Yock (Yaka Mein) New Orleans Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Calories: 627.51|Fat: 30.17|Carbohydrates: 49.31|Protein: 37.97 | 40

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New Orlean's Yock or Yaka Mein come together with tenderly simmered chicken in broth, combined with spaghetti noodles, chicken broth, hard-boiled eggs, freshly diced green onions, and a comforting blend of Creole seasonings.

New Orleans Chicken Noodle Soup is more than a meal—it’s a cultural staple. Found at corner shops, second lines, and late-night food stands, this savory noodle soup has earned a legendary reputation as both comfort food and cure-all.

Why you’ll Like it

Often called “Old Sober,” Yaka Mein is famous for bringing people back to life after long nights, busy festivals, or chilly mornings. What makes it special is how quickly it comes together while still delivering deep, satisfying flavour.
This easy version keeps the soul of the dish intact while making it accessible for home cooks. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a taste of New Orleans in your own kitchen.
Chinese-American marries Creole flavours – It’s Southern comforting soul food in a bowl.

Tips For the Perfect Yock Recipe

Use chicken thighs for extra flavour and tenderness.
To save time, use precooked shrimp; just add them near the end to heat through. If you don’t have any shrimp, just use chicken.
Cook the spaghetti noodles until they’re al dente to prevent overcooking in the broth.
Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing cayenne pepper.

What You Need

INGREDIENTS

Meat – Chicken thighs and drumsticks can make a great stew. However, if you prefer you can also use chicken breast and cut it into strips so that it cooks faster and looks perfect in a finished bowl. In truth, any meat can be used in the yock a mein including brisket, stew meat, pork, pork belly, sausage, shrimp, and lobster.
Chicken broth – You can use store-bought chicken broth or homemade chicken broth. Bear in mind that the success of your yok is mostly determined by the authentic taste of the broth.
Sauces – Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
Spices and seasonings – Creole seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, cayenne, thyme, and black pepper.
Spaghetti – Though the mein refers to noodles, traditionally this dish uses spaghetti since noodles are hard to find and expensive.
Toppings – Hard or soft-boiled egg, green onions, and hot chili sauce are all optional according to your preferences.

VARIATIONS

Go vegetarian: Skip the meat and shrimp and add your favourite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Spicy kick: Increase the cayenne for a spicier version.
Thai twist: Replace some seasonings with Thai curry paste for a unique fusion.

Saving the Chicken Yock Noodles For Later

Leftovers: Allow chicken yock noodles to cool before storing in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If components are separate, store them individually to maintain the noodle texture and prevent them from absorbing excess liquid.
Freeze: Freeze for longer storage, ensuring airtight packaging, and thaw gradually before reheating.

How to Serve Yock a Mein

Serve piping hot in large bowls with:

Slices of boiled eggs
A generous sprinkle of chopped scallions.
Crackers or French bread
Hot sauce on the side

Presentation matters—locals love a generous bowl.

Health Info

Calories:	627.51
Sugar:	4.64
Sodium:	2334.6
Fat:	30.17
Carbohydrates:	49.31
Fiber:	2.69
Protein:	37.97

NUTRITION SPOTLIGHT

A: Hot broth helps keep you hydrated and warmed from the inside out.
B: Chicken provides lean protein, while the broth delivers minerals that support recovery and energy.

Note Chicken Yaka Mein provides protein, nutrition, comfort, hydration and recovery.

Chicken Yock Recipe (Yock a Mein)

Author caroline sciberras

Servings 4 people

Calories 627.51

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Fat: 30.17|Carbohydrates: 49.31|Protein: 37.97

Description

Ingredients

Meat & Shrimp

1.5 lbs chicken or meat of your choice cut into 1/2 inch strips
½ lbs shrimp peeled and deveined (optional)
2 tbsp cooking oil

Toppings

4 eggs boiled
8 oz spaghetti noodles
½ scallion the green part chopped for garnishing (or green onion)

Meat Marinate

2 tsp creole seasoning
1 tbsp soy sauce

Broth & Seasoning

8 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp creole seasoning
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
¼ tsp cayenne
½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Start with the Marinade

Marinate the chicken or protein of your choice with soy sauce and creole spices some hours before but if you don’t have time even a quick marinade can work.
Start by searing the chicken adding taste to the final stew. (Optional)
Calmly skip this step 2 if you’re in a hurry.

Start the stew

Add the chicken broth and the meat in a pot stirring all the spices, the soy sauce and the Worcestershire sauce.
Bring the stew to boil and then reduce the heat and leave to simmer for 20 minutes. I suggest to keep stirring the pot every 5 minutes. I love to leave the chicken cooking for over an hour but you can vary this as long as the meat is cooked throughout.

Prepare the toppings

Boil the eggs according to your liking and chop the green onions while waiting for the stew to be ready.

Cook Shrimp, Noodles & Serve

Add the spaghetti to the stew or noodles following the package instructions. Continue to cook for 5-10 minutes following the package instructions and until until the chicken is cooked, soft and tender. If you’re going to add shrimps add them only in the last 5 minutes as they cook very fast.
Assemble the bowl, choose a large bowl adding some noodles and a ladle of broth. Then place gently the chicken strips and top with the green onions and the sliced eggs. I don’t like adding the hot sauce but you can add some for extra flavor according to your liking. Enjoy your Yok, Yock or Yak!

Yock FAQs

1. Is Yaka Mein Chinese or Creole cuisine?

Yaka Mein is a Chinese-Creole fusion dish unique to New Orleans cuisine. It blends Chinese noodle soup traditions with Creole and Southern flavors, creating the iconic New Orleans comfort food often called “Old Sober.”

2. Can I make Easy Yock (Yaka Mein) faster at home?

Yes! To make Easy Yock (Yaka Mein): New Orleans Chicken Noodle Soup quickly, use rotisserie chicken, store-bought chicken broth, and pre-cooked noodles. This shortcut keeps the flavor authentic while cutting cooking time in half.

3. Why are spaghetti noodles used in New Orleans Yaka Mein?

Spaghetti noodles are traditional in New Orleans-style Yaka Mein because they were affordable, widely available, and easy to cook. Today, they remain a defining feature of this classic New Orleans noodle soup.

4. Is Yaka Mein spicy or mild?

Yaka Mein is typically mild and savory, but it’s highly customizable. Many locals add hot sauce, chili oil, or Creole seasoning to increase heat, making it as spicy—or as gentle—as you like.

5. Can I make Yaka Mein gluten-free?

Yes. For a gluten-free Yaka Mein recipe, use gluten-free noodles and replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. The broth and chicken remain naturally gluten-free.

6. Is Easy Yock (Yaka Mein) good for meal prep?

Absolutely. Yaka Mein is excellent for meal prep. Store the broth and chicken separately from the noodles to prevent sogginess. It reheats well and tastes even better the next day.