Craving a warm, cozy bowl of soup that feels like a hug? Let’s make a Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup recipe that’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting goodness. This isn’t just any chicken noodle soup Spanish-style—it’s the kind that fills your kitchen with the rich aroma of sofrito, tender chicken, and island spices.
I first tasted this at my Puerto Rican neighbor’s house, and let me tell you, one spoonful, and I was hooked! Today, I’ll show you how to make this sopa de pollo Puerto Rico classic in a way that’s easy, foolproof, and perfect for any night of the week. Let’s get cooking!
What Makes Puerto Rican Chicken Soup Special?
Ever had a bowl of soup that feels like home? That’s what this Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup recipe is. It’s warm, cozy, and full of flavor. But what makes it special? First, there’s sofrito. This mix of peppers, onions, and garlic gives the broth a deep, rich taste. Then, we add sazón. This spice blend adds color and a hint of warmth.
The real magic? The chicken. I always use bone-in chicken. It makes the broth rich and full of flavor. A Puerto Rican friend once told me, “That’s where the taste comes from!” She was right. A touch of cilantro and a squeeze of lime at the end makes it fresh and bright. This isn’t just food. It’s comfort in a bowl. Ready to make it? Let’s get cooking!
If you’re craving more comfort food recipes like this one, check out this Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Bread Recipe.
Ingredients for Puerto Rican Chicken Soup
This Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup recipe is simple yet full of bold flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 cup small soup noodles
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 potato, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons sofrito
- 1 teaspoon season seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Equipment and Tools
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
- Colander or Strainer
- Forks
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 People
How to Make Puerto Rican Chicken Noodle Soup
Making this Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup recipe is easy and fun. Just follow these simple steps, and soon, your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 1: Cook the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs in a large pot. Add 4 cups of water or broth and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer on low for 45 minutes. This slow cooking brings out all the rich flavors.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken: Take the chicken out of the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, shred it with two forks. Toss the bones and put the shredded chicken aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor: Now, let’s turn that broth into gold! Add 3 tablespoons of sofrito, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of season. Stir well and let it cook for a minute. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy Puerto Rican kitchen!
Step 4: Add the Veggies: Time to make it hearty! Add 2 chopped carrots and 1 diced potato to the pot. Let them cook for about 15 minutes or until they are soft.
Step 5: Add the Noodles and Chicken: Toss in 1 cup of small soup noodles and the shredded chicken. Let it all simmer for 5 more minutes. The noodles will soak up the delicious broth.
Step 6: The Finishing Touch: Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Want a little extra zing? Squeeze in some lime juice! This small step makes a big difference.
Step 7: Ready to Serve: That’s it! Your Puerto Rican chicken soup is ready to enjoy. Serve it hot with to stones or crusty bread. One spoonful and you’ll feel like you’re on the island.
Watch How to Make Puerto Rican Chicken Noodle Soup
Tips for the Best Puerto Rican Chicken Soup
Want to make the best Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup recipe? Here are 5 tips to make it unforgettable!
1. Cook It Low and Slow: Simmer the chicken and broth for at least 45 minutes. This slow cooking draws out all the deep, rich flavors, just like my abuela always did.
2. Use Bone-In Chicken: For maximum flavor, use bone-in chicken. The bones give the broth a heartiness and richness you can’t get from boneless cuts.
3. Don’t Skip the Sofrito: Sofrito is essential to this Puerto Rican chicken soup. It adds that unique island flavor to the broth. If you can’t find it fresh, make your own with onions, garlic, peppers, and cilantro.
4. Add a Squeeze of Lime: A little lime juice at the end brightens the whole soup. It’s a simple step, but it really makes a difference!
5. Let It Rest: Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend even more. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Serving Ideas for Puerto Rican Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Pair with Tostones: Tostones (crispy fried plantains) are a classic Puerto Rican side that complements the soup perfectly. They add a crunchy texture and a touch of sweetness that balances the soup’s rich flavors.
2. Serve with Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. You can dip it into the soup or enjoy it on the side.
3. Add a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the soup, offering a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
4. Top with Avocado Slices: For a creamy, cool addition, serve the soup with slices of ripe avocado on top. It’s an easy way to add a bit of extra richness and a tropical touch.
5. Sprinkle with Crumbled Cheese: For a fun twist, sprinkle a little crumbled quash fresco or a mild cheese over the soup. It adds a creamy texture and a slight tang that enhances the flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe
You’ll absolutely love this recipe for sopa de pollo con fideos, an incredible take on the classic American chicken soup. This dish is made with a whole chicken, simmered to perfection in chicken stock and water or chicken broth, which infuses the soup with rich chicken flavor. Start by browning the chicken in a Dutch oven with oil over medium heat until golden brown, then add the chicken and let it cook with aromatic ingredients like oregano, bay leaf, and Puerto Rican sofrito. As the chicken releases its juices, the soup transforms into a hearty meal.
Once the chicken is tender, add potatoes, celery, and chunks of chicken to create a delightful medley of flavors. Incorporate tomato sauce, annatto, and a dash of garlic powder for that extra oomph. For a unique twist, throw in some thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta to make this a comforting version of chicken noodle soup. Whether you’re using boneless chicken breast or leftover chicken pieces, this recipe is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Don’t forget to serve it with fluffy white rice for the ultimate experience!
FAQs About Puerto Rican Chicken Noodle Soup
What’s in Puerto Rican chicken soup?
A Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup includes chicken, sofrito, noodles, carrots, potatoes, and season seasoning. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish with rich, hearty broth.
Can I skip the sofrito in this Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup recipe?
While you can skip sofrito, it adds essential flavor. If you don’t have it, try using garlic and onion for a milder alternative in your Puerto Rican chicken soup.
What type of chicken is best for Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup?
Bone-in chicken is the best choice for this soup. It adds flavor to the broth, making the soup more savory and rich, just like traditional sopa de pollo in Puerto Rico.
Can I use store-bought broth for Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup?
Yes! You can use store-bought chicken broth in your Puerto Rican soup recipe. It saves time and still provides a rich base for the soup.
How do I store leftover Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Reheat and enjoy this chicken noodle soup Spanish-style later!
Conclusion
This Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that will warm you up from the inside out. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and vibrant spices, it’s more than just a soup—it’s comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking it for the first time or you’ve made it a hundred times, this recipe is foolproof and perfect for any night of the week.
Give it a try tonight, and you’ll be transported to the heart of Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup with every spoonful. Let me know how it turns out or if you’ve added your twist to the recipe! I’d love to hear from you. Happy cooking! Feel free to click the links to explore more delicious recipes on Cookupp and Cookupp Easy Beef Stew Hawaii Recipe!
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