Chipotle Chicken Zucchini Fideo Soup

When the cool weather hits, nothing feels as comforting as a warm bowl of Chipotle Chicken Zucchini Fideo Soup. This soup has become a staple in my home, especially on those crisp fall evenings. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. With its smoky chipotle kick and hearty ingredients, this dish is perfect for cozying up on the couch or sharing with friends. The combination of tender chicken and fresh zucchini noodles creates a unique twist on traditional soup, making it feel both healthy and satisfying.

What You Need for Chipotle Chicken Zucchini Fideo Soup

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for crafting the perfect Chipotle Chicken Zucchini Fideo Soup. Each component plays a crucial role in building the flavors that define this dish. The key players include the chicken, which provides protein, and the fresh zucchini, which adds texture and a burst of freshness. Together, these ingredients create a balanced and satisfying meal.

• 16 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein source, ensuring the soup is hearty and filling.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Fresh black pepper, to taste: Adds a bit of warmth and depth.
• 1 teaspoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables to bring out their flavors.
• 1/2 cup chopped onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the soup.
• 3 cloves minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic richness.
• 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth: Forms the soup base, bringing all the flavors together.
• 8 oz can tomato sauce: Adds tanginess and depth.
• 1/2 tablespoon chipotle chile in adobo, chopped: Delivers the signature smoky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that complements the other ingredients.
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.
• 2 bay leaves: Infuse the broth with aromatic goodness.
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Brightens the flavor profile.
• 17 oz zucchini: Spiralized to create veggie noodles that replace traditional pasta.
• 1 medium, 5 oz avocado, pitted and sliced: Provides creamy richness for serving.
• 2 oz crumbled queso fresco or queso blanco: Optional topping that adds a creamy texture (omit for Paleo, Whole30).

How to Prepare Chipotle Chicken Zucchini Fideo Soup

Preparing the Chipotle Chicken Zucchini Fideo Soup is incredibly straightforward and gratifying. Whether you choose the slow cooker or the Instant Pot, you’ll find that the process is simple yet rewarding. Let’s dive into the steps that will guide you to a delicious bowl of soup.

1. Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. This step is vital as it enhances the flavor of the meat itself. Make sure to coat it evenly to get that tasty seasoning in every bite.
2. Next, place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker. At this point, you’re setting the foundation for your soup’s flavor.
3. Now, heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil to the pan, letting it warm up before you toss in your onion and garlic.
4. Sauté the onion and garlic until they become soft and fragrant, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn; you want them tender, not crispy.
5. Once softened, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Now, add in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, chipotle, cumin, oregano, half of the cilantro, and bay leaves. Stir everything together to combine well.
6. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty soup.
7. While the soup is cooking, spiralize the zucchini using the thinnest noodle setting. This will create beautiful, noodle-like strands that will add texture to your soup.
8. Once the cooking time is nearly up, discard the bay leaves and remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker along with the spiralized zucchini. Increase the heat to high and cook until the zucchini is tender-crisp, which should take around 5 minutes.
10. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with sliced avocado and the remaining cilantro. This final touch adds a pop of color and freshness.
11. If you’re using the Instant Pot, start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Press the sauté button and add the olive oil, onion, and garlic to the pot.
12. Sauté them until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes, then add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, chicken, chipotle, cumin, oregano, half of the cilantro, and bay leaves.
13. Cover the pot and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, then do a quick or natural release. Don’t forget to spiralize the zucchini while you wait!
14. When the pressure releases, remove the bay leaves and shred the chicken as before. Return it to the pot with the zucchini and press sauté again, cooking until the zucchini is tender-crisp, about 2 to 4 minutes.
15. Serve the soup with sliced avocado and more cilantro on top!

Tips and Tricks about Chipotle Chicken Zucchini Fideo Soup

Cooking the Chipotle Chicken Zucchini Fideo Soup is an experience in itself, but there are always a few tips that can enhance your results. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup in individual portions for up to three months. Just be sure to leave out the zucchini noodles if you plan to freeze it, as they can become mushy upon reheating.
• Pairing: This soup pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a grain like quinoa or brown rice.
• Adjust Spices: If you love heat, feel free to add more chipotle or even a dash of hot sauce. Tailor the spiciness to your preference.
• Cheese Options: If you’re not avoiding dairy, consider adding shredded cheese to the top for extra creaminess.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or dill for a flavor twist. Fresh herbs brighten the dish significantly.

Best Served With

The Chipotle Chicken Zucchini Fideo Soup is incredibly versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some of my favorite pairing suggestions:

• Crusty Bread: A thick slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into this hearty soup.
• Fresh Salad: Pair the soup with a side salad for a light meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works wonderfully.
• Grain Side: Consider serving it with quinoa or brown rice to make it even more filling.
• Seasonal Flavors: This soup is perfect for fall gatherings. Serve it at your Thanksgiving table as a unique starter.
• Comfort Food: Ideal for cozy dinners, this soup can be a comforting meal after a long day.
• Casual Get-Togethers: Serve it at casual gatherings with friends, adding a fun, relaxed vibe to your meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chipotle Chicken Zucchini Fideo Soup is a unique blend of flavors and textures that makes it truly special. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience its warmth for yourself. It’s a perfect addition to your fall menu, and you won’t be disappointed!

Chipotle Chicken Zucchini Fideo Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Chipotle Chicken Zucchini Fideo Soup is a smoky, hearty dish filled with tender chicken and fresh zucchini noodles. It's a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Give this easy weeknight favorite a try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Soups

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 16 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• to taste Fresh black pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon chipotle chile in adobo, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 17 oz zucchini
• 1 medium, 5 oz avocado, pitted and sliced
• 2 oz crumbled queso fresco or queso blanco, omit for Paleo, Whole30

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Instant Pot
• Skillet
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. For Slow Cooker: Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in the slow cooker. Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, onion and garlic and saute until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker with chicken broth, tomato sauce, chipotle, cumin, oregano, half of the cilantro and bay leaves. Cover and cook low 4 to 6 hours. Meanwhile spiralize the zucchini using a spiralizer with the thinnest noodle setting. Cut the zucchini into 6-inch strips. Discard the bay leaves and remove the chicken, shred with 2 forks and place back in the slow cooker along with the zucchini and cook on high until the zucchini is tender crisp, about 5 minutes. To serve, ladle into bowls and serve topped with sliced avocado and remaining cilantro.
2. For Instant Pot: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Press saute button on Instant Pot, add olive oil, onion and garlic and saute until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, chicken, chipotle, cumin, oregano, half of the cilantro and bay leaves. Cover and cook high pressure 20 minutes. Quick or natural release. Meanwhile spiralize the zucchini using a spiralizer with the thinnest noodle setting. Cut the zucchini into 6-inch strips. When the pressure releases, open the Instant Pot, discard the bay leaves and remove the chicken, shred with 2 forks and place back in the pot along with the zucchini. Press saute and cook until the zucchini is tender crisp, about 2 to 4 minutes. To serve, ladle into bowls and serve topped with sliced avocado and remaining cilantro.

Notes

Try to enjoy the chowder within three days for the best flavor. If freezing, leave out the zucchini noodles, as they can become mushy upon reheating.

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Meet Carmen Rhoades

Precision is key to a perfect feast, and I apply that rigor to everything I do here. I am deeply involved in measuring, timing, and refining the techniques behind our recipes. I have cooked this dish multiple times, troubleshooting every step so that your experience in the kitchen is seamless and successful.