Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup (Pressure Cooker Method)
Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup is one of the most nourishing soups you can make at home. Made with a whole organic chicken and eight essential herbs, this immune-boosting broth is rich in flavor yet gentle on the body.
In my family, this is what we make whenever someone is sick. My grandma believed that food is medicine, and this herbal chicken soup was always her first remedy. Made with a whole chicken and powerful ingredients like goji berries, jujubes, dried longan, and astragalus root, it’s meant to strengthen the immune system, support recovery, and restore energy (qi).
Traditionally, this soup simmers for 2–3 hours on the stovetop — but with a pressure cooker, you get the same depth in just 20 minutes! If you’re looking for traditional nourishing soup, check out my Chicken Essence Soup (No Water Added) and Taiwanese Pork and Daikon Soup.
Why We Boil the Chicken First
In Chinese cooking, it’s common to briefly boil meat or chicken first to remove impurities and scum. This step helps create a clear, cleaner broth and removes any unpleasant or overly meaty smells. It may seem extra, but it makes a noticeable difference in both taste and clarity.
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make the Best Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup:
- Whole chicken: In this recipe, I used a whole chicken. A whole chicken includes bones, skin, connective tissue, and a mix of dark and white meat. As it cooks, the bones and collagen release natural gelatin into the soup, creating a richer texture and fuller flavor. If you can’t find a whole chicken, you can also use chicken leg quarters.
- Ginger & Garlic: adds warmth and helps decrease “cold” from the body while enhancing the flavor.
- Chinese Dried Yam (Shan Yao): supports digestion and helps strengthen the spleen and stomach in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It also adds subtle natural sweetness and body to the broth.
- Jujubes (Red Dates): Known for nourishing the blood and boosting energy (qi). They add gentle sweetness and are often used to support immune health and overall vitality.
- Dried Longan: Used to support circulation and calm the mind. Traditionally believed to nourish blood and help with fatigue or weakness. It adds a light caramel-like sweetness.
- Astragalus Root (Huang Qi): one of the most well-known immune-support herbs in TCM. Traditionally used to strengthen qi, support respiratory health, and aid recovery after illness.
- Goji Berries: Rich in antioxidants. Traditionally believed to support eye health, immune function, and overall vitality. They also add a subtle fruity sweetness to the soup.
You can find all the ingredients in Asian grocery stores. See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Let’s Make Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup!
Step 1: Blanch the Chicken
Wash the chicken thoroughly. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 3–5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse the chicken clean.
Step 2: Pressure Cook
Transfer the blanched chicken to the pressure cooker. Add ginger, garlic, dried yam, jujubes, dried longan, astragalus slices, and about 10 cups of water. Close the lid, select pressure cook function, and press start to cook.
Step 3: Add Goji Berries
Once done, add goji berries and let them steep for a few minutes. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
Step 4: Ready to Serve
Transfer to a bowl. Garnish with green onions if desired and serve hot immediately.
Substitutions & Variations
- Whole Chicken: you can also use 2-3 large chicken leg quarters
- Sweeter broth: Add extra jujubes or dried longan.
- More concentrated Broth: Use less water.
- Add vegetables: Napa cabbage or carrots for extra nutrients.
- Stovetop version: Simmer gently for 2–3 hours.
Equipment
Storage & Reheating
To Store: Let the soup cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To Reheat: Pour the soup into a pot and warm on the stove over medium heat. You can also pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until warm.
Top Tips for Success
✨ Always blanch the chicken for a clear broth.
✨ Use a whole organic chicken for the cleanest flavor.
✨ Don’t over-season — this soup is meant to be light and natural.
✨ Allow natural pressure release for tender meat.
✨ Skim excess fat if desired after cooking.
Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup (Pressure Cooker Method)
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, or 2-3 chicken leg quarters
- 6 ginger slices
- 6 clove garlic
- 5-6 Chinese dried yam slices
- 8-10 Jujubes
- 8-10 dried longan
- 6 astragalus root slices
- 2 tbsp dried goji berries
- Salt, to taste
- White pepper, to taste
- 10 cups water, adjust amount of water according to the size of your pot or pressure cooker
Equipment
Instructions
- Wash the chicken thoroughly. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 3–5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse the chicken clean.
- Transfer the blanched chicken to the pressure cooker pot. Then add ginger, garlic, dried yam, jujubes, dried longan, astragalus slices, and about 10 cups of water. (adjust amount of water according to the size of your pot or pressure cooker)
- Close the lid, select pressure cook function and press start. It should take about 20 minutes to cook.
- Once opened, add goji berries and let them steep for a few minutes. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
- Transfer the soup to a bowl and garnish with green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
