Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Garlic-Chili Chicken Noodle Soup?
It is a comforting, nutrient-dense soup featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and egg noodles in a garlic-infused broth with a zesty garlic-chili mojo.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Is this soup good for when I am sick?
Yes, the ingredients like garlic, ginger, and lemon make it an excellent choice for boosting your immune system.
What are the main components of the garlic-chili mojo?
The mojo is a blend of finely minced ginger, pressed garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and cayenne pepper.
How long does it take to cook the chicken stock?
The homemade chicken stock needs to simmer gently for 2 hours.
Can I use store-bought chicken stock instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use 6 cups of store-bought chicken stock as a shortcut.
What vegetables are used in the soup base?
The soup base includes minced garlic, chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery.
How do I prepare the chicken for the stock?
Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly in cold water before placing them in the stockpot.
What should I do with the chicken skin after making the stock?
The instructions recommend discarding the skin after the chicken has finished cooking.
How do I get a clear broth?
Strain the stock through a fine mesh sieve to remove all solids and peppercorns.
Can I make the chicken stock ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the stock and skim off any solidified fat before you are ready to use it.
How long do the vegetables need to simmer in the soup?
The vegetables should simmer in the broth for 30 to 40 minutes until they are tender.
When do I add the egg noodles?
Add the cooked egg noodles toward the end of the process and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Is the garlic-chili mojo spicy?
Yes, it contains cayenne pepper which provides a zesty kick to the dish.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses a chicken cut into 10 pieces for the stock and boneless skinless chicken breasts for the soup meat.
Are there any optional garnishes?
Optional garnishes include extra ginger, lemon slices, and jalapeรฑo for more heat.
How do I season the soup?
Season the broth with salt and cracked black pepper to your personal taste.
What type of noodles should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for cooked egg noodles.
Do I need to peel the carrots for the stock?
The stock carrots are quartered, while the soup carrots are peeled and sliced.
What is the purpose of the bay leaves?
Bay leaves are added to the stockpot to provide an aromatic depth to the homemade broth.
How much water is needed for the stock?
You will need 12 cups of water to start the chicken stock.
Can I substitute the cayenne pepper?
If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it from the mojo.
How is the chicken meat prepared for the final soup?
The chicken breast is cooked and shredded before being stirred into the boiling soup.
Should the garlic be minced or pressed?
The soup uses minced garlic, while the mojo uses pressed garlic for a smoother texture.
What size should the stock vegetables be cut?
For the stock, the celery, carrots, and onions should be cut into quarters.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, with 3-4 lbs of chicken used in the process, it is a protein-rich meal.
How do I serve the mojo?
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and drizzle the garlic-chili mojo over each serving just before eating.
Does the recipe use olive oil?
Yes, olive oil is used both for sautรฉing the vegetables and as a base for the garlic-chili mojo.
What is the cooking time for the final soup assembly?
After the stock is made, the soup assembly takes about 45 to 55 minutes.
Can I add jalapeรฑos directly into the soup?
Yes, jalapeรฑos are suggested as a garnish for those who want extra spice.