Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless comfort dish that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with a delightful, aromatic embrace. The blend of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and comforting noodles creates a symphony of flavors that beckon you back for more. This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings, sick days, or simply when you crave familiar, soothing flavors. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through crafting this classic dish that your family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the most remarkable aspects of Chicken Noodle Soup is its simplicity. This recipe is fast and perfect for busy weekdays, requiring minimal prep time, making it a go-to meal for families. The ingredients are mostly pantry staples, ensuring you can whip it up at a moment’s notice. Kids and adults alike adore this dish, and its nourishing qualities make it a comforting option for everyone. Additionally, the soup is versatile; you can tweak it according to your family’s preferences while still retaining its soul-soothing essence.
Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
These ingredients create a rich tapestry of flavors in your bowl. The earthy aroma of sautéed garlic and onion mingles with the sweetness of carrots and the refreshing crunch of celery. Each bite is enriched by the tender chicken and the satisfying texture of egg noodles. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is as visually pleasing as it is tasty.
Step-by-Step Directions for Chicken Noodle Soup
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Heat the Olive Oil: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This will create a flavorful base for your soup.
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Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and tender, allowing the sweet aroma to fill your kitchen.
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Cook Veggies: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they soften slightly.
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Add the Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
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Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
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Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken, then return it to the soup.
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Incorporate Noodles: Add the egg noodles to your simmering soup and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf.
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Garnish and Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook Chicken in Advance: For a quicker meal, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just add it when you incorporate the noodles.
- Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to include additional vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the simmering stage.
- Storage Solution: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage.
- Batch Cooking: Make a big pot and enjoy the leftovers for lunches throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Chicken Noodle Soup is best served hot, making it a perfect companion for a crisp, homemade bread roll or a warm baguette. You can elevate your meal by adding a side salad or some fresh fruit for a refreshing touch. For an added indulgence, consider serving it with crusty garlic bread or a cheesy quesadilla for a delightful twist.
Nutritional Information
This hearty Chicken Noodle Soup is not just tasty but also nutritious. A typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 10g
This soup makes for a well-rounded meal, offering protein from the chicken, vitamins from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the noodles, making it a wholesome choice for any time of the year.
Storing Tips & Variations for Chicken Noodle Soup
Storing Chicken Noodle Soup is simple! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore its original consistency, as the noodles may absorb more liquid over time.
For healthier alternatives, consider using whole grain egg noodles or replacing some noodles with spiralized vegetables, such as zucchini, to maintain that comfort without the extra carbs. You can also experiment with adding different spices or herbs to transform the flavor.
Conclusion for Chicken Noodle Soup
You’ll want to try this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe right away! The rich, flavorful broth, combined with tender bits of chicken and perfectly cooked noodles, creates a magical dish that is sure to allure your taste buds. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Dive into this soup today and discover the warmth and satisfaction that a homemade bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup brings.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen vegetables in Chicken Noodle Soup?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables can be a great timesaver. Just add them in with the broth.
2. How can I make Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free egg noodles or substitute them with rice or quinoa.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients except the noodles in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add noodles in the last 30 minutes.
4. How can I enhance the flavor of my Chicken Noodle Soup?
Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
5. Is Chicken Noodle Soup good for you?
Yes! It’s full of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it nourishing and comforting, especially when you’re feeling under the weather.
Print
Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (when using gluten-free noodles)
Description
A timeless comfort dish that warms your heart with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and comforting noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the sliced carrots and celery; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the chicken breasts, dried thyme, parsley, and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Add the egg noodles and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation. Feel free to add extra vegetables like peas or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg

