Caribbean Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort with a tropical twist. This hearty, flavorful dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices with a touch of island warmth.
Unlike traditional chicken noodle soup, the Caribbean version often includes ingredients like thyme, scallions, Scotch bonnet peppers, and even coconut milk for a rich and slightly spicy broth.
The noodles, sometimes swapped for dumplings or Caribbean-style pasta, soak up all the delicious flavors. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal or looking to spice up your soup game, this Caribbean-inspired recipe is a must-try!
How To Make Caribbean Chicken Noodle Soup?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean
Yield: 6 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or a mix)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for cleaning chicken)
- 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon allspice berries (pimento)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups diced pumpkin or butternut squash
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 chayote (chocho), diced
- 1 pound yellow yam or sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup green bananas, peeled and sliced (optional)
- 1 cup egg noodles or spaghetti, broken into pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 packet chicken noodle soup mix (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
1. Prepare The Chicken
Begin by cleaning the chicken pieces with lime juice and water to remove any impurities. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Build The Flavor Base
In a large stockpot, combine the cleaned chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, scallions, thyme, and allspice berries. Pour in the water or chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
3. Add Vegetables
Add the diced pumpkin, carrots, chayote, and yellow yam to the pot. If using green bananas, add them now as well. These root vegetables contribute to the soup’s hearty texture and flavor. Continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Incorporate Noodles And Spice
Add the egg noodles or broken spaghetti to the pot. If you prefer a spicier soup, carefully place the whole scotch bonnet pepper into the broth, ensuring it remains intact to control the heat level. Be cautious not to burst the pepper unless you desire more heat.
5. Season And Simmer
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using a chicken noodle soup mix, stir it in now for enhanced flavor. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Caribbean Chicken Noodle Soup
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Dietary Fiber: 6 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- Total Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
- Sodium: 600 mg
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions Of Caribbean Chicken Noodle Soup
Ladle the Caribbean Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous mix of chicken, vegetables, and noodles. For an authentic touch, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or additional sliced scallions.
Serve alongside warm crusty bread or traditional Caribbean dumplings to soak up the flavorful broth. A wedge of lime on the side adds a refreshing citrus note that complements the soup’s richness.
Tips And Variations Of Caribbean Chicken Noodle Soup
Protein Alternatives: For a different twist, substitute chicken with seafood such as shrimp or fish, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other Caribbean staples like okra, callaloo, or bell peppers to enhance the soup’s nutritional profile and flavor.
Coconut Infusion: For a creamier broth, add a cup of coconut milk during the simmering stage, imparting a subtle sweetness and tropical essence.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less scotch bonnet pepper, or omit it entirely for a milder soup.
Note
When handling scotch bonnet peppers, wear gloves to prevent skin irritation, and avoid touching your face.
Conclusion
Caribbean Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings warmth and spice to any table. With its blend of aromatic herbs, hearty vegetables, and tender chicken, this soup embodies the vibrant essence of Caribbean cuisine.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or to soothe a cold, this recipe is both nourishing and satisfying. Plus, its customizable ingredients allow you to adjust the spice level and flavors to suit your taste.
Give this recipe a try, and let the rich, island-inspired flavors transport you to the tropics with every spoonful!
Caribbean Chicken Noodle Soup
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients Â
- 1½ pounds bone-in chicken pieces legs, thighs, or a mix
- 1 tablespoon lime juice for cleaning chicken
- 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 scallions chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon allspice berries pimento
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper whole (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups diced pumpkin or butternut squash
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 chayote chocho, diced
- 1 pound yellow yam or sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup green bananas peeled and sliced (optional)
- 1 cup egg noodles or spaghetti broken into pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 packet chicken noodle soup mix optional, for added flavor
InstructionsÂ
Prepare The Chicken
- Begin by cleaning the chicken pieces with lime juice and water to remove any impurities. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
Build The Flavor Base
- In a large stockpot, combine the cleaned chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, scallions, thyme, and allspice berries. Pour in the water or chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
Add Vegetables
- Add the diced pumpkin, carrots, chayote, and yellow yam to the pot. If using green bananas, add them now as well. These root vegetables contribute to the soup’s hearty texture and flavor. Continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Incorporate Noodles And Spice
- Add the egg noodles or broken spaghetti to the pot. If you prefer a spicier soup, carefully place the whole scotch bonnet pepper into the broth, ensuring it remains intact to control the heat level. Be cautious not to burst the pepper unless you desire more heat.
Season And Simmer
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using a chicken noodle soup mix, stir it in now for enhanced flavor. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving.
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.