Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that warms the soul. Packed with wholesome ingredients and a delightful kick of heat, this soup brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and silky noodles. It’s the perfect solution for those chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. The blend of flavors and spices creates a bowl of deliciousness that can easily become a family favorite.
Why We Love This Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect balance of spice and savory goodness, making each spoonful a burst of flavors. You’ll love how easily it comes together in one pot, allowing you to savor the cooking process without the fuss of a long cleanup. The combination of gochujang adds a unique twist that elevates the standard noodle soup to an exciting culinary adventure. Plus, it’s highly customizable, catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in need of something comforting after a long day or want to impress guests with an incredible bowl of soup, this recipe stands out as a must-try.
Ingredients about Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
- 12-16 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast (or chicken thigh)
- 1/2 large white or yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 tbsp gochujang (adjust for heat)
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup carrots, sliced into ~1/3 inch thick pieces
- 8 oz dried egg noodles or pasta
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cups water
How to Make Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup Directions
To start, you’ll want to prepare your chicken. Cover it with plastic wrap, then gently pound it to an even thickness. This step is important; it ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Once that’s done, season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and delicious. This initial step locks in the moisture and flavors of the chicken. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Now, it’s time to build the base of flavor for your soup. In the same pot, add the diced onions along with the butter. Cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent. This process allows the onions to soften and sweeten, infusing the oil with their flavor. After that, add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute, just until fragrant.
Next, it’s time to add some heat to your soup. Stir in the gochujang and let it cook for another minute. The gochujang gives the soup its distinctive spicy kick, but you can adjust the quantity based on your heat preference. Once mixed, pour in the chicken stock and water, followed by the soy sauce. This combination creates a rich and savory broth.
Now, return the seared chicken to the pot along with the sliced carrots. Bring everything to a simmer, allowing those flavors to meld together for about 15 minutes. This is the perfect time to prepare your noodles.
After simmering, it’s time to remove the chicken again. Raise the heat slightly to bring the soup to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes. When the noodles are ready, shred the chicken with a fork or your fingers and return it to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Serve this hearty dish hot, garnished with the sliced green onions. This final touch adds both color and freshness to your bowl, making each serving look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
When you’re ready to serve your Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup, consider the presentation. A wide, shallow bowl works great for showcasing the vibrant colors of the soup and its ingredients. Use a ladle to fill each bowl, ensuring a generous amount of chicken, noodles, and veggies in each serving.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds or additional green onions on top for garnish. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of crunch and freshness. Pair your soup with a simple side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
This soup is incredibly versatile—feel free to serve it with your favorite chili oil on the side for those who crave even more heat. Drink plenty of water alongside it, as the spice can build up. Perfect for gatherings, this soup will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Expert Tips: Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your cooking experience simpler and more enjoyable, consider the following expert tips. First, when selecting chicken, opting for thighs can yield a juicier and more flavorful result compared to breasts. Either works wonderfully in this recipe, but keep this in mind based on your taste preference.
Make sure to pay attention to the gochujang; it can vary quite a bit in heat levels and flavor between brands. If you’re unsure, start with less, as you can always add more later if necessary.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead. This will reduce your cooking time significantly while still delivering a hearty, delicious, and satisfying soup.
Don’t hesitate to add more veggies to your soup. Some good options are bell peppers, zucchini, or bok choy. These will not only enhance the nutritional value but also add varied flavors and textures.
Lastly, keep an eye on your noodles while cooking. They can go from perfect to overcooked in the blink of an eye depending on the brand. When the noodles reach your desired texture, remove the pot from heat immediately.
How to Store Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
If you have leftovers, storing them is a breeze. Start by letting the soup cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, transfer it into an airtight container or divide it into smaller portions for easy reheating later. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
It’s recommended to store the noodles separately if possible, as they can become mushy when reheated in the soup. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stove or microwave until warm. You can add a splash of chicken stock or water to thin it out if it thickens too much in the fridge.
For longer-term storage, consider freezing portions of the soup. Just ensure you use freezer-safe containers and leave some space for the soup to expand. It can be frozen for up to three months, making it a convenient option for busy nights.
Variation of Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Your Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup can have endless variations, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. If you want a lighter version, substitute egg noodles for zucchini noodles or rice noodles. This switch not only lowers the calories but also offers a different texture.
For those who prefer a vegetarian option, you can easily swap the chicken for tofu. Use firm or extra-firm tofu and add it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking so it can absorb the flavors of the broth without breaking apart.
Another fun twist is to make it a seafood soup. Incorporate shrimp or fish filets right before you add the noodles, cooking just until they are done. This will impart a different flavor that is equally delicious.
You can also play with the spices. If gochujang isn’t available, Sriracha can be a good alternative. Just remember to adjust the amount to suit your heat level. Additionally, experimenting with herbs like cilantro or basil can complement the existing flavors and add freshness.
FAQ
What makes Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup unique?
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup stands out due to the use of gochujang, a Korean chili paste that brings a distinctive heat and flavor profile not typically found in traditional noodle soups. This ingredient transforms a simple chicken noodle soup into a tantalizing dish.
Can I adjust the spice level in Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup?
Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder soup, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it until you reach your desired heat level.
Is Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup healthy?
Yes, this soup can be a healthy option, especially when packed with vegetables and lean protein. You can further enhance its health benefits by using low-sodium chicken stock and adding a variety of fresh veggies.
How long does Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup can last in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Can I freeze Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to three months. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, and consider keeping the noodles separate if you prefer them to be firm when reheated.
What can I serve with Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup?
This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it alongside rice for added substance.
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
For the soup
- 12-16 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast (or chicken thigh) Thighs yield a juicier result.
- 1/2 large white or yellow onion, diced About 1 cup.
- 3 tbsp gochujang Adjust for heat preference.
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken stock For a healthier option, use low-sodium.
- 1 cup carrots, sliced Cut into ~1/3 inch thick pieces.
- 8 oz dried egg noodles or pasta
- 3 green onions thinly sliced (green parts only) For garnish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Preparation
- Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and gently pound it to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook diced onions and butter for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the gochujang and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken stock, water, and soy sauce. Return the seared chicken and sliced carrots to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer and let flavors meld for about 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken, raise heat to bring to a boil, and add noodles. Cook according to package instructions.
- Once noodles are ready, shred the chicken and return to the pot. Stir everything together.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
- Consider sprinkling sesame seeds or additional green onions for garnish.
- Pair with crusty bread or light salad.
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