This spicy chicken noodle soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Tender chicken, tasty noodles, and a kick of spice come together to make every sip exciting and comforting.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this soup when you’re in the mood for something cozy and zesty. Perfect for chilly days or when you just want a little extra warmth! 🌶️🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds a rich base flavor to your soup. If you want a lighter option, feel free to use avocado oil or canola oil instead.
Onion: Onions bring sweetness and depth. Yellow onions work great here, but if you prefer milder flavor, go for sweet onions like Vidalia.
Garlic & Ginger: Both ingredients give a lovely zing! If you’re out of fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger, though fresh is always best.
Carrots & Bell Pepper: They add color and nutrients. You can replace them with any veggies you like, such as zucchini or peas, for a unique twist.
Spices: Cumin and paprika create a warm flavor. If you want to skip the cayenne, try red pepper flakes for less heat. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will do!
Chicken Broth: The base for your soup. For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works just as well. You could also use homemade broth for extra flavor!
Noodles: Rice noodles are light and perfect here. However, if you’re looking for something heartier, try egg noodles or even udon noodles.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Has Great Flavor?
Building flavor is crucial for a delicious soup! Start by sautéing your onions, garlic, and ginger on medium heat. This step is vital as it develops the flavor base.
- Sauté onions until they’re soft and translucent to bring out their sweetness.
- Adding the garlic and ginger should be quick, only a minute or two until fragrant – they can burn easily!
- When incorporating spices, make sure to stir them with the veggies, letting them toast slightly to enhance their flavor. This is a game changer!
- Let the soup simmer. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.
Finally, taste as you go! Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lime juice to find that perfect balance. Happy cooking!
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for preferred spiciness)
- For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 6 ounces rice noodles or thin egg noodles
- For Seasoning:
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Juice of 1 lime (optional, for extra brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious spicy chicken noodle soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20 minutes for cooking. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. This will form a wonderful base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until they release their lovely aromas. Don’t let them burn!
3. Introduce the Veggies:
Add the sliced carrots and diced yellow bell pepper to the pot. Cook these for about 4 minutes to let them soften a bit, enhancing their sweetness.
4. Season the Soup:
Now, sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices and let them toast a little for better flavor.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring everything to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld wonderfully.
6. Add Chicken:
Once the soup has simmered, stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Let it heat through for a few minutes.
7. Cook the Noodles:
In a separate pot, prepare the rice noodles or egg noodles as per the package instructions until they’re al dente, then drain them.
8. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked noodles to the soup pot and stir gently to combine everything. You want all those delicious flavors to meld!
9. Final Seasoning:
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like, squeeze in some fresh lime juice to add a bright touch!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished generously with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Enjoy this warming, flavorful dish with a satisfying spicy kick!
Happy eating! 🍜🌶️
Can I Use Different Noodles in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rice noodles or thin egg noodles are great choices, you can easily substitute them with whole wheat noodles, udon, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary!
How Can I Make This Soup Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon or omit it entirely. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt when serving to balance the heat!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, this soup stores well! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently on the stove. Keep the noodles separate until serving to prevent them from getting mushy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have extra noodles, store them separately to maintain their texture. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
