Filipino Chicken Macaroni Sopas

Chicken Macaroni Sopas is a rich chicken noodle soup dish that I really enjoy having during cold weather. This has been my favorite since as far as I can remember.

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By: Vanjo Merano 22 Comments Updated: 1/3/25

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The etymology of the word “sopas” comes from the Spanish word “sopa,” which means soup. While the origin of this Filipino dish is Spanish, it has been adapted to fit the Filipino palate. With its warm, rich taste, sopas is now a comfort food, popular especially during rainy weather.

How To Cook Filipino Macaroni Chicken Sopas

Boiling the Chicken for Flavorful Broth

To start, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, gently add in 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds). Reduce the heat to low to medium and let the chicken simmer for 45 minutes. This slow cooking method ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy while infusing the water with rich flavors that will serve as the base for your soup.

Cooling and Shredding the Chicken

After 45 minutes of boiling, carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs and place it on a cutting board to cool. Don’t forget to save the flavorful chicken broth that is now in the pot for later use! When the chicken is cool enough to handle, use your hands or two forks to shred the meat, discarding any bones and skin. Set the shredded chicken aside to be incorporated into the soup later.

Sautéing Vegetables in the butter

In a clean, large cooking pot, add two tablespoons of butter and two tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add one medium onion (chopped), one medium carrot (diced), and two stalks of celery (diced). Sauté the vegetables for about three minutes, stirring occasionally until they are tender and aromatic. This step builds a flavorful base for your sopas.

adding the shredded Chicken and chopped Ham

Next, add the reserved shredded chicken and 1 cup of chopped ham to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes more, until the chicken and ham flavors merge. The addition of ham gives a subtle smoky taste to the dish, which is delicious.

Adding the Broth for Depth of Flavor

Pour in the reserved chicken broth from boiling the chicken along with an additional 2-3 cups of water (adjust based on your desired soup consistency). Stir well to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to deepen and develop.

Cooking the Elbow Macaroni

After 20 minutes of simmering, add 1 cup of elbow macaroni to the pot. Cook for 15 minutes or until the macaroni is tender. Keep an eye on the consistency; if the soup becomes too thick, add more water as needed to reach your preferred texture. The macaroni will absorb some of the broth, so adjust accordingly.

Finishing with Milk and Seasoning

Finally, stir in 1 cup of milk (whole or evaporated) and let the soup come to a gentle boil again. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. The milk adds creaminess to the sopas, making it rich and comforting.

Carefully ladle the delicious chicken sopas into serving bowls. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Share this comforting dish with loved ones and savor every warm, hearty spoonful!

Filipino Chicken Macaroni Sopas Ingredients

We’re making traditional sopas, so the ingredient list here includes the essentials.

1 lb. chicken (skin removed) – Chicken is the ideal choice for sopas. Sopas doesn’t quite have the same comforting feel without chicken!
2 ounces chopped ham – Savory ham pieces that add a delicious and slightly sweet depth of flavor. You can also try substituting them with chicken liver.
1/2 lb elbow macaroni – Perfectly cooked pasta that absorbs the creamy broth. We’ll start with elbow macaroni.
4 minced celery stalks – Crunchy celery that infuses the soup with fresh, aromatic notes.
1 minced medium yellow onion – Enhances the overall depth of flavor.
1 diced large carrot – Sweet, tender carrots that add a touch of natural sweetness and color.
1 ½ cups chopped cabbage (optional) – Crisp cabbage that provides extra texture!
4 cups chicken broth – Rich and savory broth that forms the soul of the soup.
6 to 8 cups water – For the soup base.
1 1/2 cup fresh milk or 1 can of 14 oz. can evaporated milk – Enriches the broth with creamy smoothness and a touch of sweetness.
3 tablespoons butter – Infuses the soup with a rich, velvety texture and flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings that fine-tune the flavors to perfection!

How To Serve Sopas

To enjoy chicken sopas at its best, serve it in a warm bowl and share it with family on a rainy day for a truly comforting experience. Pair the hearty soup with freshly baked bread.

Variations Of Sopas

This classic Filipino macaroni sopas version typically includes chicken, macaroni, vegetables, and a creamy, savory broth. Regional adaptations might use different types of meat, like in turkey sopas or sopas with chicken liver, or include alternative vegetables such as bell peppers and green beans. Some variations incorporate additional ingredients like ham or sausage for extra flavor. In certain areas, sopas may be prepared with a lighter broth or less cream to suit individual preferences. Regardless of the variation, sopas remains a versatile and cherished comfort food in Filipino cuisine.

Try this Filipino Chicken Macaroni Sopas recipe. Enjoy!

Watch How to Cook Filipino Chicken Macaroni Sopas

Vanjo Merano

Vanjo Merano is the creator of PanlasangPinoy.com. His goal is to introduce Filipino Food and Filipino Cuisine to the rest of the world. This blog was the first step that he took.

Filipino Chicken Macaroni Sopas