Chicken Vermicelli Soup

Introduction

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Chicken Vermicelli Soup to warm you up from the inside out. This soup is the perfect combination of tender chicken, a flavorful broth, and delicate vermicelli noodles. It’s light yet satisfying, offering just the right balance of comforting flavors and warmth.

What I love most about this soup is how simple it is to make—yet every spoonful is packed with heartwarming goodness. The tender chicken adds a lovely richness to the broth, while the vermicelli noodles soak up all the flavors, creating the perfect, light texture. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just craving something nourishing for yourself, this soup hits the spot every time.

It’s a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, making it the perfect choice when you need a little comfort food in your life. Let’s dive in and make this delicious, cozy soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
• Full of Flavor: The chicken and broth are infused with aromatic herbs and spices, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
• Light Yet Filling: The vermicelli noodles add a delicate texture without feeling too heavy.
• Customizable: You can adjust the veggies or add herbs to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and soft noodles make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbohydrates: 28g, Fiber: 2g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

You’ll need these simple ingredients to make this comforting soup:

For the Soup:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup vermicelli noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: The chicken provides a protein boost while adding a savory flavor that enriches the soup.
• Vermicelli Noodles: These delicate, thin noodles are the perfect addition, offering a soft texture that soaks up the flavorful broth.
• Carrots and Celery: These veggies add a sweet and savory depth, while also making the soup more filling and nutritious.
• Herbs and Broth: The thyme, oregano, and bay leaf add aromatic flavors, and the chicken broth ties everything together with a rich, savory base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Chicken Vermicelli Soup:

1. Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

2. Add the Broth and Seasonings

Return the chicken to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Simmer the Soup

Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

4. Add the Vermicelli Noodles

Stir in the vermicelli noodles and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through. Be sure to check the texture of the noodles, as vermicelli cooks quickly.

5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

How to Serve

This Chicken Vermicelli Soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

1. Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair this soup with some toasted baguette or a warm, crusty loaf of bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
2. Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of color and extra flavor.
3. Add a Side Salad: Pair with a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
4. Sprinkle Cheese: A little grated Parmesan on top adds a nice savory touch.

Additional Tips

Make the most of your Chicken Vermicelli Soup with these handy tips:

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker version, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken.
2. Add Greens: For extra nutrition, stir in some spinach or kale toward the end of cooking.
3. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat.
4. Add a Touch of Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds brightness and balance to the soup.
5. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like peas, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes for variety.
6. Make It a Meal: If you’d like a heartier soup, consider adding some potatoes or beans.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to put a fun twist on your Chicken Vermicelli Soup:

• Creamy Chicken Vermicelli Soup: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end to make the soup extra creamy.
• Spicy Chicken Vermicelli Soup: Add some diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Herbed Chicken Vermicelli Soup: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or dill for a different flavor profile.
• Lemon Chicken Vermicelli Soup: Add fresh lemon zest or lemon juice to bring a bright, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and broth.

Freezing and Storage

To keep your Chicken Vermicelli Soup fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Storage: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to freeze it without the noodles. Cook the noodles fresh when reheating the soup.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little more water or broth to adjust the consistency as needed.

Special Equipment

For this simple yet delicious soup, all you need is:

• Soup Pot: A large pot or Dutch oven works best for this recipe.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
• Ladle: To serve the soup easily.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your Chicken Vermicelli Soup:

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  Yes! If you don’t have vermicelli, feel free to swap it out with any small pasta like orzo, ditalini, or even rice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you use.
• Can I make this soup in advance?
  Absolutely! In fact, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
  Yes, you can! To make it in a slow cooker, cook the chicken and vegetables on low for 6-7 hours, and add the vermicelli noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them from becoming mushy.
• Is this soup gluten-free?
  Yes, this soup can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free vermicelli or any gluten-free small pasta of your choice.
• How can I make the soup creamier?
  For a creamier version, simply stir in a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or even a little cream cheese at the end of cooking.
• Can I freeze this soup?
  Yes! This soup freezes well, but it’s best to freeze it without the noodles. When reheating, cook fresh noodles and add them to the soup. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
  Absolutely! Feel free to add in extra veggies like peas, corn, spinach, or zucchini. Just add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, so they stay tender but not overcooked.

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Conclusion

Chicken Vermicelli Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those days when you want something cozy, nourishing, and super easy to make. There’s something so satisfying about the way the soft vermicelli noodles soak up all the savory flavors of the broth, while the chicken stays juicy and tender. Plus, you can customize it however you like—throw in your favorite veggies, add a little spice, or keep it simple with just the basics.

This soup is not only a winner for weeknight dinners, but it’s also a great dish for meal prepping or even serving to guests. It’s a universal comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re enjoying it with your family or savoring a quiet bowl to yourself, it’s guaranteed to bring a little joy to your day.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy!