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