2024.10.18 01:15

Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

Spicy chicken noodle soup with fresh herbs and vegetables is the perfect balance of flavor, spice, and nutrition. This soup combines tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and fresh herbs in a flavorful broth, elevated with a spicy kick. It’s a warming and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and versatile enough to fit into any meal plan.

Let’s explore how you can create the best spicy chicken noodle soup with fresh herbs and vegetables at home, complete with ingredient tips and cooking methods for maximum flavor.

Why Choose Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup?

1. Loaded with Nutrients

This version of spicy chicken noodle soup is not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and leafy greens. The addition of fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil enhances the health benefits with natural antioxidants and vitamins.

2. Immune-Boosting Ingredients

Garlic, ginger, and chili provide more than just flavor—they’re known for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. These ingredients can help fight off colds and improve digestion.

3. Customizable

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust the heat level, choose your favorite vegetables, and even swap the noodles for a low-carb option if you’re on a keto or paleo diet.

Essential Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Here are the key ingredients that make this soup delicious, nutritious, and perfectly spiced:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Chicken thighs add more flavor, but chicken breasts offer a leaner option.

Broth: A rich chicken broth is essential for the base of the soup. Homemade broth is best, but a high-quality store-bought one will work, too.

Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but feel free to experiment with rice noodles, soba, or shirataki noodles if you want a low-carb option.

Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics bring warmth and depth to the broth.

Chili Flakes or Fresh Chilies: Add a spicy punch. Adjust the amount based on your tolerance for heat.

Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and leafy greens like spinach or bok choy are great additions for color and texture.

Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, or basil add brightness and elevate the soup’s flavor profile.

Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime at the end adds a burst of acidity that balances the spice.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, grated

2 medium carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (or fresh chilies for extra heat)

1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)

6 oz egg noodles (or noodles of your choice)

1 cup spinach or bok choy (optional)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Lime wedges, for serving

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and browned.

Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Once cool, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Add the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.

Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir in the chili flakes, adjusting the amount to suit your heat preference.

Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

While the soup is simmering, cook your noodles in a separate pot according to the package instructions.

Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Herbs

Stir in the spinach or bok choy, if using, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.

Add the chopped fresh cilantro and basil for a burst of fresh flavor.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more chili flakes.

Step 6: Serve

Divide the cooked noodles among bowls, then ladle the spicy chicken soup over the noodles.

Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing of acidity, and garnish with more fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Tips for the Best Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Boost the Spice: If you like your soup extra spicy, add more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce like sriracha. For milder heat, reduce the amount of chili.

Enhance the Broth: For a richer flavor, simmer the chicken in the broth for longer before shredding. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce to deepen the umami flavor.

Cook Noodles Separately: Always cook the noodles separately to avoid them getting too soggy in the soup.

Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or any of your favorite vegetables to make the soup more hearty.

Health Benefits of Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Herbs

This spicy chicken noodle soup is not only tasty but also packed with health benefits:

Immune Support: Garlic, ginger, and chili peppers are known for their immune-boosting properties, helping you fight off colds and infections.

Rich in Vitamins: Fresh herbs and vegetables provide a wealth of vitamins, especially vitamin C from lime and greens like spinach.

Anti-Inflammatory: The heat from chili flakes can reduce inflammation, and ginger is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Low-Calorie: This soup is naturally low in calories, especially if you use lean chicken and control the amount of oil.

Variations on Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Thai-Style Soup: Add coconut milk, lemongrass, and fish sauce to create a Thai-inspired version of this soup.

Low-Carb Option: For a keto-friendly meal, swap the noodles for shirataki noodles or zoodles (zucchini noodles).

Mexican Twist: Add corn, black beans, and lime juice for a Mexican-style chicken noodle soup. You can even top it with avocado slices for a creamy texture.

Conclusion

Spicy chicken noodle soup with fresh herbs and vegetables is the perfect blend of spice, warmth, and nutrition. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal on a cold day or something flavorful to enjoy for lunch or dinner, this soup has everything you need. It's easy to prepare, packed with health benefits, and customizable to suit your preferences.

Business Information

Business Name: Happy Sashimi

Address: 2714 Pinole Valley Road, Pinole, CA 94564

Phone: (510) 758-8881

E-mail: info@eathappysashimi.com

Owner: Chris Wong

Hastag: #happysashimi #Sashimi #JapaneseCuisine

Source: Happy Sashimi

Website: www.eathappysashimi.com

Facebook: eathappysashimi

Twitter: eathappysashimi

Instagram: eat.happysashimi