Jamaican Chicken Noodle Soup: A Hearty and Healing Dish

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• Author: Arianna
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 1 large pot of soup 1x

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Description

Jamaican Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm and comforting dish packed with rich flavors and nutritious ingredients. This soup is a staple in many Jamaican households, known for its healing properties and delicious combination of chicken, vegetables, and traditional dumplings called “spinners.” Infused with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a hint of Scotch bonnet pepper, this soup is the perfect remedy for cold days or when you need a nourishing meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Soup:

• 1 lb chicken (bone-in, cut into pieces)
• 8 cups water
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 large potato, diced
• 1 chayote (chocho), diced (optional)
• ½ lb pumpkin, cubed
• 1 small yam, peeled and cubed
• ½ lb yellow squash, diced (optional)
• 2 ears of corn, cut into rounds
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, do not cut unless you want it spicier)
• 1 pack Jamaican chicken noodle soup mix (e.g., Grace or Maggi brand)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
• ½ teaspoon pimento (allspice), ground

For the Spinners (Dumplings):

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup water (adjust as needed)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large pot, add 8 cups of water and bring to a boil.
2. Add the chicken pieces and let them simmer for 10 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.

Step 2: Add Vegetables & Seasonings

3. Add the carrots, potato, chayote, pumpkin, yam, squash, and corn.
4. Stir in the onion, garlic, scallions, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, all-purpose seasoning, and pimento.

Step 3: Add the Soup Mix & Simmer

6. Pour in the Jamaican chicken noodle soup mix and stir well.
7. Reduce heat to medium and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Make & Add the Spinners

8. In a small bowl, mix the flour and salt, then gradually add water while kneading to form a soft dough.
9. Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them between your palms to form long, thin dumplings.
10. Drop the spinners into the soup and let them cook for 10–15 minutes until they float to the top.

Step 5: Final Simmer & Serve

11. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
12. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper (or leave it in for extra heat).
13. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of water.
• If you like spicy food, slice the Scotch bonnet pepper before adding it to the soup.
• You can add green bananas or other root vegetables like cassava for extra heartiness.
• This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Fat: ~6g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~18g

Few dishes offer the perfect blend of comfort and bold Caribbean flavors quite like Jamaican chicken noodle soup. This traditional dish is nourishing, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, making it a staple in Jamaican households and an excellent meal for cold weather, recovery from illness, or simply indulging in something delicious.

Unlike classic chicken noodle soup, the Jamaican version is richer, heartier, and more flavorful. The broth is infused with aromatic herbs, warming spices, and a hint of heat from scotch bonnet peppers, creating a unique and deeply comforting dish. Furthermore, it includes hearty root vegetables like yellow yam and spinners (Jamaican dumplings), giving the soup a satisfying thickness that sets it apart.

Whether you’re new to Caribbean cooking or looking for a truly authentic recipe, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Jamaican chicken noodle soup at home.

What Makes Jamaican Chicken Noodle Soup Unique?

At first glance, Jamaican chicken noodle soup may look similar to other chicken soups. However, it has distinct characteristics that make it one of the most beloved comfort foods in the Caribbean.

1. Bold Caribbean Flavors

Unlike standard chicken soups, this version is seasoned with fresh thyme, pimento (allspice), and scotch bonnet peppers. These ingredients add layers of warmth and spice that create an incredibly aromatic and flavorful broth.

2. Hearty and Filling

This soup is more than just a light meal—it’s a hearty dish that’s packed with root vegetables like yellow yam, carrots, and Irish potatoes. The addition of spinners (dumplings) and noodles makes it a complete, well-balanced meal.

3. A Natural Immune Booster

Jamaican households often prepare this soup when someone is feeling under the weather. The combination of hot broth, allspice, garlic, and pepper makes it soothing and excellent for clearing congestion.

👉 Love Caribbean flavors? You might also enjoy this Delicious Chicken and Black Beans and Rice Recipe—another comforting dish with bold island flavors!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s break down the essential ingredients that give this soup its authentic Jamaican flavor.

Essential Ingredients

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This recipe is simple yet packed with rich, deep flavors. Follow these steps to create an authentic bowl of Jamaican chicken noodle soup at home.

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather and prepare all ingredients:

• Cut the vegetables into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
• Trim excess fat from the chicken, but leave the bones in for extra flavor.
• If making dumplings (spinners), mix flour, salt, and water into a firm dough, then roll into small, elongated shapes.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

• Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
• Sauté the garlic, scallions, and thyme for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
• Sprinkle in pimento (allspice) and let it toast for another 30 seconds to enhance the flavor.

🌿 Tip: Toasting the pimento releases its deep, warm aroma, making the broth even richer!

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

• Add the chicken pieces to the pot, stirring to coat them with the fragrant aromatics.
• Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden.
• Pour in chicken stock, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.

🌟 Why Bone-In Chicken? The bones enrich the broth, making it more flavorful and nutritious.

Step 4: Adding the Root Vegetables

• Once the broth starts boiling, reduce to medium-low heat.
• Add the yellow yam, carrots, and scotch bonnet pepper (whole, not cut).
• Simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

🔥 Tip: If you like a milder soup, leave the scotch bonnet pepper whole. If you want more heat, pierce it slightly before adding it to the pot.

👉 Love bold soups? Check out this Tangy Lemon Rice Soup Recipe for another comforting dish!

Step 5: Adding Noodles and Dumplings

• Drop in the noodles and dumplings, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
• Continue simmering for 15 more minutes, until the noodles are tender and the soup thickens naturally.

🌟 Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few pieces of yellow yam directly into the broth.

Step 6: Letting the Flavors Meld

After adding the noodles and dumplings, it’s essential to allow the soup to simmer gently for another 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to fully combine, resulting in a rich, well-seasoned broth.

• Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bottom.
• Ensure the noodles cook evenly and don’t become mushy.
• If the soup thickens too much, add a small amount of water or chicken stock to adjust the consistency.

🔥 Pro Tip: The longer the soup simmers, the more the ingredients release their natural flavors. However, avoid overcooking the noodles, as they can become too soft.

Step 7: Perfecting the Seasoning

Before serving, conduct a final taste test and make necessary adjustments to the seasoning.

• If the flavor is too mild, add a small amount of salt, black pepper, or additional pimento.
• If the soup needs more heat, gently pierce the scotch bonnet pepper and let it release some spice.
• To enhance the Caribbean flavor, consider adding a dash of lime juice just before serving.

🌟 Why It Matters: Jamaican cuisine is known for bold, balanced flavors. Taking the time to adjust the seasoning ensures the soup is perfectly spiced and deeply satisfying.

Step 8: Serving the Soup Like a Pro

Jamaican chicken noodle soup is best served hot and fresh, with all its vibrant ingredients on full display. For the most authentic experience:

• Ladle the soup into deep bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous mix of chicken, noodles, dumplings, and vegetables.
• Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped green onions for a final burst of flavor.
• Serve with hard dough bread or crackers to soak up the delicious broth.

🔥 Pro Tip: Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to settle and the broth to slightly thicken, enhancing its texture and flavor.

Pro Tips & Creative Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Jamaican chicken noodle soup recipe, here are some expert tips and creative twists to make it your own.

1. Make It Even More Nutritious

Jamaican cuisine is naturally rich in nutrients, but you can boost the health benefits of this soup even further.

• Add chopped callaloo, spinach, or kale for a dose of iron and vitamins.
• Include red kidney beans or lentils for extra protein and fiber.
• Swap egg noodles for whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles to lower carbs while keeping the dish filling.

👉 Want to try another hearty Caribbean-inspired dish? Check out this Best Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe, perfect for cold nights!

2. Adjust the Spice Level to Your Preference

Jamaican food is known for its bold use of spices, but you can easily customize the heat level to suit your taste.

• For a mild version, remove the scotch bonnet pepper early or replace it with a pinch of paprika.
• For extra heat, finely chop the scotch bonnet before adding it to the soup.
• If you accidentally make it too spicy, stir in a tablespoon of coconut milk to tone down the heat.

3. Create a Heartier, More Filling Soup

Although Jamaican chicken noodle soup is already quite substantial, you can make it even more satisfying by:

• Adding Irish potatoes, green bananas, or breadfruit for a richer texture.
• Mixing in shredded coconut or a splash of coconut milk for a creamier taste.
• Using bone-in chicken thighs instead of breast meat for a deeper, more flavorful broth.

FAQs – Answering Common Questions

What is the secret ingredient in soup?

The secret ingredient in Jamaican chicken noodle soup is pimento (allspice). This small but powerful spice gives the broth its signature warm, deep, and slightly sweet flavor.

Do you cook the chicken before putting it in soup?

No, the raw chicken is added directly to the pot. This allows it to release its natural juices, creating a richer, more flavorful broth.

How to thicken Caribbean soup?

There are three ways to thicken Jamaican chicken noodle soup naturally:

1. Dumplings and noodles absorb liquid as they cook, creating a thicker consistency.
2. Yellow yam and potatoes break down slightly, adding natural starch to the broth.
3. If needed, mash a few pieces of yam or potatoes and stir them back into the soup.

What are the ingredients in Simply Chicken Noodle Soup?

Traditional chicken noodle soup typically includes chicken, noodles, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and broth. However, the Jamaican version adds spinners (dumplings), yellow yam, thyme, pimento, and scotch bonnet pepper for a Caribbean twist.

Is it OK to boil raw chicken in soup?

Yes! Boiling raw chicken in the soup actually enhances the broth, making it richer and more flavorful. Just be sure to simmer it long enough for the chicken to become fully cooked and tender.

Does chicken soup get better the longer you cook it?

Absolutely! The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors develop. A slow simmer of at least 45 minutes allows the chicken, seasonings, and vegetables to meld perfectly.

Conclusion

Jamaican chicken noodle soup is the ultimate Caribbean comfort food. Its rich broth, tender chicken, hearty dumplings, and bold spices make it a flavorful and deeply satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving a warm, homemade meal, or exploring traditional Jamaican cuisine, this authentic recipe is a must-try.

Serve it fresh and steaming, pair it with hard dough bread, and enjoy a true taste of the islands!