Cabbage Ginger Chicken Broth

This cabbage ginger chicken broth is a light, nourishing 15-minute chicken soup that’s perfect when you want something quick, healthy, and comforting. Made with fresh ginger, garlic, cabbage, and chicken stock, it’s naturally low-carb, easy to digest, and gently warming.

This healing chicken soup works well as a light lunch, starter, or simple weeknight dinner. If you use fresh chicken stock and add chicken, it can also be a high-protein, immune-supporting soup. It’s especially soothing when you’re feeling under the weather, run-down, or need something gentle and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Ginger Chicken Soup

• Quick and easy – ready in just 15 minutes
• Healthy and nourishing – made with real, whole ingredients
• Light and low-carb – perfect for digestion
• Comforting and soothing – ideal when you’re not feeling your best

Why This Cabbage Ginger Chicken Broth Is Good for You

Soups have been used for centuries as a natural way to nourish the body, especially during illness or times of low energy. This ginger chicken soup with cabbage combines warming aromatics, gentle vegetables, and mineral-rich broth for a deeply comforting meal.

Ginger and Garlic Benefits

Fresh ginger is traditionally used to support digestion and circulation, while garlic adds both flavour and natural immune-supporting compounds. Together, they form the aromatic base of this healing chicken broth.

Cabbage and Carrot Nutrition

Chinese cabbage is light, hydrating, and easy to digest, making it ideal for a gentle soup. Carrots add natural sweetness, colour, and essential vitamins, helping balance the savoury broth.

Chicken Broth Benefits

A high-quality chicken stock provides warmth, hydration, and minerals. When using fresh or homemade stock, this soup becomes a protein-rich chicken broth, helping you feel fuller and more satisfied.

Key Tips for the Best Ginger Chicken Broth

Grate, don’t chop, the aromatics

Grating the garlic and ginger helps them melt into the broth, giving flavour without leaving harsh bits behind. This keeps the soup smooth, gentle, and well-balanced.

Use cold stock and heat gently

Starting with cold or room-temperature stock and bringing it up slowly helps preserve the clean flavour of the broth and prevents bitterness.

Slice vegetables thinly and evenly

Thin carrot slices and roughly chopped cabbage cook quickly and evenly, keeping the soup light rather than stew-like.

Season in layers, but lightly

Add only a small pinch of salt at the start, then adjust at the end. The flavour should feel clean and soothing, not salty.

White pepper makes a difference

White pepper adds warmth without the sharp bite of black pepper, which suits delicate broths much better.

Let it rest for 1–2 minutes before serving

Taking the soup off the heat and letting it sit briefly allows the flavours to settle and round out.

Finish with restraint

Just a few drops of sesame oil are enough - too much can overpower the ginger and garlic.

Ingredients for Cabbage Ginger Chicken Broth

Garlic 

Ginger

Spring onions 

Fresh chicken stock 

Carrot 

Chinese cabbage

Shredded cooked chicken (optional)

Light soy sauce 

White pepper 

Pinch of salt, to taste

Olive oil or neutral cooking oil

To serve: Spring onion greens, a few drops of sesame oil

How to Make Cabbage Ginger Chicken Broth (Step-by-Step)

Heat the Pan

Heat a little olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Build the Aromatic Base

Add the garlic, ginger, and spring onion whites. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown them.

Add the Vegetables

Add the sliced carrot and chopped cabbage, stirring to coat them in the aromatics.

Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken stock and add a small pinch of salt.

Simmer Gently

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Finish the Soup

Stir in the cooked chicken (if using), soy sauce, and white pepper. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes to warm through.

Taste and Adjust

Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Serve

Divide into bowls and finish with spring onion greens and a drizzle of sesame oil.

Substitutions and Variations

Garlic and ginger: paste or the frozen grated variety both work 

Spring onion: Finely sliced shallot or brown onion 

Chicken stock: Vegetable stock for a vegetarian version

Carrot: Extra cabbage

Chinese cabbage: Napa, savoy cabbage, or spinach

Chicken: Optional - or replace with cubed salmon

Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos

White pepper: Black pepper if preferred

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

Make ahead:

Prep vegetables and aromatics in advance. Add chicken only when reheating.

Storage:

• Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Freeze without chicken for up to 3 months

What to Serve With Ginger Chicken Soup

This cabbage ginger chicken soup is delicious on its own. For a more filling meal, add:

• Rice, udon or egg noodles
• Rice 
• Dumplings or spring rolls 

FAQ: Cabbage Ginger Chicken Broth

Is ginger chicken soup good when you’re sick?

Yes. This soup is warm, hydrating, and easy to digest, making it ideal when you’re feeling under the weather.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use vegetable stock and leave out the chicken.

Is this soup low-carb?

Yes, this is a naturally low-carb chicken broth unless noodles are added.

Can I make this ginger chicken soup spicy?

Add chilli flakes or fresh chilli with the ginger for extra heat.