This Chicken Rice Noodle Soup is warm and comforting, perfect for any day! With tender chicken, soft rice noodles, and yummy broth, it’s sure to make you smile after a long day.
I love how soothing this soup is, especially when I’m feeling under the weather. Just a bowl of this magic can lift my spirits. Don’t forget to add some veggies for extra crunch! 🥕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: A good quality broth adds richness to this soup. You can use homemade broth or low-sodium store-bought options. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth works just as well.
Rice Noodles: Vermicelli or thin rice noodles are perfect here, giving a light texture. If you don’t have rice noodles, you could try egg noodles or even whole wheat spaghetti as an alternative.
Shredded Chicken: Using cooked chicken cuts down prep time! You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken. For a vegetarian option, tofu or chickpeas work nicely.
Vegetables: Carrots and peas add color and nutrition. Feel free to swap them for any veggies you have on hand like bell peppers, Bok choy, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition!
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh minced garlic and ginger bring wonderful flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use garlic powder and ginger powder, though fresh is always best.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Tender Rice Noodles?
Cooking rice noodles can be tricky! The key is to not overcook them, as they can become mushy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Follow the package instructions. Usually, you soak them in hot water until they are soft (about 5-10 minutes).
- Once soft, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- When you serve the soup, add the noodles to the bowls first, then ladle the hot soup on top.
- This way, your noodles stay separate and maintain their lovely texture!
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this comforting Chicken Rice Noodle Soup!
Delicious Chicken Rice Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 6 oz rice noodles (vermicelli or thin noodles)
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 1-2 red chilies, thinly sliced (optional for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Rice Noodle Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cooking. You’ll have a warm and comforting bowl ready to serve in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant, which takes about 1-2 minutes. This will give your soup a lovely aroma!
2. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic begins as your broth starts to heat up and come alive with flavor!
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Once your broth is simmering, add the sliced carrots and green peas. Let them cook until the vegetables are nice and tender, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll see the color and nutrition bloom in your soup!
4. Combine Chicken and Seasoning:
Add the shredded chicken and soy sauce (if using) to the pot. Stir everything together and let it heat through for another 3-4 minutes. This is when all the flavors meld together perfectly!
5. Prepare the Rice Noodles:
While the soup is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions (usually soaking in hot water until soft). Drain the noodles well. Rinsing them briefly with cold water helps prevent sticking!
6. Assemble Your Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice noodles into serving bowls. They’ll serve as a cozy nest for your delicious soup!
7. Serve it Up:
Ladle the hot soup, chicken, and vegetables over the noodles in each bowl. You’ll love seeing it all come together in fresh, comforting layers!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Top with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and red chili slices if you like a bit of heat. Serve hot, and enjoy every spoonful of your comforting Chicken Rice Noodle Soup!
This recipe captures the essence of a hearty meal, with a clear broth, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and chewy rice noodles all coming together beautifully. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works great. Just shred it up and toss it in the soup to warm through. It’s a perfect way to use up leftovers!
How to Store Leftovers?
To store, keep the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’ve left the noodles in the soup, they may soak up broth and become mushy, so it’s best to store noodles separately if possible.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for protein.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
For additional flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a few drops of sesame oil before serving. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can also elevate the taste!