Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup, Slow-Cooker Style

Ingredients:

• 2 (1/2 lb.) bone-in chicken breasts, skinned
• 6 fresh cilantro sprigs plus leaves for garnish
• 3 scallions, white and green parts separated
• 1 lemongrass stalk, trimmed and finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed with the side of a large knife
• 1 (3-inch cinnamon stick)
• 2 star anise (optional)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 (32 oz.) cartons reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 oz. thin rice noodles (vermicelli)
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• fresh mint leaves
• fresh basil leaves, torn if large
• 4 lime wedges

Makes 4 (2 1/2 cups) Servings

1. Combine the chicken, cilantro sprigs, white parts of the scallions, lemongrass, garlic, cinnamon stick, star anise, if using, salt, and pepper in a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the broth over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook until the chicken is fork tender, 4-5 hours on high, 8-10 hours on low.
2. At the end of the cooking time, using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a plate; let stand until cool enough to handle.
3. Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold running water.
4. Remove and discard the bones from the chicken; cut the chicken meat into bite-size pieces. Pour the broth through a large sieve set over a large bowl. Discard the vegetables and spices.
5. Stir the chicken and noodles into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high until chicken and noodles are heated through, about 10 minutes.
6. Finely slice the green parts of the scallions. Ladle the soup into 4 large bowls; sprinkle evenly with the scallions. Garnish each serving with cilantro leaves, red onion, mint leaves, basil leaves, and a lime wedge.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. Chicken noodle soup is one of the ultimate comfort foods. This version of chicken noodle soup has a Vietnamese twist to it. The official soup of Vietnam is called Pho and it's usually eaten for breakfast. Pho can include any protein and it usually includes bean sprouts, jalapeno & serrano peppers, hoisin sauce and noodles. I made this soup during a snow storm and it made the kitchen & whole house smell delicious. This version of homemade chicken noodle soup is delicious. This soup will be good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you make this soup in the morning before you head out, it will be delicious when you come home. I highly recommend adding some chopped carrots to the soup for more vegetables and who doesn't love carrots in chicken soup? The noodles are absolutely delicious with the chicken and the chicken broth has a nice taste to it. This soup is perfect for making on a cold winter day. It will warm your stomach and soul.