Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Introduction

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and nutritious vegetables, this soup warms the body and soul. It’s the perfect remedy for cold weather, a soothing meal when you’re feeling under the weather, or simply a wholesome dish to enjoy any day of the week. With fresh ingredients and a flavorful broth, this classic recipe brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Let’s explore how to create this hearty, homemade soup step-by-step!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 cups (2 liters) chicken broth
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 cups (200g) egg noodles
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Chicken

  1. Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breasts or thighs.
  2. Season with thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

  1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

  1. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

  1. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until tender.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

  1. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
  2. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Variations

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles or rice instead of egg noodles.
  • Herbaceous Flavor: Add fresh rosemary or dill for a unique twist.
  • Low-Carb Version: Substitute noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.

Cooking Note

  • For a richer flavor, simmer the soup longer to allow the ingredients to meld beautifully.
  • If the soup is too thick, add extra chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or dinner rolls for a hearty meal.
  • Pair it with a side salad for a complete and balanced dinner.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.

Tips

  • For even more flavor, use homemade chicken stock.
  • Shred a rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
  • Cook the noodles separately if you plan to store leftovers, as they can absorb the broth and become mushy over time.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

35 minutes

Total Time

50 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 24g
  • Sodium: 780mg

FAQs

1. Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Yes, chicken noodle soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

2. Can I use precooked chicken?
Absolutely! Use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time. Simply skip the step of cooking the chicken in the broth.

3. How can I make the soup creamier?
Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy variation.

4. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add potatoes, parsnips, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless dish that delivers both flavor and comfort in every bite. Its combination of tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and satisfying noodles makes it a versatile and universally loved recipe. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a warm hug in a bowl, this soup is the perfect choice. Try it today, and you’ll see why it’s a classic favorite in kitchens everywhere

Print
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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 cups (2 liters) chicken broth
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 cups (200g) egg noodles
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Chicken

  1. Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breasts or thighs.
  2. Season with thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

  1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

  1. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

  1. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until tender.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

  1. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
  2. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, simmer the soup longer to allow the ingredients to meld beautifully.
  • If the soup is too thick, add extra chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Protein: 24g