Chicken Soup Philippines Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of warm chicken soup. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in its warmth and fills your home with inviting aromas. In the Philippines, chicken soup is more than just a simple meal; it’s part of the cultural fabric. "Chicken Soup" in Filipino cuisine, often referred to as Sopas, is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s beloved for its soul-soothing properties. Whether it’s a rainy day, a cold evening, or you’re feeling a bit under the weather, a hot bowl of Sopas can make everything feel better.

Philippine chicken soup, though similar to other versions worldwide, has its own unique spin. It often blends tender chicken with vegetables, pasta, and a rich, creamy broth that leaves you coming back for seconds. The ingredients vary regionally and from family to family, but the heart of the dish remains the same: comfort in a bowl.

Chicken Soup Philippines Recipe

Here’s a recipe for a traditional Filipino-style Chicken Sopas that blends creamy chicken broth, hearty pasta, and plenty of vegetables for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken (whole or parts like breast or thighs) – About 1 whole chicken or 4-5 chicken thighs, skinless
• Water – 6 cups for the broth base
• Chicken Bouillon or Broth Cube – 1 for extra flavor
• Onion – 1 medium, chopped finely
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and sliced thinly
• Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
• Potato – 2 medium, peeled and diced
• Cabbage – 2 cups, shredded (preferably napa cabbage or regular)
• Elbow Macaroni or any small pasta – 1 cup, cooked al dente
• Evaporated Milk – 1 cup, for a creamy texture
• Fish Sauce – 1 tablespoon, for added depth
• Salt and Pepper – To taste
• Bay Leaves – 1-2 leaves, for an aromatic kick
• Cooking Oil – 2 tablespoons for sautéing

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using a whole chicken, cut it into parts (like legs and thighs) for easier handling. In a large pot, add the chicken, water, chicken bouillon or broth cube, and bay leaves. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
2. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool for a few minutes. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until they become aromatic and slightly translucent. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes, and continue to sauté for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine and Simmer: Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the chicken broth. Let everything cook together for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add Pasta: Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni and allow it to absorb the flavors of the broth for about 5 minutes.
6. Final Touches: Pour in the evaporated milk for a creamy consistency. Season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is perfectly combined and heated through, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra cabbage or a sprinkle of pepper if desired.

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken: The star of the show! The flavor of the chicken infuses the broth, making it rich and savory. You can use different parts, like thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner cuts. Adding the chicken bones while simmering really deepens the flavor of the soup.
• Elbow Macaroni: A classic in Filipino sopas, elbow macaroni adds texture and heartiness to the soup. It soaks up the flavorful broth, making each bite satisfying.
• Evaporated Milk: This is the secret ingredient for that creamy and smooth finish. It’s a common ingredient in Filipino soups and adds richness without being too heavy like cream.
• Fish Sauce: While it may sound unusual to some, fish sauce is a staple in Filipino kitchens. It brings a layer of umami that balances the creamy and savory flavors. It’s not overpowering but adds a depth that elevates the soup.
• Vegetables: The mix of cabbage, carrots, celery, and potatoes provides not only texture but also a nutritional punch. These ingredients contribute to the comfort factor of the soup, adding freshness and a little crunch.

Expert Tips

• Slow Simmering: To get a really flavorful broth, don’t rush the simmering process. The longer you simmer the chicken, the more flavorful and rich your broth will be. It’s worth the wait!
• Use Homemade Broth: If you have time, making your own chicken broth from scratch will take your sopas to the next level. The difference in depth of flavor is incredible.
• Cook Pasta Separately: If you’re making a big batch of sopas or want leftovers, cook the pasta separately and store it separately from the soup. This helps avoid soggy pasta as it sits in the soup. Just reheat and combine when ready to serve.
• Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can enhance the flavor of the broth. A sprig of thyme or rosemary added during simmering will give a subtle aromatic touch.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Sopas: For a vegetarian or vegan twist, you can skip the chicken and use vegetable broth as the base. You can add plant-based protein, like tofu, or even mushrooms for a meaty texture.
• Sopas with a Kick: If you enjoy a bit of spice, you can add a few sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to your soup. The heat pairs wonderfully with the creamy broth.
• Sopas with Sausage: Some people love adding sausage (longganisa or chorizo) to their sopas for an extra burst of flavor. Just sauté the sausage before adding it to the soup.
• Chicken Adobo Sopas: A fusion twist could be incorporating the flavor profile of adobo chicken. Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, vinegar, and spices before cooking it into the soup for a tangy, savory variation.

Final Words

Chicken Sopas is more than just a meal-it’s a cultural symbol of comfort and warmth. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together, often served during special occasions or just when you need something to nourish your body and soul. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, yet it is flexible enough to be adapted to suit any preference or dietary need.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or play around with new variations, the result is always a satisfying, heartwarming bowl of goodness that brings people to the table. Plus, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any special culinary skills-just a love for good food!