This Chicken Rice Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It features tender chicken, soft rice noodles, and a flavorful broth that makes you feel cozy inside.
I love how easily this soup comes together! Just cook, stir, and enjoy with a sprinkle of herbs on top. Perfect for a rainy day or when you need some comfort! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: Using homemade broth is great if you have it, but store-bought is fine too. For a vegetarian version, vegetable broth can work, though the flavor will differ.
Cooked Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully here for its flavor and ease. You can also use shredded turkey or tofu for a plant-based option.
Rice Noodles: Thin vermicelli works best, but you can try wider rice noodles if you prefer. If you need a gluten-free option, make sure to check the label on your noodles.
Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger adds warmth, but you can swap with ground ginger in a pinch. Garlic powder can stand in for fresh garlic, though I recommend fresh for the best flavor.
Red Chili: If you like heat, fresh or dried red chili adds a nice kick. You could also substitute with a pinch of red pepper flakes if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Soup?
Enhancing the flavor is key to a delicious Chicken Rice Noodle Soup. Start by properly sautéing your aromatics, like garlic and ginger, to release their essential oils and flavors.
- Heat the oil in your pot before adding garlic and ginger.
- Cook them for just a couple of minutes, don’t let them brown too much!
- After adding broth and seasoning, taste as you go. You can always adjust with more soy sauce or fish sauce later.
Remember, simmering the carrots gives them time to release their sweetness into the broth. This little detail really enhances the final dish!
Chicken Rice Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 oz rice noodles (thin vermicelli)
- 1 medium carrot, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small piece of ginger (1 inch), sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish and heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or fish sauce (to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Rice Noodle Soup takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and roughly 15 minutes to cook, making it a perfect option for a quick and comforting meal any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, sliced ginger, and the white parts of the chopped green onions. Sauté for about 2 minutes until everything is fragrant. You’ll smell the lovely aroma filling your kitchen!
2. Add Chicken Broth and Veggies:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a rolling boil. Once boiling, toss in the sliced carrots and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they’re tender and flavorful.
3. Incorporate Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot. Stir it in and let it warm through. Season your soup with soy sauce or fish sauce, plus salt and pepper to taste. Give it a quick taste test and adjust if needed!
4. Prepare the Rice Noodles:
While your soup simmers, prepare the rice noodles as per the package instructions. Usually, this means soaking them in hot water for about 5-7 minutes until they’re nice and soft. Once done, drain and set aside.
5. Assemble Your Bowls:
Place some of the soft rice noodles into serving bowls. Then ladle the hot chicken broth with chicken and carrots over the noodles. Watch as the broth beautifully surrounds and warms the noodles!
6. Garnish & Serve:
For the finishing touch, sprinkle the chopped green parts of the green onions, fresh cilantro, and sliced red chili on top of each bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of your Chicken Rice Noodle Soup!
Dig in, and savor the deliciousness! 🍜
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Soup?
Absolutely! While cooked chicken is the star here, you can easily substitute it with shredded turkey, tofu, or even shrimp. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re using raw seafood or vegetables.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. You can also load up on more veggies like mushrooms, bok choy, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some broth, so it’s best to keep them separate if possible. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up!
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Rice Noodles?
If you don’t have rice noodles, you can substitute them with regular wheat noodles or even pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different noodles will vary in how long they take to soften!
