This Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and cozy with a nice kick! It’s packed with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty noodles—the perfect bowl for any day.
I love adding extra chili flakes for more heat—it really wakes up my taste buds! Serving it with some crusty bread makes it even better. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds healthy fats and flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil if preferred.
Onion: A medium onion works well for flavor. If you need a milder taste, consider using shallots or green onions instead.
Jalapeño: Use any hot chili pepper for heat. If you’re avoiding spice, you can leave it out or use a bell pepper for sweetness.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is fantastic, but store-bought works too. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Egg Noodles: I prefer egg noodles for texture. You can swap them for whole wheat, gluten-free noodles, or even rice.
Fresh Herbs: I love cilantro, but parsley works too! If you’re not a fan of either, you can skip the herbs and still have a delicious soup!
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your vegetables right enhances the soup’s flavor. Start by chopping them into even sizes so they cook evenly. Here’s how to cook them perfectly:
- Heat the oil and add the onions first; they take the longest to soften. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add celery and carrots next, and stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Don’t rush! The goal is to soften them before adding garlic and spices; this builds a deeper flavor.
Remember, patience is key! Softening the veggies creates a tasty base for your soup!
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño or other hot chili, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached chicken breast)
- 6 oz egg noodles or spaghetti broken into smaller pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 35 minutes to serve up a delicious and comforting bowl of soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced celery, sliced carrots, and jalapeño. Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. The aromas will start to fill your kitchen!
2. Add Spices and Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to release their fragrant flavors.
3. Bring in the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully.
4. Add Chicken and Noodles:
Now, add the shredded cooked chicken and egg noodles into the simmering broth. Cook until the noodles are tender, which will take about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep everything combined.
5. Finish with Freshness:
Finally, stir in the fresh chopped cilantro or parsley and add the lemon juice. Taste your soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or additional chili flakes depending on your spice preference. You want it flavorful and just the right level of heat!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra chopped herbs on top. Serve with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Cozy up and enjoy the warmth of this delicious spicy chicken noodle soup!
Enjoy your bright, spicy, and comforting chicken noodle soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure it’s completely thawed first. You can thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or rapidly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, shred it before adding to the soup.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of jalapeño and crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance. If you’re sensitive to spice, you might consider omitting the jalapeño altogether.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them with the other vegetables at the beginning, adjusting cooking times as needed.