Chicken Noodle Soup Filipino Recipe

Chicken noodle soup: It’s that comforting, hearty dish that can heal your soul, especially when the weather’s chilly or when you’re feeling under the weather. For many, it’s the ultimate go-to meal for comfort and nutrition. But today, we’re not just talking about any chicken noodle soup. We’re diving into a beloved version that has a distinct twist – the Filipino-style chicken noodle soup, or as locals call it, "Chicken Sotanghon".

This version of chicken noodle soup carries the essence of Filipino flavors, blending delicate chicken broth with the smooth, thin, and slippery sotanghon noodles. The soup is fragrant with garlic, onions, and ginger, while subtle flavors like fish sauce and lime bring in a hint of tanginess and depth. It’s a fusion of flavors that’s cozy yet vibrant, a dish that both nourishes and comforts. Perfect for family gatherings, rainy days, or whenever you’re craving something special yet simple.

So, let’s get right into it!

Chicken Noodle Soup Filipino Recipe

This Filipino-style chicken noodle soup (Sotanghon) is a little different from the traditional Western versions. While it shares the comforting qualities, the subtle differences in seasonings and ingredients set it apart, giving you a whole new experience of what a chicken noodle soup can be.

You’ll be delighted by how light yet flavorful it is, as the broth has this fresh, aromatic quality from ginger and garlic. The noodles themselves, made from rice starch, are thin and almost translucent, making them absorb the flavors beautifully. Plus, the chicken is tender and juicy – it practically falls off the bone.

Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this delicious, warm bowl of happiness.

Ingredients Needed

Before diving into cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s the complete list:

• Chicken (1 whole, cut into parts or 4-6 chicken thighs) – Chicken pieces are the foundation, as they’ll provide the rich flavor for the broth. Bone-in chicken is best, as the bones release collagen that creates a deeper, more flavorful broth.
• Sotanghon Noodles (200g) – These thin, glass-like noodles are key to Filipino chicken noodle soup. They’re made from mung bean starch, giving them a slightly slippery texture that absorbs the broth.
• Ginger (3-4 thick slices) – A root that’s both spicy and aromatic, ginger brings a clean, fresh quality to the broth.
• Garlic (5-6 cloves, minced) – No Filipino dish is complete without garlic. It adds that signature depth to the soup.
• Onion (1 medium, sliced) – Sweet and aromatic, onion will help balance the savory components of the broth.
• Fish Sauce (2 tbsp) – This gives the broth a salty, umami punch. It’s essential for adding that Filipino-style depth.
• Soy Sauce (1 tbsp) – Adds a bit of savory richness and a slight dark color to the broth.
• Lemongrass (1 stalk, bruised) – A distinctive, citrusy herb that’s commonly used in Filipino cooking. Its fragrance infuses the broth with a fresh, lemony aroma.
• Carrots (2 medium, sliced) – Provides a touch of sweetness and crunch, balancing the savory components of the soup.
• Chayote (1 medium, peeled and sliced) – A type of squash, chayote gives a nice, tender bite to the soup. If you can’t find it, zucchini works as a substitute.
• Salt and pepper – To taste, to season the broth to your liking.
• Calamansi (or lime, 1-2 pieces) – A squeeze of this citrus fruit brightens the soup and gives it an authentic Filipino flavor.
• Green onions (for garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh green onions at the end adds a nice, sharp finish and a pop of color.
• Coriander or parsley (optional, for garnish) – A fresh, herbal garnish that enhances the overall aroma and presentation.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to prepare your Filipino-style chicken noodle soup step by step:

1. Prepare The Chicken And Broth

   • Start by boiling the chicken pieces in a large pot with enough water to fully submerge them. Add about 10 cups of water to start.
   • Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Skim off any scum that forms on top for a clearer broth.

2. Add Aromatics

   • Once the chicken is mostly cooked and tender, toss in the ginger, garlic, onion, and lemongrass. Continue simmering for another 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Flavor The Broth

   • Season the broth with fish sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Give it a taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed. It should be savory, but not overly salty.

4. Add The Vegetables

   • Toss in the carrots and chayote (or zucchini) and cook for about 10 minutes, until they soften but still have some bite.

5. Cook The Noodles

   • Add the sotanghon noodles and let them cook in the broth for 3-5 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent.

6. Finish With Chicken

   • Shred the chicken once it’s tender and return the meat to the pot. Discard the bones and skin (unless you prefer to keep some for extra flavor).

7. Final Touches

   • Squeeze in some fresh calamansi or lime juice for that perfect zing. Stir everything well to combine.

8. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh green onions and optional herbs like parsley or coriander.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a deeper dive into some key ingredients that make this Filipino chicken noodle soup truly special:

• Sotanghon Noodles: Made from mung bean starch, sotanghon noodles are unique to Filipino soups. They absorb flavors really well, giving the broth a silky smooth texture. They’re also gluten-free, so perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Fish Sauce: A signature Filipino pantry staple, fish sauce adds an umami-packed, salty flavor that brings the dish to life. It’s a more complex salt than regular table salt, with a depth of flavor that makes it essential in Filipino cooking.
• Calamansi: This small, green citrus fruit is a cornerstone in Filipino cuisine. It’s like a cross between a lime and an orange, providing both tartness and a mild sweetness. It’s used to balance the saltiness of the broth and give the dish a fresh, zesty kick.
• Lemongrass: Often used in Filipino and Southeast Asian dishes, lemongrass is a fragrant herb that adds a citrusy note to the broth, elevating the soup with its fresh and aromatic scent.

Expert Tips

To make your chicken noodle soup even better, consider these expert tips:

• Make it Ahead: The soup actually tastes even better the next day! The flavors deepen and become more complex as they sit, so if you have time, prepare the soup a day ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.
• Customize the Noodles: While sotanghon noodles are traditional, you can also use other types of noodles like egg noodles or even rice noodles if that’s what you have on hand.
• Adjust Broth Intensity: If you prefer a lighter broth, simply use less soy sauce or fish sauce. If you like a richer flavor, you can add a little more.
• Don’t Skip the Lemongrass: It’s one of the key ingredients that truly makes this soup unique. If you can’t find fresh lemongrass, try using lemongrass paste or dried lemongrass for a similar effect.

Recipe Variations

While the traditional Filipino chicken noodle soup recipe is delicious, there are a few variations you can try to mix things up:

• Chicken and Shrimp Combo: For a more luxurious version, you can add shrimp to the soup along with the chicken. The shrimp will cook quickly and add a sweet, briny flavor to the broth.
• Spicy Version: Add a sliced chili or two (like a Thai bird’s eye chili) into the soup while it simmers for a spicy kick. This variation will give you an added layer of heat without overpowering the soup.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and instead use mushrooms (shiitake or oyster) for a meaty texture, while the broth can be flavored with miso or vegetable stock.
• Lemongrass and Coconut: Try adding a can of coconut milk to the broth for a creamier, richer version that pairs wonderfully with the lemongrass.

Final Words

Chicken noodle soup is one of those dishes that brings people together, and the Filipino version offers something a little extra special. From the delicate sotanghon noodles to the aromatic broth infused with ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, this soup will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger in the most comforting way.

It’s easy to make and full of flavor, yet it’s adaptable – you can make it as simple or as fancy as you like. With this Filipino-style chicken noodle soup, you can enjoy a piece of Filipino home-cooking no matter where you are.