This Chipotle Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a spicy kick from chipotle peppers, it’s sure to cozy up your dinner.
If you ask me, the best part is watching the steam rise as you serve it—nothing says “I’m ready for a comfy meal” quite like that! Perfect with some crusty bread by your side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing, but you could use any cooking oil you have on hand, like avocado or canola oil. Each has its own unique flavor, so choose what you like best!
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness. However, if you’re not a fan, green onions or shallots work too. They’ll add slight differences in flavor but will still keep your soup tasty.
Chipotle Peppers: The real star here! Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. If you want to tone it down, smoked paprika is a milder alternative that’ll still give you that smoky flavor.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth makes a rich soup, but store-bought low-sodium options are a quick fix. Vegetable broth can also work if you’re in a pinch or prefer a lighter taste.
Egg Noodles: These add a lovely texture, but any pasta will do! If you’re gluten-free, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta – both will still play well in this recipe.
How Do I Get the Right Flavor Depth?
Building flavor is key for a satisfying soup. Start by sautéing the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until they soften. This process is called “mirepoix” and forms a nice base. Stir in the cumin and chipotle peppers next to toast them—this releases their flavors!
- Heat olive oil over medium heat before adding chopped veggies.
- Cook until soft, then add spices for a minute.
- Finally, add your broth and chicken to simmer until the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld.
Don’t forget to finish your soup with a splash of lime juice; it brightens everything up and balances the heat! Enjoy crafting this warming dish!
How to Make Chipotle Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 2 cups egg noodles or your preferred noodle type
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking. So you’re looking at approximately 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and cozy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 5–7 minutes until they soften and become aromatic. This is where the delicious base of your soup begins!
2. Add Spices and Chipotle:
Next, stir in the ground cumin and minced chipotle peppers. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute until you can smell the wonderful aromas. This step really helps to enhance the flavors of the soup!
3. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is the moment the comforting warmth starts to fill your kitchen!
4. Incorporate the Chicken:
Add the cooked shredded chicken to the pot and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to heat through and mingle with those tasty flavors.
5. Cook the Noodles:
Next, add the egg noodles to the pot. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 6–8 minutes, until they’re nice and tender.
6. Season to Taste:
Finally, season the soup with salt and black pepper. Don’t forget to stir in the fresh lime juice—it adds a delightful zing!
7. Serve it Up:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls, and finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top for freshness and color. Your chipotle chicken noodle soup is ready to be enjoyed!
8. Enjoy!
Serve hot and savor every bite of this smoky and comforting dish!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly here. Just shred the chicken, and it’ll heat through nicely in the soup, saving you time!
How Can I Make This Soup Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder soup, use just 1 chipotle pepper or remove the seeds before mincing them. You can also add a bit of cream or yogurt after cooking to help cool down the heat.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes! Just let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove.
What Can I Substitute for Egg Noodles?
If you’re not a fan of egg noodles, you can use other types of pasta like fettuccine, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type you choose!
