If you’re craving something cozy, a little savory, and super simple, this Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe might just become your new go-to. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together. Trust me, once you try this soup, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen—and yours soon, too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You can have this soup on the table in about 10 minutes—perfect for busy days.
- Comforting & Flavorful: The combo of chicken, corn, and ginger gives you that classic comforting taste you crave.
- Versatile Ingredients: It uses simple pantry staples and whatever cooked chicken you have on hand.
- Kid-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this soup—it’s mild but packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to create a silky, flavorful soup that feels special without needing fancy components. When you shop, look for good quality chicken broth and fresh ginger for the best flavor.

- Chicken or vegetable broth/stock: The base of the soup—using homemade broth gives extra depth, but store-bought works fine too.
- Creamed corn: Adds natural sweetness and creaminess; canned is convenient and tasty.
- Soy sauce: Just a touch gives a subtle umami kick—go for light soy if you want something less salty.
- Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin/Dry Sherry): Adds a touch of complexity—if you skip it, the soup still tastes great!
- Ginger: Fresh minced ginger brings warmth and fragrance; don’t substitute with powdered if you can help it.
- Garlic: A small amount adds savory depth without overpowering.
- Cornflour (cornstarch): Mixed with cold water, it thickens the soup gently for that perfect texture.
- Egg: Whisked and drizzled in to create those beautiful “ribbons” that make the soup feel silky.
- Shredded cooked chicken: This is the star protein—rotisserie chicken is my shortcut on busy nights!
- Salt and white pepper: Essential for seasoning—white pepper gives a mild heat without dark specks.
- Sliced scallions/shallots (optional): For garnish and a bit of fresh brightness.
Variations
I love making this soup just as written, but sometimes I like to switch things up a bit to keep it interesting or accommodate what I have in my fridge. Feel free to personalize it to your taste!
- Vegetarian variation: Swap chicken broth for a rich vegetable stock and omit the chicken; adding silken tofu cubes creates a lovely texture.
- Spicy twist: Add a splash of chili oil or sprinkle some white pepper for gentle heat; I like this when I want a bit of warmth on colder days.
- Thicker soup: Increase the cornstarch slurry slightly to get a more velvety consistency, perfect if you want it heartier.
- Additional veggies: Toss in some finely chopped mushrooms or baby corn for extra flavor and texture based on what you have.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by pouring the chicken or vegetable broth into a saucepan along with the creamed corn, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, minced ginger, garlic, and the cornstarch-water slurry. Place the pot over high heat and bring everything to a boil. This is where all those flavors start to meld beautifully. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over!
Step 2: Simmer and Thicken
Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and give it a good stir every now and then. You’ll notice the soup begins to thicken nicely within about 5 minutes. This step is really about patience—not rushing lets the cornstarch do its magic without clumping.
Step 3: Season and Add Egg Ribbons
Turn off the heat and adjust the taste with salt. Here’s the fun part: slowly drizzle the whisked egg into the soup while stirring gently. You’ll see gorgeous “ribbons” of cooked egg swirl through the broth—that silky texture is why I adore this soup.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Final Seasoning
Finally, stir in the shredded cooked chicken and season with white pepper to taste. Give it one last gentle stir, then ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with sliced scallions if you like a bit of fresh, herbal brightness to contrast that creamy warmth.
Pro Tips for Making Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe
- Slow Egg Drizzle: Take your time when adding the whisked egg—it helps form delicate ribbons instead of clumps.
- Fresh Ginger: Using freshly minced ginger really brings life to the soup; powdered just isn’t the same.
- Adjusting Thickness: Don’t be afraid to tweak the cornstarch amount if you like your soup thinner or thicker—it’s super forgiving!
- Freezing Trick: Leave out the cornstarch when freezing leftovers; add it freshly when reheating to keep the texture perfect.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe

Garnishes
I’m a big fan of simple garnishes here—sliced scallions add a pop of fresh flavor and crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup. Sometimes, I finish it off with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for an aromatic touch that’s just irresistible.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed jasmine rice or simple stir-fried greens. When I want to keep things easy but elegant, I’ll serve some crispy spring rolls or garlic bok choy alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this soup in pretty Chinese porcelain bowls with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh coriander and a side of mini wontons for dipping. The egg ribbons look so delicate and inviting in clear broth—very Instagram-worthy, if you’re into that!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the egg ribbons, the soup thickens as it sits, so just give it a good stir before reheating. It’s a great lunch or quick dinner option!
Freezing
When freezing, I skip adding the cornstarch slurry at first—this prevents the soup from becoming too watery when thawed. Upon reheating, I whisk in a fresh cornstarch-water mixture to thicken it up again. This trick keeps the texture just right.
Reheating
I reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and uneven heating. If the soup’s too thick, I’ll add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. The egg ribbons stay silky even after reheating, which is always a win!
FAQs
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Can I make Chinese chicken corn soup without pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can poach raw chicken breast or thigh first until fully cooked, shred it, and then add to the soup at the end. Just be sure to cook it separately to avoid overcooking when simmering the soup.
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What can I use if I don’t have Chinese cooking wine?
If you don’t have Chinese cooking wine, Mirin or a dry sherry can be great substitutes. If you prefer to skip alcohol altogether, just leave it out—you’ll still get plenty of flavor from the ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
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How do I make egg ribbons in this soup?
After turning off the heat, slowly pour the whisked egg into the soup while gently stirring. The egg cooks instantly in thin strands, creating those lovely ribbons that add silkiness and visual appeal.
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken. For protein, add tofu cubes or extra corn. The soup remains rich and comforting without meat.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s comforting, speedy, and so satisfying every time I make it. Whether you’re battling a cold, need a quick dinner fix, or just love that delicate balance of flavors, this soup will become your trusty kitchen friend. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it again and again like I do!
Print
Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Chicken and Corn Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a smooth blend of chicken broth, creamed corn, shredded chicken, and delicate egg ribbons. Perfect for a quick meal, this soup offers a subtle hint of ginger and soy sauce, finished with scallions for a fresh touch. Ideal for a cozy lunch or a light dinner, it’s easy to prepare in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 cups (500ml) chicken or vegetable broth/stock
- 1 can (16oz/420g) creamed corn
- 1 tsp soy sauce (all purpose or light)
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine OR Mirin or Dry Sherry (optional)
- 1 tsp ginger, minced or finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced or finely chopped
- 1 tsp cornflour/cornstarch, mixed with a splash of cold water
Additional Ingredients
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp sliced scallions/shallots (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken or vegetable broth, creamed corn, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine (or substitute), minced ginger, minced garlic, and the cornflour slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into a saucepan set over high heat.
- Cook and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and stir occasionally. Let it cook for 5 minutes until the soup slightly thickens.
- Add Egg Ribbons: Adjust seasoning with salt to taste. Turn off the heat, and slowly pour in the whisked egg while stirring gently so the egg cooks in delicate ribbons throughout the soup, adding texture and thickening it further.
- Add Chicken and Season: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Season the soup with white pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced scallions or shallots if using. Enjoy hot.
Notes
- A drizzle of sesame oil added just before serving enhances the flavor beautifully.
- The soup freezes well; omit the cornstarch slurry when freezing and add it during reheating to maintain the perfect consistency.
- The nutrition information is calculated per serving of this soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg

