Chicken Sotanghon is a comforting and flavorful Filipino soup made with shredded chicken, mung bean glass noodles (sotanghon), and a variety of vegetables. The dish is known for its light and savory taste, making it a perfect comfort food, especially during cold or rainy days. This easy-to-make soup is incredibly satisfying and warming, ideal for a quick meal or family dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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1 tbsp oil
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, chopped
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450g (1 lb) bone-in chicken thighs
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Fish sauce, to taste
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6 cups chicken broth
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3 stalks Chinese celery (or regular celery), chopped
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1 small carrot, julienned
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6-8 napa cabbage leaves, chopped
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113g (2 bundles) mung bean glass noodles
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ tsp annatto powder (optional)
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Hot water, as needed
Toppings (optional):
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Boiled eggs, sliced
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Toasted garlic, chopped
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Green onions, chopped
Directions
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Prepare the Noodles: Soak glass noodles in water until soft (15 minutes). Drain and cut into bite-sized lengths.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a pot. Add onion and garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add chicken thighs and cook until no longer pink. Season with fish sauce.
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Simmer the Soup: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is tender. Remove the scum from the surface. Add hot water as needed.
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Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and discard the bones.
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Add Vegetables and Noodles: Dissolve annatto powder in water, then add it to the pot. Add carrots, shredded chicken, glass noodles, and napa cabbage. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Serve: Transfer to bowls and garnish with optional toppings like boiled eggs, toasted garlic, and green onions. Serve hot.
Nutrients
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Calories: 417 kcal (per serving)
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Carbohydrates: 31g
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Protein: 21g
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Fat: 23g
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Saturated Fat: 5g
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Sodium: 1393mg
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Potassium: 691mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 2g
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Vitamin A: 2319 IU
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Vitamin C: 39mg
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Calcium: 82mg
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Iron: 2mg
The Flavor Profile of Chicken Sotanghon
At its core, Chicken Sotanghon is a light and savory soup that is infused with the rich flavors of chicken broth and fish sauce. The dish’s broth is the heart of its flavor, simmered with bone-in chicken thighs to extract the depth of the chicken’s taste. Fish sauce, a key ingredient in Filipino cooking, adds a distinct umami punch that enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish. The delicate balance of saltiness and savory notes creates a broth that is both comforting and refreshing.
Mung bean glass noodles, also known as sotanghon, play a central role in this dish. These thin, translucent noodles absorb the flavors of the broth and vegetables, providing a satisfying texture that complements the soft, tender chicken. The noodles add a lightness to the soup, making it feel refreshing despite its hearty nature.
The Versatility of the Vegetables
One of the reasons Chicken Sotanghon is such a versatile dish is the variety of vegetables that can be added. In this recipe, napa cabbage, Chinese celery (or regular celery), and julienned carrots are used, but you can easily customize the soup with whatever vegetables are available or to suit your personal preferences. The napa cabbage adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a soft texture when cooked, while the celery contributes a refreshing, crisp bite. Carrots provide color, sweetness, and a slight crunch, making them a perfect addition to the soup.
The addition of vegetables not only enhances the soup’s flavor and texture but also makes it a more well-rounded, nutritious meal. These vegetables bring essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A from the carrots and Vitamin C from the cabbage, making this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.
The Role of Mung Bean Glass Noodles
Mung bean glass noodles are a distinctive feature of Chicken Sotanghon. These noodles are made from mung bean starch and have a unique, slightly chewy texture. When soaked in water and added to the simmering broth, they absorb the flavors of the soup, creating a satisfying bite in every spoonful. Unlike other types of noodles, mung bean glass noodles do not become mushy and maintain their texture, even after simmering for several minutes. This makes them an excellent addition to soups, as they enhance the overall dish without losing their structure.
The glass noodles in Chicken Sotanghon are not only a source of texture but also a way to make the dish more filling. They help stretch the soup, making it a more substantial meal, especially when served with a side of rice or bread. The mild flavor of the noodles complements the savory broth, allowing the other ingredients to shine through while still providing a satisfying and hearty experience.
Simmering the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
The process of cooking the chicken is crucial to the depth of flavor in Chicken Sotanghon. Bone-in chicken thighs are the best choice for this dish because they contain more fat and connective tissue than chicken breasts, which results in a richer, more flavorful broth. When simmered in chicken broth, the chicken thighs release their natural juices and fats, infusing the liquid with a savory, rich taste.
It’s essential to remove the scum that rises to the surface during the simmering process, as this can cause the broth to become cloudy and may affect the overall flavor. By maintaining a steady simmer and skimming off any impurities, you ensure that the broth remains clear and the flavors stay clean and fresh. The chicken is simmered until it becomes tender, at which point it is shredded and returned to the soup. This process ensures that the chicken is both flavorful and easy to eat.
The Unique Flavor of Annatto Powder
Annatto powder, while optional, is often added to Chicken Sotanghon to give the broth a beautiful golden hue and a mild, earthy flavor. Made from the seeds of the achiote plant, annatto has a slightly sweet and peppery taste that enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup without overpowering it. In Filipino cooking, annatto is often used to add color and subtle flavor to dishes, and in Chicken Sotanghon, it contributes to the soup’s warmth and depth.
If you prefer a more traditional version of the dish, you can skip the annatto powder. However, if you enjoy a richer color and a hint of additional flavor, it’s a great addition. Dissolving the annatto powder in water before adding it to the pot ensures that it blends smoothly into the broth, without clumping or leaving any gritty texture.
The Optional Toppings for Extra Flavor
While Chicken Sotanghon is delicious on its own, adding optional toppings can elevate the dish and add layers of flavor. Boiled eggs, sliced and added to the soup, bring extra protein and a creamy richness that complements the light broth. Toasted garlic adds a crunchy texture and a burst of savory flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the soup. Freshly chopped green onions not only provide a burst of color but also a mild, refreshing sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the savory broth.
These toppings are entirely optional but can turn a simple soup into a more complex, satisfying meal. They allow for customization, so you can tailor the soup to your taste preferences or to make it a more indulgent dish.
The Health Benefits of Chicken Sotanghon
Chicken Sotanghon is not only flavorful but also a healthy meal choice. The dish is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, thanks to the chicken and mung bean noodles. The chicken provides essential amino acids, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as Vitamin A from the carrots and Vitamin C from the napa cabbage.
The mung bean glass noodles are a great alternative to traditional wheat noodles, offering a gluten-free option that’s easier to digest for some individuals. The soup is also relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those looking for a lighter yet satisfying meal. With its well-rounded combination of protein, vegetables, and noodles, Chicken Sotanghon is a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Why Chicken Sotanghon is Perfect for Any Occasion
Chicken Sotanghon is an incredibly versatile dish that works well for many occasions. Whether you’re in need of a quick and easy meal or looking for something special to serve at a family gathering, this soup is sure to impress. It’s a fantastic option for lunch or dinner, and its comforting nature makes it especially popular during colder months or rainy days.
This soup is also a great way to feed a crowd. Its simple ingredients are easy to scale up, and the cooking process is straightforward, making it a go-to dish for gatherings or meal prep. Additionally, Chicken Sotanghon is suitable for most dietary preferences, as it can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the noodles used are free from wheat and other gluten-containing ingredients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicken Sotanghon is a delicious, comforting, and nutritious Filipino soup that combines tender chicken, glass noodles, and fresh vegetables in a light, savory broth. With its rich flavor, satisfying texture, and versatility, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a comforting meal on a rainy day. The subtle umami of fish sauce, the crunch of the vegetables, and the smoothness of the glass noodles come together to create a truly delightful soup. Whether served with a sprinkle of toasted garlic, a boiled egg, or fresh green onions, Chicken Sotanghon is a dish that will leave everyone at your table feeling satisfied and content.