Creamy Chicken Sopas
Creamy Filipino macaroni soup with chicken, vegetables and sliced hotdog.
Ingredients
Measure and prepare everything before you begin cooking.
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs
- 250 g elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 Filipino-style hotdogs, sliced (optional)
- 6 cups chicken stock, plus extra as needed
- 2 cups finely shredded cabbage
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tbsp fish sauce, plus more to taste
- Fine salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat, cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until lightly browned, then transfer it to a plate. It will finish cooking in the soup.
- 2
In the same pot, soften the onion for 3 minutes. Add the garlic, carrot and sliced hotdogs and cook for 2 minutes, stirring so the garlic does not brown.
- 3
Pour in the chicken stock and scrape up the savoury browned bits. Return the chicken, bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 12–15 minutes, until the thickest piece reaches 75°C. Lift out the chicken, rest briefly, then shred it.
- 4
Bring the broth back to a lively simmer. Add the macaroni and cook just until almost tender, stirring regularly so it does not stick. Add a little hot stock or water if the pasta absorbs too much liquid.
- 5
Return the shredded chicken and add the cabbage. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then lower the heat and stir in the evaporated milk and fish sauce. Do not let the soup boil hard after adding the milk.
- 6
Taste and adjust with pepper, fish sauce or salt. The broth should be creamy but still spoonable; loosen it with hot stock because the macaroni will continue to thicken the soup. Finish with spring onions and serve hot.
About Creamy Chicken Sopas
Chicken sopas is the Filipino macaroni soup many families associate with rainy mornings, school-day merienda and caring for someone who needs a warm meal. Evaporated milk gives the broth its familiar creaminess, while chicken, vegetables and macaroni make one bowl feel complete.
Ingredient swaps wherever you cook
- Filipino-style red hotdogs are available from many Filipino grocers overseas; leave them out for a simpler chicken sopas.
- Evaporated milk provides the characteristic taste, but full-fat milk can be used if it is added over low heat.
- Ordinary green cabbage works well; finely sliced savoy cabbage is another good option.
How to know it is ready
- The chicken is ready to shred when it reaches 75°C at the thickest part.
- Cook the macaroni only until just tender because it continues softening in the hot broth.
- After adding milk, keep the soup below a boil so the broth stays smooth.
Common mistakes and fixes
- Soup becomes too thick: macaroni absorbs broth as it rests, so loosen it with hot stock before serving.
- Milk separates: lower the heat before adding it and avoid a hard boil.
- Bland broth: season in stages and finish with fish sauce and plenty of black pepper.
Family and regional variations
- Use shredded leftover roast chicken and add it near the end.
- Add celery with the onion or include a small amount of diced capsicum.
- For a richer celebration version, stir in a little cream after the evaporated milk.
Storage and reheating
Cool and refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Reheat gently until steaming hot, adding stock or water because the macaroni will absorb more liquid. Freezing is not recommended because the pasta softens and the milk may separate.
What to serve with it
Serve hot with pandesal or toasted bread and extra black pepper. Calamansi is optional; its acidity can brighten individual bowls but should not be squeezed into the whole milk-based pot.
Creamy Chicken Sopas FAQs
Why does sopas become thick after standing?
The macaroni continues absorbing broth. Add hot stock or water during reheating until the soup is creamy but spoonable.
Can I leave out the hotdogs?
Yes. They are a popular family addition rather than a requirement; increase the chicken or vegetables if you prefer.
Can I cook the macaroni separately?
Yes. Add cooked macaroni to each bowl if you expect leftovers and want it to stay firmer.
Cooking guidance: Follow current food-safety advice and the instructions for your equipment.
