with green onions, ginger, garlic, star anise, and a rich blend of soy sauces. It’s a simple, hearty homemade meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, cozy family dinners, or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
A Brief History of Clay Pot Cooking
Clay pot cooking has been around for centuries and is treasured in many cultures. In Chinese cuisine, clay pots — called shāguō in Mandarin — are especially popular. People love clay pots because they hold heat well and cook food gently and evenly. Their porous surface lets dishes simmer slowly, while the tight-fitting lids lock in moisture and flavor. Whether used for rice, stews, soups, or braised meats, clay pot cooking turns simple ingredients into meals that feel rich, cozy, and full of heart — just like this Clay Pot Soy Sauce Chicken Soup.
Suggested Pairings for Soy Sauce Chicken Soup
This rich, savory soy sauce chicken soup pairs perfectly with simple sides that balance its bold flavors:
- Steamed Broccoli or Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan):
Light, crisp greens that bring a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. - Steamed Jasmine Rice:
Fluffy, fragrant rice that soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully. - Garlic Stir-Fried Bok Choy:
A quick, flavorful vegetable side that adds freshness and crunch to the meal. - Cucumber Salad:
Cool and refreshing, perfect for balancing the rich, savory taste of the chicken soup.
Final Thought
Clay pot cooking reminds us that great meals don’t have to be complicated. You just need a few good ingredients, a little patience, and a warm pot. Together, they create a dish full of flavor and comfort. This Easy Clay Pot Soy Sauce Chicken Soup is perfect for a cozy dinner during a busy weekday. It also brings everyone together to enjoy the simple joy of a home-cooked meal.
Easy Clay Pot Soy Sauce Chicken
Equipment
- 1 sauté pan
- 1 clay pot (heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or a deep non-stick pan)
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs boneless or bone-in
- 5-6 green onion stalks sliced
- 2 inches ginger root sliced
- 5-6 garlic cloves smashed
- 3 star anise
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy paste or substitute with thick soy sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons Shaoxing cooking wine
- A dash of sesame oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Slice the green onions into 2-inch pieces. Peel the ginger and chop it into large chunks.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a little cooking oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear until lightly browned, about 2–3 minutes per side. Toss in one garlic clove while searing to add extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper. Once browned, transfer the chicken and garlic to the clay pot.
- Build the soup: Add the sliced green onions, ginger chunks, remaining garlic cloves, and star anise to the clay pot. Pour in the soy sauce, soy paste, Shaoxing wine, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the chicken soup: Bring the soup to a boil. Cover the clay pot with the lid. Simmer over low to medium heat for about 30 minutes. Turn the chicken once or twice during cooking to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Finish and serve: Once the chicken is tender and the broth has slightly thickened, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the soup hot.
Video
Notes
- Use a clay pot if you have one — it helps retain heat and gives the chicken a rich, earthy flavor.
- No clay pot? A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or a deep non-stick pan works too.
- Adjust saltiness if needed: depending on your soy sauce, you can thin the sauce with a little extra broth or water.
- Bone-in chicken thighs add extra flavor, but boneless thighs are quicker if you’re short on time.