Ah, chicken soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food – warm and soothing. But did you know that adding some spices can transform an excellent soup into a fantastic one? Yes, a few small additions can significantly alter the flavor!
But what are the spices to put in chicken soup?
Making a delicious chicken soup can be tricky, especially when it comes to deciding which spices to use. Many people are afraid to try something new, but with the right ingredients, you can elevate your dish from good to great.
From earthy turmeric and fragrant rosemary to classic garlic and onion powder, there’s something for everyone regarding seasoning chicken soup. Each one adds its own unique flavor, allowing you to create a dish that tastes just how you like it.
Whether you’re looking for a simple boost or an exotic blend of flavors, consider these popular spices when making your next batch of chicken soup.
8 Spices To Put In Chicken Soup
Ready to take your soup to the next level?
1. Onion Powder
Nothing beats a hot bowl of chicken soup recipe on a chilly winter day, and adding the ideal spice mixture will truly make your soup stand out. Each and every recipe for homemade chicken noodle soup needs onion powder.
It provides an extra sense of umami and gives your dish a subtle, savory, undeniably wonderful sweetness, making this traditional comfort food even cozier. You can get all the flavor and scent of freshly chopped onions with onion powder without spending time dicing and mincing them!
Plus, compared to perishable onions, they will keep considerably longer in your cupboard. And since you can make your favorite soups every week, it means fewer trips to the grocery store. So if you need to liven up some chicken soup with some seasoning, consider adding onion powder – its pungent aroma alone will make your mouth water!
2. Paprika
Paprika is a spice that adds an unforgettable flavor to chicken noodle soup. Sure, making chicken noodle soup from scratch can be tedious, but once you add the paprika, it is well worth the effort! The taste of quality homemade soup with just the perfect hint of paprika will always be remembered.
Paprika has a mild yet distinctive pungency that lends just the right touch of flavor to chicken noodle soup without being too overpowering. Sprinkle it into your chicken noodle soup, and you have yourself a delicious bowl of warmth and comfort for those cold winter nights!
3. Garlic Powder
Garlic contains all the savory notes of raw garlic but with far less bite. A small sprinkle of garlic powder can add depth and warmth to your noodle soup without overtaking it.
However, if you want some extra zing, add a little more. The great thing about using powdered seasoning rather than fresh cloves is that it won’t spoil or go bad. This means you can always keep a jar in your pantry, just in case! So whether you’re craving a classic bird broth soup or searching for inspiration for something more creative, don’t overlook the power of a little garlic powder. It might just change your soup game forever.
4. Black Pepper
Black pepper is a powerful flavor enhancer that can dramatically improve the taste of any broth-based soup. It has a spicy, slightly floral taste with a bit of heat and gives soups a pleasant kick.
When you add it to tortellini soup or chicken noodle soup as part of the seasoning blend, it cuts through the richer flavors of the broth and allows the sweeter notes of vegetables and herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano to come through. Plus, black pepper is known for its healing powers. Just half a teaspoon of it has antiviral effects similar to those found in garlic.
5. Ginger
This essential and distinct Asian cooking spice has an unmistakable flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken soups. Just a hint of ginger is enough to take a basic chicken stew from bland to bursting with flavor. The taste of ginger is warm and comforting, but its benefits extend beyond the flavor.
It has antioxidant properties, so adding it to your chicken noodle soup will provide some seriously welcomed health benefits too! Unlike many spices, ginger is usually added directly in the cooking process so that all those delicious flavors have time to meld and mature as they simmer together in the pots!
6. Turmeric
With its fragrant, warm flavor profile that enhances both rotisserie chicken and creamier chicken-based soups alike, turmeric can be used as either a main spice or accent spice in chicken recipes. Its mustardy and slightly bitter taste works especially well with the sweetness of chicken broth and vegetables like carrots and onions.
As an added bonus, you’ll also get the medicinal benefits of curcumin. The anti-inflammatory qualities of the active ingredient in turmeric are well established.
7. Bay leaves
They’re native to the Mediterranean and have been used for centuries. But what do they taste like, you might ask? Well, honestly, they don’t have a strong flavor on their own. They’re more of a background note that adds complexity and depth to a dish. But trust me; you’ll notice when they’re not there.
So, what happens when you put bay leaves in the noodle soup recipe? Well, for starters, your soup will smell amazing. Bay leaves have a sweet, somewhat floral aroma that will fill your kitchen with a comforting scent. But it’s not just about the smell – bay leaves also have digestive properties that can help soothe an upset stomach. Plus, they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Who knew a little leaf could do so much good?
In terms of using bay leaves in chicken soup, it’s pretty simple. Just add a couple to your pot while your soup is simmering. Your taste buds will thank you for adding this often-overlooked spice to your beloved chicken soup recipe.
8. Dried Thyme
It’s a Mediterranean herb with small aromatic, grey-greenish leaves and an earthy, lemony flavor. Adding a pinch of dried thyme can transform your homemade chicken soup recipes from bland to boldly flavored. Its taste is at once mild yet pungent – like oregano but without the mouth burn that comes with high consumption doses, which can be overpowering.
Adding just a little bit of this dried herb will lend any homemade chicken soup depth and balance it needs to really stand out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can a slow cooker make chicken noodle soup?
It starts with chicken breast, which should be cooked in the slow cooker on high heat for two to three hours or on low heat for six to seven hours when chicken stock and veggies are added. When the chicken is thoroughly cooked, take it out of the slow cooker, shred or cut it into pieces, and then put it back in. Then add some chicken stock – store-bought or homemade works equally well here – plus some herbs and spices of your choice. Allow this to cook for about an hour before serving for a delicious chicken noodle soup that’ll keep you warm all winter long.
Q: What are the best dried herbs for chicken soup?
One of the best-dried herbs to use when making chicken soup is thyme. Known for its lemony, herbal-woodsy aroma and flavor, this herb really brings out the natural taste of chicken while adding a hint of something different. Parsley is another great option, as it adds a vibrant green color to your soup and helps enhance all the other flavors. Its light flavor prevents it from overpowering other ingredients but instead will amplify the taste of your meal without needing much else to accompany it. Basil is quite popular, too, particularly because its earthy yet slightly sweet fragrant notes add a nice balance and depth to any chicken soup.
Q: How to spice up chicken noodle soup?
Pick whatever you love – bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, or even carrots – whatever floats your boat will do the trick! Veggies provide excellent flavor and add a nice splash of color and crunch to your bowl of deliciousness. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can try stirring in an ingredient like curry powder or chili flakes for extra zing. You could also opt for alternative noodles like ramen which often come pre-flavored in packages with various seasonings, so you only need to add the chicken and veggies before you’re ready to enjoy!
Q: Can you freeze chicken noodle soup?
Yes, you certainly can! Just place the soup into an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, seal it closed, and then pop it into your freezer. Whenever you’re ready for a bowl of comforting soup, take out the container and let it thaw before heating it up on the stovetop or microwave. And while this method may not yield quite the same creamy texture as what you’d expect from freshly made soup, freezing chicken noodle is still an easy way to enjoy homemade goodness down the road.
Q: What are the advantages of adding spices to soup?
Imagine a nice, hot bowl of soup – it’s warm and cozy, but let’s get real: it can be a little boring. But tossing in some spices offers flavor and a range of health benefits! For instance, included ginger promotes digestion, while garlic boosts immunity. Adding peppers to recipes is a great way to get an extra dose of antioxidants too! There’s no denying it: spicing up soups makes them more flavorful and nutritious!
Final Words
Chicken Soup is a perennial favorite in many households, and it’s no wonder why; the perfect blend of spices can make this relatively simple classic dish come alive. Each family has its own secret recipe, often including a combination of thyme, rosemary, turmeric, and oregano, among other warm and savory herbs and spices. Even a pinch of chili flakes can bring extra warmth to the pot. So while there are so many delicious possibilities to consider when seasoning chicken soup, it comes down to personal preference. Experimenting with various ingredients can be fun, ensuring each bowl remains happily unique!