If you are longing for a bowl of warmth and comfort on a chilly day, this Cozy Chicken Vermicelli Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It is a delightful blend of tender shredded chicken, delicate vermicelli noodles, and a medley of sautéed vegetables simmered to perfection in a flavorful chicken broth. Each spoonful offers that satisfying homestyle taste that feels like a warm hug, making it a timeless favorite to savor any time you crave something nourishing and soothing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavors and inviting aromas that make this dish unforgettable. From aromatic garlic and fresh vegetables to the perfect broth and tender chicken, these basics come together effortlessly to form a dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
- Small onion (diced): Adds a mellow, savory base flavor to the soup.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Provides an aromatic punch and depth to the broth.
- Medium carrots (sliced): Contribute a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks (sliced): Offer a fresh, slightly earthy crunch that balances the flavors.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): The heart of the soup, delivering a rich and savory foundation.
- Cooked shredded chicken (1½ cups): Adds protein and tender bites of deliciousness.
- Dry vermicelli noodles (¾ cup, broken): Creates a delicate texture that complements the broth perfectly.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Lends a subtle herbal note enhancing the overall flavor.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For a gentle warmth and seasoning boost.
- Salt (to taste): Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Brightens the soup with a fresh, green touch.
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional): Adds a refreshing zing that wakes up the palate beautifully.
How to Make Cozy Chicken Vermicelli Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced onion and cook just until it becomes translucent, unlocking its subtle sweetness. Then add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about five minutes, allowing their aromas to mingle and soften, setting a flavorful stage for the broth yet to come.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in the full six cups of chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. This step is where the flavors begin to meld beautifully, warming your kitchen with the anticipation of comfort to come.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings
Gently stir in the cooked shredded chicken along with the dried thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Lower the flame and let the soup simmer for ten minutes, allowing the herbs to infuse and the chicken to soak up all those rich flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Vermicelli
Now it’s time for the vermicelli noodles. Add them into the simmering soup, cooking for approximately four to five minutes until they become tender yet retain a slight bite. This creates the perfect contrast to the silky broth and tender chicken.
Step 5: Final Touches
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—with more salt or pepper to your liking. Stir in freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if you’re using them. These additions brighten and freshen the soup, taking this Cozy Chicken Vermicelli Soup Recipe to a whole new level of deliciousness.
How to Serve Cozy Chicken Vermicelli Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a wonderful finishing touch that adds a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note. For extra zest, a light drizzle of lemon juice right before serving can brighten every spoonful and make the flavors truly sing.
Side Dishes
This soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm garlic toast creates a meal that is hearty and complete. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works beautifully to balance the comforting richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and garnish each with a small sprig of parsley. You can even serve the vermicelli noodles and chicken separately in small ramekins for guests to customize their servings. This Cozy Chicken Vermicelli Soup Recipe shines at family dinners as well as casual gatherings, offering a personal and inviting dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover soup in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners that warm you right up.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, though it’s best to keep the vermicelli separate or slightly undercooked before freezing to prevent them from getting mushy. Freeze in airtight containers and consume within two months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge if necessary. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Add more broth or water if the soup thickens too much, and always taste to adjust the seasoning before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different noodles instead of vermicelli?
Absolutely! Thin pasta like angel hair or broken spaghetti works wonderfully in this Cozy Chicken Vermicelli Soup Recipe if you don’t have vermicelli on hand. They’ll soak up the broth beautifully without overpowering the delicate textures.
Is it necessary to use cooked chicken for this soup?
Using cooked shredded chicken is the easiest way to keep the soup quick and simple, but you can also boil raw chicken breasts or thighs in the broth until cooked, then shred them right in the pot for maximum flavor infusion.
How can I make the soup more filling?
For extra heartiness, add diced potatoes or cooked beans during the simmering step. You could also top the soup with grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream for richness if dairy fits your diet.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, this Cozy Chicken Vermicelli Soup Recipe is naturally dairy-free if you skip any optional garnishes like cheese or cream. The olive oil and fresh vegetables bring plenty of flavor on their own.
What herbs pair well besides thyme?
If you want to experiment, rosemary or a bay leaf added during simmering can complement the soup nicely. Fresh basil or cilantro stirred in at the end also provides a bright twist.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a homemade bowl of soup that brings comfort, nourishment, and joy all at once. This Cozy Chicken Vermicelli Soup Recipe is one of those gems that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for any occasion when you need a bit of warmth and love in a bowl. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how something so simple can feel so wonderfully satisfying.
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Cozy Chicken Vermicelli Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Cozy Chicken Vermicelli Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Combining tender shredded chicken, delicate vermicelli noodles, and a medley of sautéed vegetables in a savory chicken broth, this soup is both hearty and light. Enhanced with fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice for brightness, it offers a delightful balance of richness and freshness. Easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal, this soup serves as a wholesome option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
Protein and Noodles
- 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- ¾ cup dry vermicelli noodles (broken into smaller pieces)
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Finishing Touches (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant, which builds the flavor base.
- Add garlic and vegetables: Stir in minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Continue sautéing for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften, enhancing the soup’s texture and taste.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add chicken and seasonings: Incorporate shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let the soup gently simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the vermicelli: Stir in broken vermicelli noodles and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Adjust seasoning and finish: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed. Mix in fresh parsley and lemon juice for added freshness and brightness, if using.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute vermicelli noodles with angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti broken into smaller pieces for similar texture.
- For a deeper, richer flavor, homemade chicken stock can be used instead of store-bought broth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
