Filipino Chicken Sopas Recipe

Chicken breast: Cubed pieces of chicken that provide the main protein for the soup.

Macaroni: Small pasta shapes that add substance and texture to the soup.

Carrots: Diced vegetables that add sweetness and color.

Celery: Diced vegetables that add a refreshing crunch.

Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the soup.

Onion: Chopped and sautéed to add depth of flavor.

Garlic: Minced cloves that add a fragrant aroma and taste.

Chicken broth: The liquid base that provides savory flavor.

Butter: Used for sautéing and adding richness.

Salt: Seasoning to taste.

Pepper: Seasoning to taste.

When sautéing the garlic and onion, make sure to do so over medium heat to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the soup. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is golden brown, which will enhance the overall flavor of the sopas.

• cubed chicken breast - Substitute with cubed turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken breast, making it a suitable alternative.

• macaroni - Substitute with small shell pasta: Small shell pasta can hold the soup well and provides a similar bite to macaroni.

• diced carrots - Substitute with diced sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a similar texture and a slightly sweeter flavor that complements the soup.

• diced celery - Substitute with diced fennel: Fennel has a similar crunch and a mild anise flavor that can add a unique twist to the soup.

• evaporated milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making it a good dairy-free alternative.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle depth to the soup.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it should be used in smaller quantities due to its concentrated flavor.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a base for the soup, providing a similar savory flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used to sauté the vegetables and provides a healthier fat alternative to butter.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the soup, though it should be used in moderation to avoid overpowering the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor compared to black pepper and can add a subtle heat without altering the color of the soup.

• Allow the Filipino chicken sopas to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the macaroni soggy.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the sopas within a safe timeframe.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The evaporated milk and vegetables will maintain their texture and flavor during this period.
• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The Filipino chicken sopas can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps preserve the texture of the chicken and vegetables.
• Reheat the sopas on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is hot throughout.
• Adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed after reheating, as flavors can sometimes mellow during storage.
• Enjoy your reheated Filipino chicken sopas as a comforting meal, just as delicious as when it was freshly made.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the leftover Filipino Chicken Sopas into a pot.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain the soup's creamy consistency.
  3. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
  4. Once the soup is hot and the macaroni is tender, serve immediately.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the sopas to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in 30-second increments until the soup is thoroughly warmed.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Filipino Chicken Sopas in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the soup from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the soup is hot throughout.
  5. Stir before serving to ensure even heat distribution.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Pour the leftover sopas into the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once the soup is hot, serve directly from the slow cooker.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the Filipino Chicken Sopas in the top pot.
  3. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
  4. Heat until the soup is hot and ready to serve.

• Pot: Used for cooking the soup and boiling the ingredients.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the soup and ensuring even cooking.

• Knife: Essential for dicing the carrots, celery, and chopping the onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and chicken.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the macaroni, evaporated milk, and chicken broth accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the butter and seasoning with salt and pepper.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Ladle: Perfect for serving the hot soup into bowls.

• Bowls: Used for holding the diced vegetables and other prepped ingredients.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the chicken pieces while cooking.

Pre-cut vegetables: Dice carrots and celery in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use rotisserie chicken: Substitute cubed chicken breast with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save cooking time.

Instant broth: Use store-bought chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the macaroni, evaporated milk, and seasonings before starting to cook.

One-pot method: Cook everything in one pot to reduce cleanup time.