Comforting Chicken Fideo Soup Recipe

When it comes to comforting and nourishing dishes, few things can compare to a warm bowl of soup. Among the wide array of soups from around the world, Chicken Fideo Soup stands out as a beloved comfort food, particularly in Mexican and Spanish cuisines. With its rich history, delightful flavor profile, and simple yet satisfying ingredients, this soup has found its way into the hearts and homes of many. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the delightful world of Chicken Fideo Soup, its origins, ingredients, preparation, and the reasons it continues to bring comfort and joy to countless souls.

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!

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What is Fideo?

The simple answer is that, “fideo” translates to noodles in Spanish. Fideo noodles are a particular type of noodle that is short, golden, and thin.

Chicken Fideo Soup, also known as Sopa de Fideo, has its roots in Mexican and Spanish culinary traditions. This dish is a testament to the fusion of Spanish and indigenous Mexican cuisines, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to create a symphony of flavors. The Spanish brought their love for noodles, while the ingredients like tomatoes, chilies, and various spices were incorporated, resulting in a unique blend of culinary cultures.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Just before serving, add Fideo noodles to the soup. Stir and remove from heat.
5. 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.
6. To serve, divide among individual serving bowls. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
7. 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.

Cooking Tips

Fideo are a short cut spaghetti noodle. If you are not able to find them at your local grocery store, vermicelli broken into 1” pieces is a good substitute.

For best results, cook the Fideo separately, rather than in the same pot with the rest of the ingredients. This extra step yields more consistent results by eliminating the release of excess starch into the soup. It also prevents the noodles from becoming too soft and mushy. This mean more appetizing leftovers the next day and better results when freezing for future use.

Cooking the Fideo in chicken stock instead of water adds an extra layer of flavor.

Substitutions

If you are follow a low carb diet, you could substitute the Fideo noodles with Shirataki noodles or Quinoa noodles.

For a bit more flavor, you can use economical boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, but be sure to trim and remove any excess fat first.

Chicken Fideo Soup is a testament to the power of simplicity in cooking. With just a handful of basic ingredients and a dash of culinary creativity, you can whip up a bowl of comfort that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re seeking solace on a rainy day or aiming to please a crowd at a gathering, this classic soup never fails to deliver. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and savor the heartwarming embrace of Chicken Fideo Soup.