Fideo Con Pollo

Fideo Con Pollo is a comforting and flavorful dish that beautifully combines tender chicken drumsticks with toasted fideo noodles in a savory broth. This recipe captures the essence of home-cooked meals, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

The chicken is seared to perfection, adding a crispy layer, while the fideo absorbs the rich flavors of garlic and tomato, creating a satisfying one-pot meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish is not only easy to make but also sure to warm hearts and appetites alike!

Fideo Con Pollo

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons cooking oil, divided

6 chicken drumsticks, thawed, skin on

salt to season chicken

1 7- ounce bag dry fideo noodles

6 cups warm water

3 tablespoons tomato paste

2 teaspoons garlic salt

1 teaspoon chicken knorr

Directions:

In a 3-quart (10″) pan, cook the chicken in about two tablespoons cooking oil on all sides until the skin starts to crisp; about 7-8 minutes on medium-low heat.

Remove all the legs and set them aside. (Chicken will not be fully cooked yet.)

On medium-low heat, toast fideo in two tablespoons cooking oil, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn; about 6 to 8 minutes.

Once fideo is toasted into a light golden brown color, add water, tomato paste, garlic salt and chicken knorr.

Bring the sopa to a low simmer and continue stirring until all the tomato paste is fully distributed.

Return the chicken to the soup and bring it back to a low simmer.

Cover and let it simmer on low for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let it rest for another 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy !!

Notes:

Chicken Preparation:

Chicken Drumsticks: Use skin-on chicken drumsticks for extra flavor and richness. If you prefer less fat, you can remove the skin before cooking.

Thawing: Ensure the chicken drumsticks are fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Toasting Fideo:

Importance of Toasting: Toasting the fideo noodles gives them a nutty flavor and prevents them from becoming mushy in the soup. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

Color Check: Look for a light golden brown color, which indicates the fideo is properly toasted.

Simmering Tips:

Low Simmer: Maintain a low simmer to cook the fideo evenly and avoid overcooking. High heat can cause the noodles to become mushy.

Stirring: Stir occasionally to ensure the tomato paste and seasonings are well-distributed.

Flavor Adjustments:

Tomato Paste: Adds a rich tomato flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

Garlic Salt and Chicken Knorr: Both add seasoning and depth to the soup. Adjust the amounts if you prefer a milder or stronger flavor.

Resting Time:

Resting After Cooking: Allowing the soup to rest after turning off the heat helps the flavors meld together and gives the noodles a chance to absorb some of the soup.

Serving Suggestions:

Garnishes: Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.

Accompaniments: Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the noodles.

Vegetable Additions:

Customization: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or peas to the soup for added nutrition and flavor. Add these vegetables after toasting the fideo and before simmering.

Spice Level:

Adjusting Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeño when toasting the fideo.

Consistency:

Adjusting Thickness: If the soup becomes too thick, add a bit more warm water to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken if it’s too thin.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of fideo noodles?

Yes, you can substitute fideo noodles with other types of pasta such as vermicelli or thin spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Can I use boneless chicken instead of drumsticks?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken in this recipe.

However, bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the dish.

If using boneless chicken, adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless cuts cook faster.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can modify this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan.

Replace the chicken with plant-based protein alternatives or omit it altogether.

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken knorr and adjust the seasonings to your preference.

Can I add vegetables to Fideo Con Pollo?

Absolutely! You can enhance the dish by adding vegetables such as diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, or carrots.

Sauté them before adding the fideo noodles or simmer them along with the soup to incorporate extra flavors and textures.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Fideo Con Pollo ahead of time.

Prepare the soup and cook the chicken as directed, but keep them separate.

Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, reheat the soup, add the chicken, and simmer until warmed through.

What is fideo, and where can I find it?

Fideo is a type of thin, vermicelli-like pasta commonly used in Mexican and Spanish cuisine.

You can usually find it in the pasta or international aisle of your local grocery store or at specialty stores that carry Hispanic or Mediterranean ingredients.

Can I use a different cut of chicken instead of drumsticks?

Yes, you can use a different cut of chicken if you prefer.

Chicken thighs or bone-in chicken breasts can work well in this recipe.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic salt?

Yes, you can substitute fresh garlic for garlic salt.

Use minced or crushed garlic cloves to sauté with the chicken, or you can add garlic powder or granulated garlic as a seasoning to taste.

Can I add other seasonings or spices to enhance the flavor?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or spices to customize the dish to your taste preferences.

Common additions include cumin, paprika, chili powder, or oregano.

Adjust the quantities based on your desired flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe in advance or freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can make Fideo Con Pollo in advance or freeze leftovers.

Once the dish is cooked and cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To freeze, transfer the cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw and reheat gently before serving.