Hearty Ciorbă Rădăuțeană: A Creamy Chicken Soup Alternative Recipe
Discover the comforting flavors of Ciorbă Rădăuțeană — a creamy Romanian chicken soup that’s both hearty and tangy. Learn how to make this traditional favorite step-by-step with tips and variations.
🥣 What Is Ciorbă Rădăuțeană?
Ciorbă Rădăuțeană is a creamy Romanian chicken soup, often described as the more accessible cousin of Ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup). Originating in Rădăuți, a town in Suceava County (Northern Romania), this soup offers the same tangy and comforting flavor profile as its traditional counterpart — but uses tender chicken breast instead of tripe, making it a more appealing choice for many.
This soup combines clear chicken broth, fresh root vegetables, egg yolk, sour cream, and vinegar for a creamy and slightly sour result that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying. Served hot with fresh bread and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, Ciorbă Rădăuțeană is a beloved comfort dish perfect for chilly evenings or festive family meals.
🇷🇴 A Touch of History
The dish was invented in the 1970s by Romanian chef Cornelia Dumitrescu, who worked in a restaurant in Rădăuți. The goal was to create a milder, meat-based version of ciorbă de burtă that would be more palatable to those who didn't like tripe. It quickly gained popularity across the country and is now a staple in restaurants and homes alike.
💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
✅ Creamy and Tangy – A perfect balance of rich and refreshing
✅ Easy to Make – With accessible ingredients and a straightforward method
✅ Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters enjoy this comforting soup
✅ Traditional with a Twist – A modern classic of Romanian cuisine
✅ Great for Cold Weather – Nourishing, warm, and satisfying
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
🍗 For the Soup:
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600g (1.3 lbs) chicken breast (or thighs, if preferred)
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2 carrots, peeled and grated
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1 parsnip, peeled and grated
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1 celeriac root (or 2 celery stalks), grated
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1 onion, peeled and halved
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2–3 liters (8–12 cups) cold water
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2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp whole black peppercorns
🍶 For Cream Mixture:
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250g (1 cup) sour cream
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2 large egg yolks
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2–3 tablespoons white vinegar (to taste)
🌿 Optional Toppings:
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Fresh parsley, finely chopped
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Extra sour cream or vinegar
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Crusty bread or mămăligă
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
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Place the chicken, onion, and peppercorns in a large soup pot.
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Cover with cold water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
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Once clear, reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.
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Remove chicken and onion. Discard onion and shred the chicken with a fork. Set aside.
📝 Tip: Using bone-in chicken enhances the flavor, though boneless is easier to handle.
🥕 Step 2: Add Vegetables
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Add the grated carrots, parsnip, and celery root to the broth.
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Simmer for another 10–15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
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Add minced garlic and shredded chicken back into the pot.
📝 Optional: Some people sauté the grated vegetables before adding them for extra flavor.
🍶 Step 3: Prepare the Cream Mixture
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In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the egg yolks until smooth.
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Slowly add one ladle of hot broth to temper the mixture, stirring constantly.
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Repeat with a second ladle to prevent curdling.
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Gradually pour the tempered cream mixture back into the pot, stirring well.
📝 Pro Tip: Remove the soup from direct heat when adding the cream to avoid separating.
🍋 Step 4: Adjust the Flavor
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Stir in vinegar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired level of sourness.
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Taste and adjust salt and acidity as needed.
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Simmer gently for 5 more minutes, but do not let it boil.
🌿 Step 5: Garnish and Serve
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Ladle into bowls and top with chopped parsley.
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Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.
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Offer extra sour cream or vinegar for personal taste.
🧠 Tips for Perfect Ciorbă Rădăuțeană
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Use fresh, full-fat sour cream – It blends better and prevents curdling.
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Temper the cream – Never skip this step or your soup may split.
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Simmer, don’t boil – Boiling after adding the cream mixture can ruin the texture.
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Customize the tang – Add more vinegar or even lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
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Let it rest – Like many soups, it tastes even better the next day!
📦 Storage and Reheating
❄️ Storage:
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze without sour cream for best results. Add cream when reheating.
🔥 Reheating:
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Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Avoid boiling.
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If separated, add a spoonful of fresh sour cream and stir.
🥄 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
✅ High-protein
✅ Low-carb
✅ Naturally gluten-free
📖 Variations to Try
🐄 Beef Version:
Substitute chicken with lean beef or veal for a richer taste.
🥚 Egg Drop Style:
Add a whisked egg at the end while stirring for a ribbon-like texture.
🌶️ Spicy Touch:
Add a pinch of chili flakes or serve with Romanian hot pickled peppers.
🥬 Vegetarian Alternative:
Use vegetable broth and mushrooms instead of meat. Add cream and vinegar as usual.
🍽️ When to Serve Ciorbă Rădăuțeană
This dish is incredibly versatile:
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Lunch or dinner appetizer
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Hearty main course on cold days
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Starter for festive meals or holidays
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Great choice for recovering from a cold!
It’s often served with crusty rye bread, polenta, or even pickled vegetables on the side.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ciorbă Rădăuțeană spicy?
No, it’s tangy and creamy, not spicy. But it can be spiced to taste.
Can I use store-bought chicken broth?
Yes, but homemade stock will give the best flavor and authenticity.
What’s the difference between this and Ciorbă de Burtă?
Burtă uses tripe and has a more gelatinous texture. This recipe uses chicken for a lighter, more universally loved alternative.
Can I skip the egg yolks?
Yes, but the texture may be thinner. The yolks help thicken and enrich the soup.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Ciorbă Rădăuțeană is a beautiful example of how traditional recipes evolve to meet modern tastes — and win hearts along the way. Creamy, tangy, satisfying, and simple, this Romanian chicken soup is the ultimate comfort dish that delivers deep flavor without being heavy.
Whether you’re exploring Romanian cuisine for the first time or recreating a taste of home, this soup belongs in your collection of go-to recipes. Serve it to family, friends, or just yourself — and let every spoonful warm you from the inside out.
