Introduction

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul and brings back fond memories of home. This easy recipe is perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and wholesome noodles, it’s a delicious and nutritious dish the whole family will love.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless: 1 pound
– Carrots, diced: 2 medium
– Celery, diced: 2 stalks
– Onion, diced: 1 medium
– Garlic, minced: 3 cloves
– Chicken broth: 8 cups
– Egg noodles: 3 cups
– Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
– Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon
– Salt: to taste
– Pepper: to taste
– Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

Prep Time

The prep time for this chicken noodle soup is approximately 15 minutes. This includes chopping the vegetables and preparing the chicken.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook time for the soup is around 25 minutes. Therefore, the total time from start to finish is about 40 minutes. This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients you will need for the chicken noodle soup. This includes chicken, broth, vegetables, and seasonings.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

In a large pot, add your chicken and cover it with the broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for around 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Remove and Shred Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool slightly, then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add your chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté them in the remaining broth for about 5-7 minutes, until they are softened.

Step 5: Add Noodles

Once the vegetables are tender, add the noodles to the pot. Stir well and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: Return Chicken to Pot

Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 7: Season to Taste

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. Add salt, pepper, and any additional herbs as desired for enhanced flavor.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Ladle the chicken noodle soup into bowls and serve hot. It pairs well with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

Storage Instructions

Leftover chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Tips

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, the noodles may become mushy upon reheating, so it’s best to add them fresh when you reheat.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to customize your chicken noodle soup by adding other vegetables such as peas or corn. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top for an added layer of flavor. Consider including a side salad for a complete meal.

Cook techniques

Cooking Chicken

To achieve tender and juicy chicken in your soup, it is recommended to poach the chicken. This involves simmering the chicken gently in water or broth until fully cooked.

Making Broth

For a rich and flavorful broth, use a combination of chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs. Allow it to simmer for several hours to extract maximum flavor.

Perfect Noodles

Cook the noodles separately from the soup and add them just before serving. This prevents them from becoming mushy and ensures they retain their texture.

Vegetable Preparation

Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking. Softer vegetables like carrots and celery should be diced into small pieces to cook through in the soup.

Seasoning

Season gradually throughout the cooking process. Taste as you go to adjust flavors, balancing salt, pepper, and herbs for the best result.

FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes, leftover chicken can be shredded and added to the soup for convenience and to save time.

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are ideal for chicken noodle soup because they hold up well in broth and add a comforting texture.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. However, noodles should be added fresh to maintain their texture.

What can I use instead of chicken?

For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and add tofu or chickpeas for protein, along with plenty of vegetables.

How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or purée some of the soup and mix it back in.

Conclusion

Enjoying a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup is a wonderful way to nourish both body and soul. This classic recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste preferences. By using fresh ingredients and wholesome chicken broth, you can create a delightful meal that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup is a timeless favorite that everyone can appreciate.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Vegetable Chicken Noodle Soup

Add a variety of chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and celery to enhance the soup’s nutritional value and flavor.

Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Incorporate some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick that will elevate the traditional recipe.

Herb-Infused Chicken Noodle Soup

Include fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to add depth and freshness to your soup.

Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup

Mix in coconut milk and curry powder for a unique twist that combines vibrant flavors with the comforting essence of chicken noodle soup.

Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup

Substitute regular noodles with gluten-free alternatives while maintaining all the hearty goodness of the original recipe.

Chicken and Rice Soup

Replace noodles with cooked rice for a different texture, combining the delicious flavors of chicken and rice in one delightful dish.