A Light Summer Bowl with Lemon and Chicken

Lemon and chicken somen noodles is a refreshing Japanese-style cold dish designed for hot summer days. It combines chilled somen noodles, tender chicken breast, and a bright lemon broth that feels light but still satisfying.

What is Somen Noodles?

Somen noodles are ultra-thin Japanese wheat noodles that are traditionally served chilled, especially during the summer season. They cook very quickly and have a soft, delicate texture, which makes them perfect for cold noodle dishes like this. Because they are neutral in flavor, they absorb broth and sauces beautifully, making them a staple for refreshing summer meals in Japan.

Ingredients(2 servings)

Somen noodles: 2 bundles

Chicken

Chicken breast: 150 g
Sake: 1/2 tbsp
Sugar: 1 tsp
Garlic powder: 1 tsp
Salt: 1/2 tsp

Broth

Water: 2 cups
Chicken stock powder: 3 tbsp
Salt: 1/2 tsp
Soy sauce: 4 tsp
Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
Sesame oil: 2 tsp

Topping

Lemon slices: 2
Daikon sprouts: as desired

Instructions

Pierce the chicken breast with a fork so the seasoning absorbs evenly. Coat the chicken with sake, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Cover loosely and microwave until fully cooked for about 3-4 minutes. Let it cool in the fridge, then slice.
Combine water, chicken stock powder, salt, soy sauce, lemon juice, and sesame oil in a bowl. Stir until fully dissolved, then chill.
Cook somen noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
Place noodles in a bowl, top with sliced chicken, lemon slices, and daikon sprouts. Pour over the chilled broth and serve.