Resolution of the week: eat more color.

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And we’re starting here with this chicken zoodle soup.

We’ve had LOTS of beige foods over the last two weeks. Beige, brown, white and… cookies. Those were the food groups. It was glorious. It was gluttonous! 

thai chicken zoodle soup I howsweeteats.com #chicken #soup #zoodles #zucchininoodles #coconutmilk

Even though we eat pretty balanced dinners throughout the week and Max eats a healthier diet than I ever expected, one of my goals for 2018 is to make sure our dinners are SUPER colorful. I’m not so much doing it for me (though I get to reap the benefits too!) as I am for Max and eventually Emilia. I want them to be used to eating colorful produce at meals. Every meal, when possible.

As he grows up, I want him to wonder where the green food is and where the salad is at dinner or where the vegetable is on the side. Is this possible? I’m sure hoping so.

thai chicken zoodle soup I howsweeteats.com #chicken #soup #zoodles #zucchininoodles #coconutmilk

Soup still isn’t his thing – at least not an overly brothy soup. If it’s like a heartier chili or chicken and dumplings, he is all over that. But brothy soups aren’t something he has experienced a ton of.

I think it’s warm liquids in general, because I tried to get him to drink hot chocolate when we went ice skating a few weeks ago and he took one sip and looked at me like he might die. It wasn’t even HOT, you know? How can I get this kid to love warm chocolate and melty marshmallows?

Starting with chicken zoodle soup is probably not the answer, but I’m going to try.

So!

We absolutely love these thai curry shrimp noodle bowls and I’ve wanted to make something similar with chicken for ages. And how fun is a zoodle soup?

To be honest, I could care less about zucchini as any sort of side dish. Unless it’s breaded and served with lots of parmesan and marinara. Otherwise, I’m just like… meh.

But zoodles I’m into. Basically I am a child and the spirals are fun to eat. My mindset is probably right on par with Max’s, right?

thai chicken zoodle soup I howsweeteats.com #chicken #soup #zoodles #zucchininoodles #coconutmilk

In this recipe, I don’t cook the zoodles because once they are added to the hot soup, they cook a bit on their own. I also like the crunch and don’t want them to overcook, so into the hot broth they go!

Also. This is one of those recipes that I like to have in my arsenal for leftover nights. And what I mean by that is that I will use leftover shredded chicken. Whether it’s leftover from another recipe or if I just buy a rotisserie chicken, I rarely cook the chicken alone for this recipe. If you want to do that, I suggest quickly broiling or even boiling two chicken breasts and then shredding them! Boom. Done.

Other add-ins are also perfect, such as shrimp or even pulled pork (we have a ton leftover from New Year’s Day!) or just leaving it as a veggie heavy soup. Cue the shocked face.

Makes you feel sooooo good in this new year. Before sneaking one more cookie. Just one more.

Take a peek at my video for chicken zoodle soup!

thai chicken zoodle soup I howsweeteats.com #chicken #soup #zoodles #zucchininoodles #coconutmilk

Thai Chicken Zoodle Soup

4.93 from 13 votes
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 sweet onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup baby carrots sliced into rounds
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1/3 cup sugar snap peas
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 14-ounce can full-fat or light coconut milk (your preference!)
  • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
  • 1 or even 2! zucchini squash, spiralized (more or less depending on how many you want!)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • lime wedges or halves for spritzing

Instructions 

  • Heat a large pot over medium-low heat and add the coconut oil. Stir in the onions, garlic, peppers, carrots and ginger with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables have slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, scraping the bottom.
  • Stir in the chicken stock, coconut milks, snap peas and chicken. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Taste and season additionally if needed.
  • Toss in the zoodles from one or two zucchini squash - however many you would like! Serve immediately with some green onions and cilantro on top.
  • Note: this reheats well really, but the zoodles can get mushy! I do suggest making zoodles and keeping them in your fridge, and adding just enough to the hot soup each time you heat it so they stay crisp.
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thai chicken zoodle soup I howsweeteats.com #chicken #soup #zoodles #zucchininoodles #coconutmilk

P.S. you can always add bread. Dip it! Sourdough is my drug of choice.