Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Spicy chicken noodle soup is a must-have for weeknight dinners, especially when you crave comfort food. You only need to cook chicken, veggies, and spices in broth, add noodles, garnish with cilantro and lime, and season to taste. And ENJOY the spicy chicken soup!

Why You'll Love This Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

• Easy Weeknight Dinner: This soup is a time saver on busy evenings. Just gather your ingredients and let the pot do its magic(just like this tomato soup from tomato paste and this clear tomato soup).
• Flavorful and Spicy: Adding hot sauce and red pepper flakes to classic chicken noodle soup spices up each spoonful, creating a bold flavor experience like this spicy butternut squash soup.
• Easy to Make: With just a few straightforward steps, you can create a mouth-watering Spicy chicken noodle soup that impresses everyone. If you have leftover chicken, feel free to use it in this recipe. You can also try this spicy ramen noodles soup.
• Versatile: This soup can be customized to suit any preference, whether you prefer more vegetables, a different type of noodles, or an extra dash of spice.

The Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: If you want convenience, opt for rotisserie or bone-in chicken for a deeper flavor. Either way, it's straightforward to make.
• Chicken Broth adds depth and richness to this spicy chicken noodle soup. You can also use beef or vegetable stock.
• Garlic and Onion: Adds a foundational flavor to the soup. Red, yellow, or any onion works well in this recipe.
• Carrots and Celery: While endless vegetable options exist, toss in any fresh seasonal vegetables.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a unique, warm spice to this soup.
• Soy Sauce: It provides a savory, umami flavor.
• Sriracha Sauce: Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, or use red pepper flakes for a different type of heat.
• Rice Noodles: Light and beautifully soak up the soup's flavors. In this Spicy chicken noodle soup, you can use thin varieties such as angel hair pasta or curly egg noodles.
• Fresh Cilantro and Lime Wedges: The combination of lime juice and the minced cilantro finishes the toco with refreshing flavors. If you think of substitutes, you may swap cilantro with parsley or skip it altogether.

How To Make Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup?

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sear chicken breast until golden brown.

2. Add chicken broth, water, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, ginger, soy sauce, and sriracha. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked.

3. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set it aside. Add rice noodles to the same soup pot and cook for about 5 minutes(until they're done).

4. Return shredded chicken to the pot, adjust consistency, and serve hot with black pepper, cilantro, and lime. Enjoy!

What To Serve With?

• Refreshing Beverages: To balance the spicy chicken noodle soup's spiciness, serve it with non-alcoholic fruit punches or herbal teas. 
• Crunchy Side Salads: Fresh vegetables like a crisp garden salad(cucumber mango salad or fresco salad) or a tangy Asian slaw can contrast the warm, spicy soup.
• Bread Varieties: Serve the soup with crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping. 
• Starchy Sides: Consider pairing with steamed rice or quinoa. Or try these spicy roasted sweet potatoes.

How To Store The Leftovers?

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Place any leftover spicy chicken noodle soup in an air-sealed container for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen with time, making it a great next-day meal.
• Freezing: For extended storage, freeze the soup in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Remember to leave a little space at the top as liquids expand when frozen.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen spicy chicken noodle soup overnight in the refrigerator. 
• Reheating: Reheat this soup on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. If it's too thick, add extra broth or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Important Tips: If using rotisserie chicken(always discard skin), remember it might shorten the storage life. 

The Variations

• Coconut Milk Twist: For an Indian-inspired flavor, add coconut milk and red chili powder to this spicy chicken noodle soup.
• Cream Cheese Addition: Mix in some cream cheese for a thicker, creamier texture. 
• Thai-Inspired Flavor: Incorporate red curry paste and fish sauce to give the soup a Thai flavor profile. 
• Veggie Boost: Add red bell pepper for additional color and sweetness.
• Extra Heat: Add cayenne or toss more red pepper flakes if you like spicy food. 

The Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Use Bone-In Chicken: For an even richer and more flavorful spicy chicken noodle soup, consider using bone-in chicken(whole chicken) pieces.
• Opt for Yellow Onions: Yellow onions have a perfect balance of sweetness and astringency. They enhance the soup without overpowering other ingredients.
• Fresh Cilantro Matters: Use fresh cilantro as a garnish. It adds freshness and a slightly citrusy flavor, balancing the spice in this spicy chicken noodle soup recipe.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Tailor the heat to your liking. If you're sensitive to spice, start with less sriracha sauce and gradually add more. Don't hesitate to add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat.