Filipino Chicken Sopas Recipe

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

Carrots: Diced for added sweetness and color.

Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and flavor.

Onion: Chopped to enhance the soup's savory base.

Garlic: Minced to add depth and aroma.

Chicken broth: The liquid base that brings all the flavors together.

Elbow macaroni: The pasta component that makes the soup hearty.

Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess to the soup.

Salt: To taste, for seasoning.

Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

When sautéing the garlic and onions, make sure to cook them until they are just starting to turn golden brown. This will enhance their natural sweetness and add a deeper flavor to the soup.

• 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.

• diced carrots - Substitute with diced sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a similar sweetness and texture to carrots when cooked.

• diced celery - Substitute with diced fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that complements the soup.

• chopped onion - Substitute with chopped leeks: Leeks offer a milder flavor compared to onions and can be a good alternative in soups.

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

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative while still providing a rich flavor.

• elbow macaroni - Substitute with small shell pasta: Small shell pasta has a similar cooking time and texture, making it a good substitute.

• evaporated milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.

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

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used as an alternative to black pepper.

• Allow the chicken sopas to cool down to room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can lead to soggy macaroni and spoilage.
• Transfer the cooled sopas into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label each container with the date of preparation. This helps keep track of freshness and ensures you consume it within a safe timeframe.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the sopas within 3-4 days. The evaporated milk and chicken can spoil if kept longer.
• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. Chicken sopas can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen sopas in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the quality of the broth 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.
• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving, as the flavors may have mellowed during storage.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Pour the leftover Filipino Chicken Sopas into a saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain the soup's creamy consistency.
  3. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Once the soup is heated through, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors once again.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Transfer the leftover sopas to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. If the soup is not hot enough, continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
  5. Once heated, let it sit for a minute before serving to ensure even heat distribution.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sopas in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the soup is thoroughly heated.
  5. Stir the soup halfway through the heating process for even warming.
  6. Serve hot and savor the rich, creamy goodness.

• For slow cooker reheating:

  1. Transfer the leftover sopas to your slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to the low setting.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
  4. Once the soup is hot, adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  5. Serve directly from the slow cooker for a convenient, warm meal.

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup, allowing enough space for all ingredients to simmer and blend together.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.

• Chef's knife: Perfect for dicing the chicken, carrots, celery, and chopping the onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping and dicing ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the broth, evaporated milk, and other ingredients.

• Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic quickly and efficiently.

• Ladle: Handy for serving the soup into bowls.

• Can opener: Needed to open the can of evaporated milk.

• Colander: Useful for draining the elbow macaroni if you choose to pre-cook it.

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

Pre-chop ingredients: Prepare the carrots, celery, and onions in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast from scratch.

Instant broth: Use store-bought chicken broth to skip the step of making it from scratch.

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

Quick-cooking pasta: Opt for quick-cooking elbow macaroni to cut down on cooking time.