Chinese Chicken Soup with Bone Broth, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Goji Berries Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Chinese Chicken Soup with Bone Broth, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Goji Berries Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Combining tender chicken drumsticks simmered slowly with earthy shiitake mushrooms and sweet-tart goji berries, this soup offers a rich, nourishing broth bursting with soulful flavor. Every spoonful brings a perfect balance of warmth, depth, and subtle sweetness, making it a dish that’s as healing as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and each one plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and nourishing goodness that make this soup so special.

• Chicken drumsticks (1 kg / 2 lb): Bone-in chicken provides the essential richness to create a deeply flavored bone broth.
• Dehydrated shiitake mushrooms (5 pieces): Adds an earthy, umami punch that perfectly complements the chicken.
• Dehydrated goji berries (2 tablespoons): These little jewels lend a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the broth.
• Fresh ginger (6 cm / 2 in, sliced): Brings a refreshing warmth and subtle spice to balance richness.
• Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the aroma and adds depth to the broth.
• Salt (½ tablespoon or to taste): Enhances all the flavors and brings harmony to the soup.
• Carrots (3, cut into chunks): Contribute natural sweetness and a tender texture to the broth.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Soup with Bone Broth, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Goji Berries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by soaking the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for about 20 minutes until they’re soft and plump. Drain and slice them thinly to release their full aroma during cooking. Rinse the goji berries briefly to soften and freshen them up.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large pot, lightly sear the chicken drumsticks over medium-high heat until they develop a golden color. This step locks in juices and creates a more flavorful broth by caramelizing the surface.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Liquids

Once the chicken is browned, toss in the sliced ginger and carrots. Pour in the soaked shiitake mushrooms along with their soaking water (be careful to leave any sediment behind). Add the shaoxing wine to deepen the savory notes and let everything simmer gently.

Step 4: Simmer to Create Bone Broth

Cover the pot and let the soup cook on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow simmer breaks down the chicken bones and infuses the broth with collagen and rich flavor, turning it into a nourishing bone broth base.

Step 5: Final Touches

About 10 minutes before you’re ready to enjoy, add the goji berries and adjust the salt to taste. This gives the broth a subtle sweetness that balances the savory depth perfectly.

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Soup with Bone Broth, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Goji Berries Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped scallions or a few fragrant cilantro leaves add a pop of color and a fresh brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich broth.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a side of simple stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli, which add a crisp, green complement to the hearty broth.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and place a couple of whole cooked shiitake mushrooms on top for visual appeal. Alternatively, serve it in delicate porcelain bowls to highlight the warmth and clarity of the broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days while maintaining its flavors.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving headspace for expansion. Frozen soup can last up to 3 months without losing its delicious taste.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling after reheating to preserve the delicate flavors and textures of the chicken and goji berries.

FAQs

Can I use other parts of the chicken?

Absolutely! While drumsticks add great flavor and gelatin, chicken thighs or a whole chicken can also be used effectively for this recipe.

Do I need to soak the dried shiitake mushrooms?

Yes, soaking softens them and helps release their deep umami characteristics into the broth for an authentic taste.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

Dry sherry is a perfect substitute, bringing similar nuttiness and complexity to the soup.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with a hearty vegetable broth and add more shiitake mushrooms and tofu for protein, but note it won’t have the same bone broth richness.

Are goji berries necessary?

The goji berries add a subtle sweetness and a hint of color, enhancing the balance of the soup, but if you can’t find them, you can omit or substitute with dried cranberries carefully.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken Soup with Bone Broth, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Goji Berries Recipe is a heartfelt creation that comforts and nourishes in equal measure. Whether you’re looking for something healing on a chilly day or simply want to indulge in a bowl bursting with flavor and tradition, this soup is a wonderful choice. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your treasured homemade classics!

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