Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting elements of traditional chicken noodle soup with a fiery kick to satisfy your taste buds. This hearty recipe features tender chicken, savory broth, and vibrant vegetables, all tied together with the bold flavors of gochujang, a Korean chili paste. The result is a warm, nourishing bowl of soup that’s perfect for any season, especially when you crave something both comforting and invigorating.
Why We Love This Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup stands out because of its unique blend of flavors and its ability to warm you from the inside out. The combination of hardy ingredients ensures that it’s not only delicious but also filling. The gochujang adds an exciting depth of flavor that sets this soup apart from the classic versions you may have tried before. It’s also flexible, meaning you can easily tweak it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you want to make it spicier or add more veggies, the options are endless! Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it a great weeknight dinner choice for you and your family.
Ingredients about Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
- 12-16 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast (or substitute chicken thigh)
- 1/2 large white or yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 tbsp gochujang (adjust more or less for heat)
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup carrots, sliced into ~1/3 inch thick pieces
- 8 oz dried egg noodles or pasta
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cups water
How to Make Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup Directions
To create your Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup, start by preparing your chicken. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and gently pound it to an even thickness. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, resulting in tender pieces when it’s added back into your soup later. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Next, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Now, it’s time to sear the chicken. Place it in the pot and let it cook until golden brown, around 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside temporarily.
In the same pot, add your diced onion and butter. Cook the onions until they become translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This process allows the onions to release their sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to your soup. After the onions are soft, introduce the minced garlic and cook it for about one minute. The aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen is sure to draw everyone’s attention!
Now comes the fun part—adding the gochujang. Stir this spicy ingredient into the pot, cooking for another minute to let its flavors bloom. Remember, you can adjust the amount of gochujang to cater to your preference for spice.
Pour in your chicken stock and water, followed by the soy sauce. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure that the flavors meld together seamlessly. Now, return the seared chicken back into the pot along with the sliced carrots. Allow the soup to simmer for about 15 minutes, which will cook the chicken completely and soften the carrots.
After simmering, remove the chicken once more and raise the heat to bring the soup to a boil. This boiling stage is crucial because it is when you will cook your noodles. Add the dried egg noodles, cooking them according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Once the noodles are cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the soup. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that each bowl will be filled with a tantalizing array of chicken, noodles, and vegetables.
Serve your soup immediately while it’s hot, garnished with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch. The final presentation of your Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to impress!
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving your Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup is as simple as it is rewarding. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving contains a hearty helping of chicken, noodles, and carrots. The broth should be rich and flavorful, making every spoonful enjoyable.
To elevate your soup experience, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or rice. These options allow you to soak up the delicious broth, preventing any of that flavor from going to waste. A sprinkle of additional green onions on top before serving will not only add color but also a fresh crunch that complements the warmth of the soup perfectly.
For those who love to add a bit of personalization, set out some condiments like extra gochujang, chili flakes, or even lime wedges for a zesty kick. This interactive approach can make mealtime more fun, allowing your family or guests to customize their soup to their liking.
Expert Tips: Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
To ensure you create the best Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the Right Chicken: While chicken breast is commonly used, opting for chicken thighs can lend a more tender texture and richer flavor.
- Adjust the Spice: Gochujang is quite potent, so make sure to taste your soup as you go. You can always add more, but it’s harder to take away the heat once it’s there.
- Use Homemade Stock: If you have the time, using homemade chicken stock can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. It’s a more aromatic base than store-bought options.
- Prep Ahead: You can prep your ingredients ahead of time—like dicing onions and slicing carrots—so that when it’s time to cook, everything comes together quickly.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Follow the package instructions for the noodles and avoid overcooking. They will continue to soften a bit in the hot broth after you’ve added them, so slightly undercooking will help them maintain a better texture.
How to Store Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Storing your Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup properly will ensure that you can enjoy it over the next few days. If you plan on saving the leftovers, first, allow the soup to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container.
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be aware that the noodles will absorb some broth as they sit, which may lead to a thicker consistency when you reheat it. To reheat, you may want to add a splash of water or additional broth to restore its desired texture.
If you wish to keep the soup longer, consider freezing it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving enough space for expansion. It can be kept frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.
Variation of Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to make variations based on your preferences and what you have available. Here are some fun ideas to switch it up:
- Vegetable Boost: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These additions will make your soup even heartier and nutritious. Just add them during the simmering stage so they cook through.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream towards the end for a creamier texture and a touch of sweetness that can balance out the spice.
- Different Protein Options: While chicken is the star here, you can also try this soup with shrimp for a seafood twist, or even tofu to make it vegetarian-friendly.
- Gluten-Free Alteration: To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and tamari in place of soy sauce.
- Spice Level: Want even more heat? Incorporate fresh chili peppers like jalapeños or Thai chilies directly into the soup for an additional punch.
FAQ
What is Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup?
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup is a flavorful twist on traditional chicken noodle soup, featuring tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a spicy broth made with gochujang for a unique flavor combination.
How do I adjust the spice level in Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup?
You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of gochujang used in the recipe. Start with less and gradually increase until it reaches your desired heat level.
Can I use other proteins in this recipe?
Yes! While chicken is commonly used, you can substitute it with shrimp, tofu, or even other meats according to your preference.
How do I store leftovers of Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup?
Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.
What can I serve with Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup?
You can enjoy this soup on its own or pair it with crusty bread, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal experience.
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12-16 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast (or substitute chicken thigh)
- 1/2 large white or yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 tbsp gochujang (adjust more or less for heat)
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup carrots, sliced into ~1/3 inch thick pieces
- 8 oz dried egg noodles or pasta
- 3 green onions thinly sliced (green parts only)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Preparation
- Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and gently pound it to an even thickness. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and butter, cooking until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
- Stir in gochujang and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken stock and water, then add soy sauce. Mix well.
- Return the seared chicken and sliced carrots back into the pot. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
- After simmering, remove the chicken and raise the heat to bring the soup to a boil.
- Add dried egg noodles, cooking according to package instructions (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and return to the soup.
- Serve immediately garnished with sliced green onions.
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