Japanese-Style Cinnamon Chicken Soup | Light & Warming One-Pot Meal

This Japanese-Style Cinnamon Chicken Soup is something you should try if you crave for something light, warming, and just a little unexpected. It’s a gentle broth filled with tender chicken wings, daikon, carrot, and shiitake mushrooms—and it comes together in one pot. The twist? A small pinch of cinnamon, which adds a subtle warmth and comfort that makes this feel like a hug in a bowl. It's nourishing, easy to digest, and perfect for cooler evenings or when your body’s asking for something soothing but not bland.

@cupfuldays Japanese-Style Cinnamon Chicken Soup | Light & Warming One-Pot Meal

Why You’ll Love This Soup

• Light but flavorful: Clear broth with natural sweetness from daikon and carrot.

• Aromatic twist: Cinnamon adds gentle warmth, not spice.

• Minimal cleanup: All made in one pot or pan.

• Comforting and cozy: Great for slow evenings, simple lunches, or gentle reset meals.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken wings: I used 4 whole wings, which give body to the broth while staying tender.

• Daikon and carrot: Slice them thin so they cook down quickly and release natural sweetness.

• Shiitake mushrooms: Add umami depth—fresh or soaked dried ones work well.

• Cinnamon powder: A little goes a long way—don’t skip it, it’s the quiet star of the dish.

@cupfuldays Japanese-Style Cinnamon Chicken Soup | Light & Warming One-Pot Meal

Cooking Tips

• Sear your wings: Browning them first in sesame oil adds great depth to the broth.

• Thin slices matter: The thinner your vegetables, the quicker they’ll soften and sweeten the soup.

• Simmer gently: Avoid over-boiling—let it gently cook to keep the broth clear and clean.

Recipe Card: Japanese-Style Cinnamon Chicken Soup

Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken wings

• 100g daikon, thinly sliced

• ½ carrot, thinly sliced

• 2 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, thinly sliced

• 500ml water

• 1½ tbsp light soy sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• ½ tbsp sesame oil

• ½ tsp cinnamon powder

• Optional: Chilli peppers for touch of spice lovers

Instructions:

1. Prep ingredients:

   Slice daikon, carrot, and shiitake mushrooms thinly. Set aside.

2. Brown the chicken:

   Heat sesame oil in a pot or deep pan. Add chicken wings and sear on both sides until lightly browned.

3. Add veggies & broth:

   Add daikon, carrot, and shiitake to the pot. Pour in light soy sauce, sugar, and 500ml water. Cover with lid and bring to a boil.

4. Add cinnamon & simmer:

   Once boiling, add cinnamon powder and stir well (add in chilli peppers here if you are a spice lover). Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 more minutes or until vegetables are soft and flavors have blended.

5. Serve:

   Serve hot, as is, or with a small bowl of rice on the side for a comforting meal.

   
   

   If you made this recipe, I would love to see it! Tag me on my Instagram @cupfuldays