Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, wrapping you in a warm embrace of savory goodness. Picture this: a steaming bowl filled with tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and vibrant veggies swimming in a broth that smells like a cozy hug on a cold day.
As you take that first spoonful, the rich aroma dances around your kitchen, instantly transporting you back to childhood memories of rainy days and sick days spent snuggled under blankets with your favorite show. This chicken noodle soup isn’t just food; it’s a nostalgic experience that can bring the family together or make any day feel special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken noodle soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- Packed with flavor, each spoonful is a delightful mix of textures and aromas
- The vibrant colors from fresh ingredients make it visually appealing, while its versatility allows for endless customization
- Ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather!
I still remember the time I made this chicken noodle soup for my best friend when she was fighting off a nasty cold. The way her face lit up after tasting it felt like winning an Oscar!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles work best; they soak up the broth beautifully and provide great texture.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Celery: Use crisp celery stalks for crunch; they bring freshness to the dish and balance flavors.
Onion: A medium onion provides depth; sauté until translucent to release its sweet aroma.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a robust flavor; don’t skip this step unless you want bland soup!
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; homemade broth always wins if you have time!
Herbs (Thyme & Bay Leaf): Fresh thyme adds earthiness; bay leaves infuse subtle complexity during cooking.
Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is key; adjust according to taste for that perfect finishing touch.
Lemon Juice (optional): A squeeze at the end brightens flavors beautifully; it’s like sunshine in your bowl!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your veggies: dice onions, slice carrots and celery, and mince garlic. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and more fun.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add onions. Cook until they turn translucent and fragrant—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add Veggies: Toss in chopped carrots and celery next. Stir them around for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly; let those vibrant colors shine!
Add Garlic & Chicken: Now it’s time to add minced garlic along with your chicken breasts. Sauté everything together until aromatic—around another minute should do the trick.
Pour in Broth: Carefully pour in your chicken broth along with thyme and bay leaves. Bring everything to a boil before lowering heat to simmer gently for about 20 minutes.
Add Noodles: Once chicken is cooked through, remove it carefully and shred it using two forks. Add egg noodles to the pot along with shredded chicken. Cook until noodles are tender—this takes about 8-10 minutes.
Taste & Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste your soup! Add salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed for that perfect balance of flavors. Remember, seasoning is key!
Enjoy this delightful bowl of chicken noodle soup that’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies!
You Must Know
- Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that warms both the body and soul
- Use homemade broth for richer flavor, and don’t rush the simmering process; it enhances the taste
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end adds a bright finish to this timeless dish
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot, then add chicken pieces until golden brown. Pour in broth and let it simmer while you cook the noodles separately for best texture and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add veggies like carrots and celery. Experiment with spices such as thyme or dill to create your unique twist on this classic chicken noodle soup recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh ingredients for better flavor; wilted herbs won’t do your soup justice
- Keep your chicken moist by not overcooking it; nobody likes dry meat in their soup
- Taste as you go, adjusting seasoning to ensure perfect balance every time
Sometimes I whip up this chicken noodle soup on rainy days, only to have friends declare me their culinary hero—who knew a pot of soup could spark such joy?
FAQ
Can I use store-bought broth for chicken noodle soup?
Absolutely! Store-bought broth saves time but opt for low-sodium options for more control over salt.
How can I make my chicken noodle soup healthier?
Add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini, and use whole-grain noodles instead of regular ones.
What type of noodles works best in chicken noodle soup?
Egg noodles are traditional, but any pasta shape you love can work just fine with this recipe.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is the quintessential comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, flavorful egg noodles, and fresh vegetables simmered in a savory broth. With its warm aroma evoking nostalgic memories, this easy-to-make soup is sure to delight your family and friends while wrapping you in a cozy embrace.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Chop the onions, carrots, celery, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Add veggies: Stir in chopped carrots and celery; cook for an additional 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Combine garlic & chicken: Add minced garlic and chicken breasts; sauté for about a minute until aromatic.
- Pour in broth: Add chicken broth along with thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil then lower heat to simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook noodles: Remove chicken, shred it with forks, then return to pot with egg noodles. Cook until noodles are tender (8-10 minutes).
- Taste & adjust seasoning: Before serving, add salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 2 cups or 480g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
