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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large pot, add 8 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- 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
- Add the carrots, potato, chayote, pumpkin, yam, squash, and corn.
- Stir in the onion, garlic, scallions, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper.
- Season with salt, black pepper, all-purpose seasoning, and pimento.
Step 3: Add the Soup Mix & Simmer
- Pour in the Jamaican chicken noodle soup mix and stir well.
- Reduce heat to medium and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Make & Add the Spinners
- In a small bowl, mix the flour and salt, then gradually add water while kneading to form a soft dough.
- Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them between your palms to form long, thin dumplings.
- 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
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper (or leave it in for extra heat).
- 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