Dinner

Fideo Con Pollo — Mexican Chicken & Toasted Noodle Soup Recipe

Name: Fideo Con Pollo — Mexican Chicken & Toasted Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons cooking oil, divided; 6 chicken drumsticks (skin-on, thawed); Salt, to season the chicken; 1 (7 oz) package dry fideo noodles; 6 cups warm water; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons garlic salt; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (Knorr or similar); Fresh chopped cilantro; Lime wedges, for squeezing; Warm tortillas, for dipping

ByHugo Harnd January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

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Introduction

Fideo Con Pollo is a comforting Mexican soup featuring crispy chicken drumsticks and toasted noodles simmered in a rich tomato broth. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

A large black pan filled with a dish of cooked thin noodles mixed with a red-orange sauce, and five chicken drumsticks placed on top, evenly spread across the pan. The noodles have a soft texture and are mixed with small pieces of vegetables. The sauce covers the bottom and sides with a glossy look. The chicken drumsticks are light brown with some shiny areas showing they are tender and cooked well. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
6 chicken drumsticks (skin-on, thawed)
Salt, to season the chicken
1 (7 oz) package dry fideo noodles
6 cups warm water
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (Knorr or similar)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a 3-quart or 10-inch pan over medium-low heat. Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and add them to the hot oil. Cook, turning occasionally, until the skin is browned and crispy—about 7–8 minutes. Remove and set aside; the chicken won’t be fully cooked yet.
Step 2: In the same pan (do not clean it), add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the dry fideo noodles and toast over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until evenly golden brown—about 6–8 minutes. Be careful not to burn the noodles.
Step 3: Add warm water, tomato paste, garlic salt, and chicken bouillon powder to the toasted noodles. Stir well until the tomato paste fully dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to break up any lumps.
Step 4: Return the browned chicken drumsticks to the pan with the toasted noodles and broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and let the soup rest uncovered for 10–15 minutes. This allows the noodles to soak up flavor and the broth to mellow perfectly. Serve hot, topped with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Warm tortillas on the side make a great accompaniment.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, brown the chicken skin well to enhance texture and aroma before simmering.
Substitute chicken drumsticks with thighs for a different cut, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Add a diced jalapeño to the broth for a mild spicy kick.
Use homemade chicken broth instead of water for a richer taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. The noodles may thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating to maintain the soup’s consistency.

How to Serve

A black round pan filled with a cooked dish consisting of four light brown chicken drumsticks evenly placed on top of a bed of thin pasta noodles in a thick, red-orange sauce. The pasta is soft and mixed with small bits of green beans and other small vegetables that are partially visible through the sauce. The dish has a rich, slightly wet texture with the sauce coating the noodles and chicken, and light steam rising. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different noodles instead of fideo?

Yes, thin pasta such as vermicelli or angel hair can be used as a substitute. Toast them lightly to replicate the characteristic flavor and texture of fideo noodles.

Is it necessary to toast the noodles?

Toasting the noodles adds a nutty flavor and prevents them from becoming mushy in the soup. It’s an important step to achieve the authentic taste and texture of Fideo Con Pollo.