Please note, this post may contain affiliate links. Visit Devine Fairytale’s Disclosure Policy for more details.
There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that instantly makes you feel better. Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re craving a bit of comfort, chicken fideo soup is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes. Simple, satisfying, and flavorful, this soup is a staple in many households, and it’s easy to see why. With tender chicken, delicate noodles, and a flavorful broth, chicken fideo soup is not only easy to make but also packed with love in every spoonful.
I know the ingredients list looks long, but this soup really is easy to put together. You can save time by prepping the ingredients ahead of time if you need to!
Jump to RecipeWhat is Chicken Fideo Soup?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what chicken fideo soup actually is. Fideo is a type of pasta, very similar to thin vermicelli noodles or angel hair, but typically cut into smaller pieces. This pasta is the star of the show in chicken fideo soup, giving the dish its signature texture and heartiness.
This soup is popular in Mexican and Latin American kitchens, often made with chicken, vegetables, and a savory broth that’s enriched with spices. But, much like chicken noodle soup in the U.S., chicken fideo soup can vary from family to family, with some versions adding tomatoes, while others stick with a clear broth. Regardless of how it’s made, this soup is always about comfort and simplicity.
Why Chicken Fideo Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food
When life gets hectic or you’re feeling under the weather, chicken fideo soup is like a hug in a bowl. It’s filling without being too heavy, and the combination of broth, noodles, and tender chicken is a timeless trio that never disappoints. Plus, this recipe is great for when you want something homemade but don’t have the energy for an elaborate meal.
The best part? Chicken fideo soup can be customized to your liking. Want more veggies? Add them in! Prefer a spicier broth? Go ahead and sprinkle in some chili flakes. This is your soup, so make it exactly how you like it.
Ingredients
- 3 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
- 1 Medium Sweet Onion, diced
- 2 Medium Carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 Celery Stalks, diced (leaves reserved)
- 1 T Fresh Thyme, crushed
- 1 lb. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1” cubes
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- 8 c. Low-Sodium Chicken Stock, divided
- 1 cup Fideo Noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 T Fresh Lemon Zest
- 1 T Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/4 t. Ground or Freshly Grated Nutmeg
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese, to taste
- Optional Garnish: Fresh Parsley and Thyme
What You’ll Need
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven
- Large Pot
- Bowl
- Strainer
- Grater
- Zester
Instructions
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
- Heat 2 T. of olive oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add onion and sauté 2 minutes until just beginning to soften. Add carrots, celery (including leaves), and thyme and sauté for 4 minutes.
- Add chicken, salt, pepper, and 4 cups of chicken stock. Partially cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- While the soup is simmering, cook the Fideo noodles according to package directions in remaining broth until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of cooking liquid before draining pasta. Drain pasta and transfer to a medium bowl and toss with remaining olive oil. Cover and set aside.
- Just before serving, add Fideo noodles to the soup. Stir and remove from heat.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and nutmeg. If soup is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid to reach desired consistency.
- To serve, divide among individual serving bowls. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with additional fresh cracked pepper and fresh parsley and thyme if desired. Serve with hot toasted bread or a crisp, garden salad for a light and delicious meal.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Fideo Soup
- Use homemade chicken broth if you have time—it really takes the flavor to the next level. But store-bought works just as well when you’re in a pinch.
- Customize your veggies based on what you have on hand. Green beans, peas, or even spinach can be great additions to this soup.
- Cook the noodles just right. Overcooking them can make the soup too starchy, so keep an eye on them while they simmer.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Fideo Soup
Chicken fideo soup is not only delicious, but it’s also a nutritious and well-rounded meal. The chicken provides a great source of protein, while the noodles and vegetables make it filling without being too heavy. It’s perfect for meal prepping because it reheats well, making it a great option for quick lunches throughout the week.
Plus, this soup is incredibly versatile. You can make it as simple or as loaded as you like. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different seasonings like cumin or oregano for a little extra depth.
Chicken Fideo Soup
Equipment
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven
- Large Pot
- Bowl
- Strainer
- Grater
- Zester
Ingredients
- 3 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil divided
- 1 Medium Sweet Onion diced
- 2 Medium Carrots peeled and diced
- 2 Celery Stalks diced, leaves reserved
- 1 T Fresh Thyme crushed
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into 1" cubes
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 8 c Low Sodium Chicken Stock divided
- 1 cup Fideo Noodles cooked and drained
- 1 T Fresh Lemon Zest
- 1 T Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/4 t Ground or Freshly Grated Nutmeg
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese to taste
- Fresh Parsley and Thyme optional garnish
Instructions
- Heat 2 T. of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or Dutch Oven.
- Add onion and sauté 2 minutes until just beginning to soften.
- Add carrots, celery (including the leaves), and thyme and sauté for 4 minutes.
- Add chicken, salt, pepper, and 4 cups of chicken stock.
- Partially cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- While the soup is simmering, cook the Fideo noodles according to the package directions in the remaining broth until al dente. Rese
- Reserve 2 cups of cooking liquid before draining pasta.
- Drain pasta and transfer to a medium bowl and toss with remaining olive oil. Cover and set aside.
- Just before serving, add Fideo noodles to the soup. Stir and remove from heat.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and nutmeg.
- If soup is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid to reach desired consistency.
- To serve, divide among individual serving bowls. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with additional fresh cracked pepper and fresh parsley and thyme if desired.
Nutrition
Whether you’re serving up chicken fideo soup for a family dinner, or you’re just making a batch to enjoy on a cozy weekend, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your household. The next time you’re craving comfort food, skip the canned soup and make your own homemade chicken fideo soup. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this simple yet satisfying dish!
