Hearty & Flavorful Sopa De Fideo Chicken Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort beckons with this classic sopa de fideo chicken recipe that dances between simplicity and rich flavor.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved Mexican comfort dish passed down through kitchens.

Slender noodles weave through tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious blend of textures and warmth.

Aromatic spices whisper stories of tradition in every spoonful of this humble yet spectacular meal.

Each ingredient brings a layer of depth that transforms a basic soup into a soul-satisfying experience.

You’ll find this recipe effortlessly bridges memories of home-cooked meals with the joy of shared dining.

Savor every bite and let this soup transport you to a place of culinary comfort.

What’s Needed for Sopa de Fideo with Chicken

• Chicken: A tender protein that adds richness and flavor to the traditional Mexican soup.

• Fideo: Thin, short pasta that becomes golden and provides a delightful texture to the soup.

• Water: The primary liquid that creates the soup's broth and helps blend all flavors together.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated tomato product that adds depth and a vibrant red color to the broth.

• Salt, Garlic Salt, Bouillon: A combination of seasonings that enhance the overall taste and provide a savory profile to the soup.

• Cooking Oil: A neutral fat used for cooking chicken and toasting noodles, helping to develop rich flavors.

Cooking Steps for Chicken Sopa de Fideo

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Perfection

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-low flame.

Sprinkle chicken with salt, creating a crispy golden exterior.

Cook for 7-8 minutes until the meat transforms into a delectable golden-brown treasure.

Carefully transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Dance the Noodles

Pour remaining oil into the same skillet.

Add fideo noodles and perform a delightful toasting ritual.

Stir constantly until the noodles transform into a rich, golden-brown delight, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Craft Liquid Magic

• Water
• Tomato paste
• Garlic salt
• Chicken bouillon

Whisk with passion until the tomato paste surrenders and dissolves completely.

Let the mixture simmer gently, developing deep, complex flavors.

Step 4: Reunite the Ingredients

Bring the crispy chicken back to the party.

Nestle the pieces into the simmering broth.

Cover the skillet and let everything mingle and develop flavors for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove from heat.

Allow the sopa de fideo to rest peacefully for 10-15 minutes.

This final moment lets the flavors harmonize and intensify.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting embrace of this classic Mexican dish.

Tips for Chicken Sopa de Fideo Success

• Stir fideo constantly to prevent burning and achieve an even golden-brown color for rich, nutty flavor.
• Use medium-low heat and don't move chicken while cooking to ensure crispy, evenly browned skin without burning.
• Dissolve tomato paste completely and let simmer to develop deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Allowing the dish to rest off heat helps chicken absorb broth and lets flavors meld together seamlessly.
• Serve immediately after resting to enjoy the perfect temperature and texture of noodles and chicken.

Fun Twists for Chicken Sopa de Fideo

• Vegetarian Fideo: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, sautéed until golden and seasoned with similar spices.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use rice noodles or gluten-free vermicelli instead of traditional wheat fideo, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and extra hot sauce during broth preparation to create a fiery, bold flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: Substitute bouillon with homemade vegetable stock, reduce salt, and use fresh herbs like oregano and cilantro for enhanced taste without sodium.

Serving Chicken Sopa de Fideo

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Serve this hearty sopa de fideo with warm flour tortillas for dipping and soaking up extra broth.
• Protein-Packed Plate Enhancer: Top with shredded rotisserie chicken or additional grilled chicken for extra protein and texture.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced white onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the dish's rich, comforting flavors.
• Spice Level Customizer: Add a small dish of sliced jalapeños or hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat according to their preference.

Storage for Chicken Sopa de Fideo

• Store leftover sopa de fideo in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best flavor and texture.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• If noodles have absorbed too much liquid during storage, add extra broth when reheating to restore the original soup consistency.

FAQs

• What are fideo noodles?

Fideo noodles are thin, short Mexican pasta strands made from wheat flour, typically used in soups and casseroles, with a delicate texture that absorbs flavors quickly.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or even turkey for a similar delicious result in this traditional Mexican soup.

• Is this dish spicy?

Traditional sopa de fideo is not inherently spicy, but you can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to increase heat according to your preference.

• How do I prevent noodles from getting mushy?

Toast the noodles carefully until golden brown and avoid overcooking during the simmering process to maintain their ideal texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Sopa de Fideo with Chicken Standout Flavors

• Boost Flavor Quickly: Toasting noodles creates a rich, nutty depth that transforms this simple dish into a taste sensation.
• Master Easy Cooking Technique: Learn to perfectly crisp chicken and toast noodles with minimal steps, making you feel like a pro chef in your own kitchen.
• Comfort Food Champion: Enjoy a hearty, soul-warming meal that combines tender chicken and perfectly seasoned noodles in one delicious pot.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Prepare a satisfying meal with basic ingredients that won't break the bank while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Sopa De Fideo Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican comfort cuisine reaches new heights with this sopa de fideo chicken recipe, where golden noodles dance with tender chicken in a rich, aromatic broth. Hearty and satisfying, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic dish that warms both body and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 6 chicken drumsticks, skin on

Noodles:

• 1 package (7 ounces / 198 grams) fideo noodles

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 6 cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
• Salt to taste

Cooking Oil:

• 4 tablespoons cooking oil, divided

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Instructions

1. Season chicken pieces with salt, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low temperature, creating a gentle cooking environment for the chicken.
3. Cook chicken until skin turns crispy and golden, approximately 7-8 minutes, developing rich surface texture and sealed-in juices.
4. Remove chicken from the pan, setting aside while preparing subsequent components.
5. In the same skillet, add remaining oil and introduce fideo noodles, stirring continuously to achieve an even golden-brown coloration.
6. Toast noodles for 6-8 minutes, allowing them to develop a nutty, caramelized essence that enhances overall dish complexity.
7. Pour water into the skillet, incorporating tomato paste, garlic salt, and bouillon to create a robust, flavorful broth.
8. Stir liquid mixture thoroughly, ensuring tomato paste completely dissolves and integrates with other ingredients.
9. Allow broth to simmer, developing depth and melding flavors harmoniously.
10. Carefully return previously cooked chicken to the pan, nestling pieces into the simmering liquid.
11. Cover skillet and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes, allowing chicken to absorb surrounding flavors.
12. Remove from heat and let dish rest undisturbed for 10-15 minutes, permitting final flavor integration and ensuring optimal serving temperature.

Notes

• Choose thin vermicelli or angel hair pasta for authentic texture and quick toasting.
• Rinse chicken thoroughly before seasoning to remove any surface bacteria and ensure food safety.
• Toast noodles slowly and carefully to prevent burning, stirring continuously for even golden color.
• Use low-sodium chicken bouillon to control salt content and customize flavor intensity.
• Swap chicken with tofu or beans for vegetarian version, maintaining similar protein levels.
• Add fresh cilantro or lime juice at serving for bright, fresh flavor enhancement.
• Store leftovers in airtight container for maximum 3-4 days, reheating gently to preserve noodle texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg