Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup: Cozy Comfort in Every Bowl
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup to make you feel cozy inside. This Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting classic that warms the heart and soul, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s one of those recipes that brings back memories of home, family, and love. Packed with tender shredded chicken, hearty noodles, and vibrant vegetables, this dish is not just delicious but also nourishing.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a simple meal to enjoy on a quiet night, this Chicken Noodle Soup is a versatile choice that fits any occasion. With its savory broth and delightful ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a comforting lunch, this soup fits right in.
– Hearty and filling: With tender chicken and satisfying noodles, it’s a meal that will keep you satisfied.
– Easy to make: Simple steps mean you can have this delightful dish on the table in no time.
– Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or noodles for a personal touch.
– Great leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh ingredients is part of what makes cooking so enjoyable! Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful Chicken Noodle Soup:
For the Soup Base
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 small yellow onion (diced)
– 3 celery stalks (thinly sliced)
– 2 carrots (thinly sliced)
– 6 cloves garlic (minced)
– 10 to 12 cups low sodium chicken broth
– 4 thyme sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 2 bay leaves
For the Chicken
– 2 pounds skinless, bone-in chicken breasts
– 1¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
For the Noodles and Garnish
– 10 ounces carba-nada noodles (low carb noodles) (or use regular wide egg noodles)
– chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
– lemon wedges (for serving)
Variations
One of the best parts about cooking is experimenting with flavors! Here are some fun variations you can try with your Chicken Noodle Soup:
– Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for an even quicker meal.
– Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or peas for extra nutrition and color.
– Change up the noodles: Try rice noodles or spiralized zucchini for a gluten-free option.
– Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like a little heat.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Heat the olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven set over medium heat. To the heated oil, add the chopped onions, sliced celery, and carrots; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 20 seconds until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Stir in the Broth and Herbs
Add the chicken broth and stir all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Incorporate thyme sprigs and bay leaves; then increase the heat to high and bring everything to a simmer. The broth will absorb all those wonderful flavors from your sautéed vegetables.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cook
Add in the chicken breasts along with salt and pepper; stir everything well before covering. Simmer over medium heat for about 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. This step ensures that your chicken becomes tender while infusing its flavor into the broth.
Step 4: Remove the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a cutting board. Allowing them to cool slightly makes shredding easier later on.
Step 5: Adding Noodles
If using regular egg noodles, add them now to the broth and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until they’re al dente. If using Carba-Nada noodles, wait until you shred your chicken before adding them since they only take about 4 to 5 minutes to cook.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
While waiting on those noodles, shred your chicken using two forks or your hands after discarding any bones. Stir this shredded goodness back into your soup; cover again and let it simmer for another couple of minutes so that everything melds together nicely.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove your Chicken Noodle Soup from heat and discard both thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Taste it now; adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve alongside lemon wedges which can brighten up each spoonful!
Enjoy every comforting bite of your homemade Chicken Noodle Soup!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Noodle Soup
Making chicken noodle soup is a delightful experience that warms your heart and fills your home with wonderful aromas. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your soup turns out perfect every time.
– Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves add a depth of flavor to the broth that dried herbs can’t quite match. If you have access to fresh herbs, definitely opt for them.
– Don’t rush the sautéing: Taking the time to properly sauté the vegetables allows their natural sugars to develop, enhancing the flavor of your soup. Aim for a nice golden color on those onions!
– Customize the noodles: Feel free to experiment with different types of noodles. While egg noodles are traditional, you can use gluten-free options or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter version.
– Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remember, different brands of broth may vary in saltiness.
– Make it a one-pot meal: To keep things simple, you can cook everything in one pot without dirtying extra dishes. Just follow each step directly in your Dutch oven!
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving chicken noodle soup is all about presentation and creating a cozy dining experience. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Garnishes
– Chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkle this over each bowl for a pop of color and freshness.
– Lemon wedges: Adding a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
– Crusty bread: A warm loaf or garlic bread pairs perfectly with soup.
– Simple side salad: A light salad with mixed greens complements the hearty soup well.
– Grilled cheese sandwiches: The classic combo of grilled cheese and soup is always a hit.
– Roasted vegetables: A side of roasted veggies adds nutrition and balances out the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping chicken noodle soup can save you time during busy weeks while still providing delicious homemade meals. Here’s how to manage leftovers effectively.
Storing Leftovers
– Cool down quickly: Allow your soup to cool at room temperature for no more than two hours before refrigerating.
– Use airtight containers: Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
– Portion it out: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for easy reheating later.
– Label properly: Don’t forget to label your containers with dates so you can keep track of freshness; it’s best consumed within 3 months.
Reheating
– Thaw safely: For frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use a microwave on low power.
– Reheat gently: Warm your soup over medium heat on the stove until heated through, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
If you’re new to making chicken noodle soup or just have some questions, this section should help clarify things!
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time. Just shred it and add it near the end of cooking instead of simmering whole chicken breasts.
Can I omit the noodles?
Absolutely! You can skip the noodles entirely or substitute them with vegetables like zucchini or spinach for a healthier option.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta alternatives or spiralized vegetables instead of traditional egg noodles. Just be mindful of cooking times since they may vary.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to make this comforting chicken noodle soup! It’s not just food; it’s love in a bowl that brings warmth and joy to any table. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every savory sip. Happy cooking!
Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, sliced celery, and carrots; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and stir all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Incorporate thyme sprigs and bay leaves; then increase the heat to high and bring everything to a simmer.
- Add in the chicken breasts along with salt and pepper; stir everything well before covering. Simmer over medium heat for about 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a cutting board. Allowing them to cool slightly makes shredding easier later on.
- If using regular egg noodles, add them now to the broth and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until they’re al dente. If using Carba-Nada noodles, wait until you shred your chicken before adding them.
- While waiting on those noodles, shred your chicken using two forks or your hands after discarding any bones. Stir this shredded goodness back into your soup; cover again and let it simmer for another couple of minutes.
- Remove your Chicken Noodle Soup from heat and discard both thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Taste it now; adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve alongside lemon wedges.
