If you are craving something soothing, comforting, and incredibly simple to make, this Easy Chicken Vermicelli Soup That Warms the Soul in Just 30 Minutes Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded chicken, delicate vermicelli noodles, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth, this soup is a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day or just want a quick and nourishing meal, this recipe is a total game-changer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting great soup starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that bring tons of flavor and comfort. Each one plays a key role, from the aromatic onion and ginger to the silky vermicelli and rich chicken broth, creating the perfect balance in every spoonful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps soften the aromatics.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet and savory foundation to the soup.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a warm, pungent depth that wakes up the broth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Delivers a bright and slightly spicy zing.
- 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced: Offers natural sweetness and a splash of color.
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium): The heart of the soup, giving it a rich, savory body.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached): Adds protein and a tender texture that melts into the broth.
- 3 oz vermicelli noodles (about 1 cup dry): Light, delicate noodles that soak up flavors without weighing the soup down.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional): Introduces a meaty umami kick to elevate the taste.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds freshness and a mild crunch at the end.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional garnish): Brings a burst of herbal brightness for the finishing touch.
How to Make Easy Chicken Vermicelli Soup That Warms the Soul in Just 30 Minutes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and gently cook it until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness, setting a delicious base for the soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until your kitchen fills with their aromatic warmth. These bright flavors will infuse the broth, creating a comforting yet lively character for the soup.
Step 3: Cook the Carrots
Add the thinly sliced carrots to the pot and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The carrots bring a gentle sweetness and a slight crunch that contrast beautifully with the tender chicken and soft noodles.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The broth is the soul of the recipe, so using a good quality or homemade version really makes all the difference here.
Step 5: Blend in the Chicken and Soy Sauce
Stir in the shredded chicken along with the soy sauce if you choose to use it. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes to allow those savory flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Cook Vermicelli Noodles
Add the vermicelli noodles and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 3 to 4 minutes—until they are tender but still have a bit of bite. These delicate noodles absorb the flavorful broth, making each spoonful a delight.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Tasting as you go ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced and the soup suits your palate.
Step 8: Serve with Garnishes
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle the sliced green onions and fresh herbs over the top. The garnishes add a fresh, vibrant note that elevates the entire dish and makes it feel extra special.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Vermicelli Soup That Warms the Soul in Just 30 Minutes Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your bowl with vibrant green onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro. These garnishes not only add color but also a fresh contrast to the rich broth and tender chicken, making every bite more interesting and delicious.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a full meal. A light cucumber salad or roasted veggie platter complements the warm soup nicely without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small clear glasses as an appetizer or create mini portions in ramekins for a party. You can also layer noodles, chicken, and broth separately in jars for a grab-and-go lunch option that still delivers on taste and warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it an even better meal the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Note that vermicelli noodles may soften further during freezing, so you might prefer to freeze the broth and chicken separately and add fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking and to preserve the soup’s perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of vermicelli?
Absolutely! While vermicelli noodles are traditional and cook quickly, you can substitute with thin rice noodles, angel hair pasta, or even broken spaghetti depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is rotisserie chicken the best option for this soup?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and tenderness, but you can also poach or roast your own chicken. Just make sure it’s shredded well for the best texture and easy eating.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace shredded chicken with tofu, tempeh, or a medley of hearty vegetables. You can add mushrooms for a savory, meaty flavor, making it just as comforting and satisfying.
How spicy is this soup? Can I add heat?
This particular recipe leans toward gentle warmth and comfort, but you can absolutely add heat by tossing in some red pepper flakes, fresh chili slices, or a dash of hot sauce when you add the garlic and ginger.
What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Adding the vermicelli noodles just before serving and cooking them according to package instructions helps keep their texture intact. If you’re storing leftovers, consider adding fresh noodles when reheating to maintain that perfect bite.
Final Thoughts
If you want a heartwarming meal that’s ready in a flash, the Easy Chicken Vermicelli Soup That Warms the Soul in Just 30 Minutes Recipe is a must-try. It’s effortlessly delicious, packed with nourishing ingredients, and cozy enough for any day that calls for a little extra comfort. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed how such a simple soup can brighten your taste buds and mood in equal measure!
Print
Easy Chicken Vermicelli Soup That Warms the Soul in Just 30 Minutes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Vermicelli Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender shredded chicken, delicate vermicelli noodles, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth, it’s perfect for warming the soul on any day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 3 oz vermicelli noodles (about 1 cup dry)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant to release their flavors.
- Cook the carrot: Add the thinly sliced carrot to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally to slightly soften the vegetable.
- Add the broth: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Incorporate the chicken and soy sauce: Add the cooked shredded chicken and soy sauce if using. Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes to blend all the flavors together.
- Cook the vermicelli noodles: Add the vermicelli noodles to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, generally about 3–4 minutes, until tender.
- Season the soup: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve with garnishes: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the soup.
- You can substitute vermicelli noodles with rice noodles or thin spaghetti if preferred.
- Rotisserie chicken makes this soup quick and convenient but poached chicken or leftover cooked chicken works just as well.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice-based noodles.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a bright finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
