This Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, noodles, and a kick of spice, it’s perfect for cozy days or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather.
I love how the spices give it a nice twist! You can easily adjust the heat to your taste. Plus, it’s so easy to make—you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegetable Oil: This oil is perfect for sautéing, but you can swap it for olive oil or canola oil if preferred. Each will provide a different flavor base, but they’ll all work well.
Chicken Broth: If you’re looking to lower sodium, opt for low-sodium chicken broth. Homemade broth is another great choice if you have time. Feel free to use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless thighs are a great alternative if you want something juicier. You can use leftover cooked chicken too, just skip the cooking step.
Fresh Red Chilies: Adjust the spice! If you can’t find fresh chilies, use a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your soup a kick.
Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but ramen noodles or rice noodles make great substitutes. If gluten-free, look for gluten-free noodles that suit your needs.
How Do You Get Flavor from Your Spices?
The key to a deeply flavored Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup is in the spices! Adding them at the right moment brings out their best qualities.
- After you sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger, add the spices (smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne) before you pour in the broth. This helps bloom the spices and develops a rich flavor.
- Cook the spices for about 30 seconds. This warms them up and in turn enhances the soup’s overall taste.
Remember, you can always taste as you go. Start with the spices and adjust them based on how spicy you want your soup. Enjoy making it your own!
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1-2 fresh red chilies, sliced (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 large carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 150 grams (about 5 ounces) egg noodles or ramen noodles
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and then around 20 minutes cooking. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This will form the flavorful base of your soup.
2. Add Aromatics and Spices:
Next, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chilies to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Then, stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Let these spices cook for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
3. Build the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and toss in the thinly sliced carrots. Bring everything to a boil. This step makes your broth rich and tasty!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Once your broth is boiling, add the whole chicken breasts. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. This will make it easy to mix back into the soup.
6. Add Noodles:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Now, add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until they’re tender and ready!
7. Final Seasoning:
Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little zing, squeeze in some lemon or lime juice.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each bowl with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, fresh chili slices, and half a hard-boiled egg for a hearty finish. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, spicy chicken noodle soup!
With its comforting flavors and satisfying textures, this Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. Happy cooking!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! You can reduce the number of red chilies or omit the cayenne pepper to make it milder. Alternatively, try adding a dash of hot sauce at the end for a customizable heat level!
Can I Use Different Noodles?
Yes! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with ramen noodles, rice noodles, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions of the noodles you choose.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the soup up to 2 days in advance. Just prepare it up to the point of adding the noodles, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bring it back to a boil and add the noodles to finish cooking!