This Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup is a cozy bowl of goodness! It has tender chicken, flavorful broth, and just the right kick of heat to warm you up. You’ll love the tasty noodles swimming around!
I can’t help but feel happy with a big bowl in front of me on chilly days. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just toss everything into one pot and let it simmer. Perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: This is the base for your soup, giving it depth and flavor. If you want a lighter option, consider using vegetable broth instead. Homemade broth is also fantastic if you have the time!
Vegetables: Besides the ones listed, feel free to add bell peppers or spinach for more color and nutrition. They’re easy additions that complement the soup nicely.
Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for this recipe because it’s quick and full of flavor. You can also use leftover chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Noodles: Ramen noodles add a fun texture, but you can swap them out for rice noodles or whole wheat pasta if preferred. They all work, so choose what fits your taste!
How Do You Make Sure Your Soup Has Great Flavor?
The key to a flavorful soup lies in properly sautéing your vegetables and spices. Start by heating olive oil in a pot to medium heat and add your onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Let them soften—this locks in their flavors!
- After a few minutes, add the mushrooms and let them cook down. This adds a lovely earthiness.
- Don’t skip toasting the spices! Adding smoked paprika and red pepper flakes in the last minute of cooking helps to enhance their aroma and taste.
- The longer you let the broth simmer after adding all ingredients, the better the flavors meld together, so be patient!
How to Make Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust more or less for desired spiciness)
For the Liquid and Chicken:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Noodles and Garnish:
- 4 ounces egg noodles or ramen noodles
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup requires about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. So, you can have a delicious meal ready in just under 40 minutes! Perfect for a quick weekday dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add in the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, which will take about 5-7 minutes. This step sets the foundation of flavor for your soup!
2. Cook the Mushrooms:
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Let them cook for another 3 minutes until they soften and release their moisture. They’ll add a wonderful earthy flavor to the soup.
3. Add the Spices:
Stir in the smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the spices cook for about 1 minute to release their delightful aroma. This is what will give your soup that lovely kick!
4. Combine the Broth and Chicken:
Now, pour in the chicken broth. Add the shredded chicken, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce (or Sriracha), and dried thyme. Give it a good stir to mix everything together nicely.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. This allows all those lovely flavors to come together and meld beautifully.
6. Cook the Noodles:
After the 15 minutes are up, add the noodles into the pot. Continue to simmer until the noodles are tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes depending on the noodle type you use.
7. Season to Taste:
Now, take a moment to taste your soup! Add salt and pepper as needed to enhance those flavors.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with half a hard-boiled egg and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
9. Add Some Zest:
Finally, serve with lemon wedges on the side. A little squeeze of lemon adds a bright taste that complements the spices wonderfully.
Enjoy your comforting, spicy chicken noodle soup packed with veggies, tender chicken, noodles, and a flavorful spicy broth! It’s sure to warm your heart and your tummy!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh ones. Just add them towards the end of the cooking time so they don’t become mushy, and stir everything together to heat through!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’d like a vegetarian option, you can use firm tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. Simply sauté the tofu until golden, or rinse and drain the chickpeas, then add them to the broth for a hearty alternative!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them when you’re ready to serve, so they don’t get mushy.
Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
Sure thing! You can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash more of chili garlic sauce. For an even bolder kick, some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can do wonders!