Is Chicken Wonton Soup Good for an Upset Stomach? A Closer Look

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

Over 70% of people turn to chicken soup when feeling ill, a testament to its long-standing reputation as a comfort food. But when you have an upset stomach, is chicken wonton soup good for an upset stomach, or could certain ingredients cause more irritation?

Quick Summary

An analysis of chicken wonton soup's components reveals it can be beneficial for an upset stomach, but careful ingredient selection is key. The broth offers hydration and nutrients, while the wontons can be too heavy for some.

Key Points

Broth is Soothing: The warm, hydrating chicken broth helps prevent dehydration and can contain gut-healing compounds like collagen.
Choose Lean Protein: Homemade wontons with fresh, lean chicken are easy to digest and provide needed nutrients without added fat.
Ginger Fights Nausea: Adding fresh ginger to the soup helps combat nausea and bloating due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Wontons Can Be Heavy: The refined wheat flour in standard wonton wrappers can be hard for some to digest, so consider lighter alternatives if sensitive.
Avoid High-Sodium and Fried Versions: Restaurant soups are often high in sodium and deep-fried wontons are high in fat, both of which can worsen an upset stomach.
Homemade is Best: Preparing the soup at home allows for control over ingredients, ensuring it is gentle and easy to digest.

The Soothing Power of Broth

At the heart of any wonton soup is its broth, typically a light chicken stock. This liquid base is often the most beneficial element for a troubled tummy. The warm fluid is easy to consume and helps prevent dehydration, which is a common concern when dealing with nausea or diarrhea. Beyond simple hydration, a well-made chicken broth, especially bone broth, is rich in electrolytes and contains compounds like collagen, glycine, and glutamine. These amino acids have been shown to help soothe and repair the lining of the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, promoting overall gut health. These restorative properties make the broth component a definite plus for anyone experiencing gastrointestinal distress.

The Role of Chicken and Gentle Ingredients

The chicken in the wontons provides a lean source of protein. For those able to tolerate solid foods, consuming easily digestible protein can help restore energy and strength without overwhelming the digestive system. A bland diet often includes baked chicken, which is similar in nature. Furthermore, many traditional recipes incorporate healing aromatics like ginger. Ginger is well-documented for its ability to reduce nausea and bloating, making it an excellent addition to the broth for an upset stomach. Other mild ingredients, such as chopped scallions and cilantro, can add flavor without causing irritation.

The Potential Pitfalls of Wontons and Seasonings

While the broth and chicken are often helpful, the wontons themselves and certain additives can pose a problem. Wonton wrappers are typically made from refined wheat flour, which can be harder for some people to digest, especially those with gluten sensitivities or a temporarily inflamed gut. The wonton filling, particularly in restaurant versions, may contain processed meats like pork and high-sodium seasonings that can cause digestive discomfort, bloating, or water retention. Additionally, deep-fried wontons are high in fat, which can exacerbate symptoms of an upset stomach. Excess sodium, a common issue in restaurant soups, can also contribute to bloating and dehydration by affecting fluid balance.

Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Restaurant Wonton Soup


Feature	Homemade Chicken Wonton Soup	Restaurant Chicken Wonton Soup
Digestibility	Highly customizable and generally easier to digest. You control ingredients.	Variable and often less digestible due to higher sodium and processed ingredients.
Broth	Low-sodium, bone broth-based. High in collagen and healing nutrients.	Often high in sodium; may contain MSG or flavor enhancers that irritate the gut.
Wontons	Can use gluten-free wrappers (e.g., rice paper) and lean, fresh chicken.	Typically uses refined wheat wrappers and potentially fattier, processed meat fillings.
Fat Content	Controlled and minimal, from lean protein and natural broth.	Potentially high, especially if wontons are fried or broth is greasy.
Seasoning	Uses fresh ginger, garlic, and low-sodium soy sauce. Mild and anti-inflammatory.	Can be overly salted and contain MSG, which can cause discomfort in some individuals.

Making Chicken Wonton Soup More Stomach-Friendly

To ensure your chicken wonton soup is a friend to your digestive system, consider making it at home. This allows you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients. Here are some key modifications:

Use low-sodium chicken broth as your base. Alternatively, make a homemade bone broth for maximum gut-healing benefits.
Opt for lean, fresh protein. Use finely minced or shredded chicken breast for the filling instead of ground pork or other processed meats.
Use lighter wrappers. If you have gluten sensitivity, look for gluten-free wonton wrappers or use a lighter alternative like rice paper wraps.
Keep it boiled or steamed. Avoid frying the wontons to minimize added fats, which are difficult to digest when sick.
Incorporate ginger. Add fresh, grated ginger to the broth for its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects.
Control the sodium. Season lightly with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.

For additional dietary guidance during stomach upset, medical resources can offer helpful information. MedlinePlus provides clear instructions on what to eat and drink when you have diarrhea.

Conclusion

For an upset stomach, a simple, homemade version of chicken wonton soup can be beneficial due to its hydrating broth, lean protein, and soothing ingredients like ginger. The key is to control the sodium and fat content, and ensure the wonton components themselves are light and easy to digest. However, heavier, high-sodium, or fried restaurant versions may exacerbate symptoms. As with any food, listening to your body's specific needs is paramount, but a modified chicken wonton soup can indeed offer comforting nourishment during a period of digestive distress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the warm, hydrating broth can be very soothing for nausea. Including fresh ginger in the soup can also significantly help reduce feelings of sickness.

Yes, the wonton wrappers, typically made from refined wheat flour, can be difficult to digest for some. High-sodium broth and any deep-fried wontons should also be avoided as they can irritate a sensitive stomach.

Store-bought or restaurant wonton soups are often high in sodium and sometimes contain MSG, which can cause discomfort. A homemade version is a much safer, more stomach-friendly option.

To make a more digestible version, use a low-sodium chicken or bone broth, fill wontons with lean chicken breast, and add fresh ginger. Consider using gluten-free wrappers and boil or steam the wontons instead of frying them.

Bone broth is rich in collagen and amino acids like glycine and glutamine, which help to repair and soothe the lining of the digestive tract, reduce inflammation, and improve gut health.

Both can be good options, but chicken wonton soup with homemade, light wontons and plenty of ginger can be particularly soothing due to the anti-nausea benefits. Plain chicken noodle soup is also excellent for its simplicity and hydration.

The broth component is excellent for rehydration, but the wonton wrappers might be too heavy for active diarrhea. It's often better to stick to clear broths and bland, low-fiber foods like the BRAT diet initially.