Sopa de Fideo with Chicken

Sopa de Fideo with Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken drumsticks with toasted fideo noodles in a rich tomato-based broth. This recipe provides a simple yet satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
  • 6 chicken drumsticks, thawed, skin on
  • Salt to season chicken
  • 1 7-ounce bag dry fideo noodles
  • 6 cups warm water
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon chicken knorr

Directions:

  1. In a 3-quart (10″) pan, heat about two tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-low heat. Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and then cook them in the heated oil, turning occasionally, until the skin starts to crisp, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  2. Once the chicken skin is crisped, remove all the drumsticks from the pan and set them aside. Note that the chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage.
  3. In the same pan, add the remaining two tablespoons of cooking oil. Over medium-low heat, toast the fideo noodles in the oil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Toast the noodles until they turn into a light golden brown color, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
  4. After the fideo noodles are toasted, add the warm water, tomato paste, garlic salt, and chicken knorr to the pan. Stir well to ensure that the tomato paste is fully distributed throughout the soup.
  5. Return the cooked chicken drumsticks to the soup mixture. Bring the soup to a low simmer and let it cook gently for 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
  6. After 10 minutes of simmering, turn off the heat and allow the soup to rest for an additional 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Tips:

  • Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more salt or other seasonings as desired.
  • Feel free to customize the soup by adding vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
  • For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes.
  • Serve the Sopa de Fideo with Chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

Conclusion:
Sopa de Fideo with Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken drumsticks, toasted fideo noodles, and a flavorful tomato-based broth. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying meal any day of the week. Enjoy the heartwarming flavors and aromas of this traditional Mexican soup!

1. Can I use boneless chicken instead of chicken drumsticks?

  • Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken drumsticks, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs or breast meat if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. Boneless chicken tends to cook faster than drumsticks, so keep an eye on the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

2. Is it necessary to use fideo noodles, or can I substitute with other types of pasta?

  • Fideo noodles are traditional in Mexican cuisine and are specifically designed for dishes like Sopa de Fideo. However, if you can’t find fideo noodles, you can certainly substitute with other thin pasta shapes such as angel hair pasta or vermicelli. Just keep in mind that different types of pasta may require slight adjustments in cooking time and texture, so monitor the noodles closely as they cook.

3. Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it later?

  • Yes, you can make Sopa de Fideo with Chicken in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Simply prepare the soup as instructed, allow it to cool to room temperature, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to reheat, gently warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin out the soup if it thickens upon refrigeration.

4. How can I adjust the flavor of the soup to suit my preferences?

  • Sopa de Fideo with Chicken is a versatile dish that allows for various flavor adjustments based on personal taste preferences. Here are a few tips for customizing the flavor:
    • Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic salt, chicken knorr, and salt according to your taste preferences. Taste the soup as it simmers and add more seasoning if needed.
    • Spices: For a more flavorful and aromatic soup, consider adding additional spices such as cumin, paprika, or oregano. These spices can enhance the overall depth of flavor in the soup.
    • Vegetables: While the recipe does not include vegetables, you can add diced carrots, celery, onions, or bell peppers to the soup for added texture and nutrition. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the fideo noodles before adding the liquid ingredients.
    • Garnishes: Garnish each serving of soup with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dollop of sour cream for added freshness and flavor.

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