Easy Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup is a must-try. Combining tender chicken, silky long rice noodles, and fragrant herbs in a savory broth, this soup captures the essence of Hawaiian comfort food in every spoonful. Perfect for any time of the year, it’s quick to make yet deeply satisfying, offering a taste experience that feels like a big, cozy hug from the islands.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together quickly without fuss.
• Authentic Flavor: Captures the classic Hawaiian taste with a rich, savory broth and delicate herbs.
• Light Yet Filling: The combination of chicken and long rice offers lean protein and satisfying texture.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a restorative meal when feeling under the weather.
• Family-Friendly: Mild flavors appeal to all ages, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup relies on simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create layered flavors, interesting textures, and a visually appealing dish. Each component plays a crucial role from the tender chicken to the delicate noodles.

• Chicken thighs: Provides juicy, flavorful protein with extra tenderness compared to breast meat.
• Long rice (mung bean noodles): Thin, translucent noodles that soak up the broth and add a silky texture.
• Chicken broth: The hearty base that carries all the flavors; homemade or store-bought both work well.
• Fresh ginger: Adds a gentle, warming spice that complements the chicken and broth beautifully.
• Green onions: Delivers a mild onion bite and fresh color as a garnish and in the soup.
• Garlic cloves: Infuses savory depth and aroma right from the start.
• Soy sauce: Brings a touch of umami and saltiness to balance the broth perfectly.
• Sesame oil: A drizzle adds a subtle nuttiness that enhances the soup’s overall flavor.
• Sugar: Balances sour and salty notes if desired, but can be omitted for a lighter soup.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground to season and add just a hint of heat.

Variations for Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup

This recipe is wonderfully versatile and easy to adapt to fit your ingredients, dietary needs, or flavor preferences. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make it your own special dish.

• Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth to maintain deep flavor.
• Spicy twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha for a mild heat boost.
• Gluten-free adjustment: Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or swap it for coconut aminos.
• Herb boost: Include fresh cilantro or Thai basil for an added island-inspired herbaceous note.
• Extra veggies: Toss in shredded carrot, bok choy, or baby spinach for color and nutrition.

How to Make Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics

Begin by trimming the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. In a large pot, heat a little sesame oil and sauté minced garlic and fresh ginger until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned but not fully done.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in your chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add soy sauce, a pinch of sugar if using, and freshly ground black pepper. Let the broth simmer for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the chicken cook through.

Step 3: Add the Long Rice Noodles

Soak the long rice noodles in warm water for a few minutes to soften them before adding to the soup. Drain well and stir them into the simmering broth. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until noodles are tender and translucent.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Green Onions

Just before serving, stir in chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more soy sauce or black pepper if needed.

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup

• Use bone-in chicken thighs: For richer broth, use bone-in thighs and remove bones after cooking if you want boneless pieces.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: Long rice noodles can become mushy very quickly, so add them near the end of cooking.
• Fresh ginger is key: Grate or finely mince fresh ginger instead of using dried for bright, authentic flavor.
• Rest the soup: Letting the soup sit for a few minutes off the heat can deepen the flavor.
• Taste as you go: Adjust soy sauce and pepper gradually to customize to your liking.

How to Serve Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions, a few cilantro leaves, or thinly sliced chili peppers on top for freshness and a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside steamed white rice, crusty bread, or a simple green salad to round out the meal without overpowering the light soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a Hawaiian-themed meal, serve the soup in small bowls garnished with a wedge of lime and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to enhance the presentation and flavor complexity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the noodles separately if possible to maintain their texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes well but avoid freezing with noodles as they may become mushy. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture separately and add fresh noodles when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent overcooking the noodles and chicken. Add fresh green onions before serving to bring back brightness.

FAQs

What type of noodles are used in Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup?

The soup features long rice, also known as mung bean noodles or cellophane noodles, which are thin and transparent when cooked.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor; if using breast, avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.

Is this soup spicy?

The traditional Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup is mild, but you can add spice by including chili peppers or hot sauce when cooking or serving.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth to make a delicious vegetarian version.

How long does it take to prepare this soup?

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30-40 minutes, making it ideal for a quick but comforting meal.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup is a delightful bowl of warmth and comfort with a beautiful blend of textures and flavors that truly celebrate Hawaiian cuisine. Whether you’re looking to try something new or craving a familiar taste from the islands, this recipe is incredibly welcoming and rewarding to make. Give it a go, and enjoy a little slice of Hawaii right on your table!

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