This Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It has tender chicken, flavorful broth, and just the right amount of kick to wake up your taste buds.
You know it’s a hit when your kitchen smells like a cozy restaurant. I usually pair it with a slice of crusty bread, and trust me, it makes each slurp absolutely delightful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegetable Oil: This is vital for sautéing the aromatics. You could use olive oil or sesame oil for a different flavor. I love sesame oil for an extra nutty taste!
Onion and Garlic: They form the base of our flavor. You can swap the onion for shallots if you prefer a milder taste. Garlic powder is a quick substitute but fresh is always best!
Chili Pepper: Adjust the heat by how much chili you use. If you want less spice, you can use bell peppers instead or even add some red pepper flakes for a milder heat.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or tofu for protein!
Kale or Spinach: Both are excellent, but if you can’t find them, any leafy green like Swiss chard will work. It’s a good way to add nutrients!
Noodles: I prefer rice noodles for their texture, but you can use egg noodles or even whole wheat varieties as substitutes.
How Do I Get the Broth Packed with Flavor?
The broth is the soul of your soup! Start by sautéing your onions, garlic, chili, and ginger to release their flavors. Don’t rush this step; it makes a big difference!
- Heat the oil and sauté until golden and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
- After adding the broth, make sure to bring it to a full boil before lowering the heat.
- Add the chicken and greens later to keep their textures nice—this helps ensure each bite is satisfying!
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Base:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili pepper, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 large carrot, diced
- For the Soup:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 2 cups kale or spinach leaves, chopped
- 200g (about 7 oz) rice noodles or udon noodles
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp chili flakes or paste (adjust for desired heat)
- For Topping:
- Juice of 1 lemon or lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty and flavorful soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, making a total of 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced chili pepper, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the mixture is fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Add the Carrot:
Next, toss in the diced carrot and cook for another 3 minutes. You want them to soften slightly but still retain their crunch for a lovely texture in the soup.
3. Prepare the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. This step builds the soup’s deep flavors while keeping everything nice and hot.
4. Incorporate Chicken and Greens:
Add your cooked shredded chicken and the chopped kale or spinach to the pot. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt down and the soup to heat through completely.
5. Cook the Noodles:
While the soup simmers, prepare the noodles according to package instructions until they are just tender. Drain the noodles and set them aside. You’ll be adding them to the soup shortly!
6. Flavor it Up:
Stir in the soy sauce, the optional fish sauce, and the chili flakes or paste based on your heat preference. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to make sure it’s just right for your taste buds!
7. Combine Noodles and Soup:
You can either add the cooked noodles directly to the soup pot, ensuring they’re nice and coated, or serve the soup over the noodles in bowls to prevent them from getting soggy. Either way, it will be delicious!
8. Add Freshness:
Before serving, squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the top of each bowl. This brightens the flavors! Don’t forget to garnish with beautiful, chopped cilantro for that final touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your spicy chicken noodle soup hot and enjoy every warm, comforting bowl. It’s perfect for a chilly day or when you just need a little pick-me-up!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before using. For safety, thaw chicken overnight in the fridge, or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, cook it until fully cooked and tender in the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of chili pepper, chili flakes, or paste to suit your heat preference. If you want an extra kick, consider adding some sriracha or other hot sauces when serving!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best taste and texture, keep the noodles separate and add them to the soup upon reheating.
What Can I Use Instead of Noodles?
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try replacing the noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Both will work great and still give you that hearty feeling without the carbs!
