Chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken, comforting noodles, and a flavorful broth. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something cozy, this soup will hit the spot.
Why We Love This Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is more than just a comforting dish—it’s a classic that brings warmth to both your body and soul. Whether you’re seeking a hearty meal for a cold day or need something light and nutritious, this recipe hits the mark every time. Here’s why we absolutely love it:
- Comforting and Nourishing: The rich, flavorful broth combined with tender chicken and soft noodles creates a soothing, satisfying meal. It’s the perfect way to feel cozy, no matter the season.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and antioxidants from the broth, this soup is both filling and good for you. Plus, it’s low in fat and calories, making it a great choice for any diet.
- Versatile and Easy to Customize: You can tweak this recipe to your liking. Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition, or swap the noodles for a gluten-free option. It’s simple to adjust, making it the perfect base for your own creative touches.
- Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients—chicken, vegetables, and noodles—you can have a homemade, hearty soup ready in no time. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe with no complicated steps, making it perfect for beginner cooks and busy weeknights alike.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping or serving to a crowd.
There’s something magical about how a bowl of chicken noodle soup can bring comfort and satisfaction. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so special.
Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for flavor and moisture.
Egg Noodles – Egg noodles are best for soaking up the broth, but other pasta can be used.
Carrots – Carrots add sweetness and color; slice them thinly for even cooking.
Celery – Celery adds a crisp texture and mild flavor to balance the broth.
Onion – Onions bring savory depth and sweetness to the soup.
Garlic – Minced garlic adds extra savory flavor and aroma.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Low-sodium broth gives control over salt while creating a rich base.
Bay Leaves – Bay leaves add herbal flavor but should be removed before serving.
Fresh Parsley or Thyme – Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme give the soup a bright, aromatic taste.
Salt and Pepper – These seasonings enhance and balance the flavors in the soup.
Instructions for Chicken Noodle Soup
Making chicken noodle soup is simple and straightforward, and the result is always comforting. Follow these easy steps to create a warm, delicious bowl of soup:
Prepare the Chicken: Boil chicken in water for 20 minutes, then shred it with forks and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Add the Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bay leaves, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook the Noodles: Add noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes.
Shred and Add Chicken: Shred the chicken and add it to the soup, mixing well.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove bay leaves, stir in fresh parsley or thyme, and adjust seasoning.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with herbs, and serve hot. Enjoy!
This recipe is perfect for a cozy meal and is simple enough to make on any busy day. The flavors only get better as it sits, making it great for leftovers too!
Pro Tips for Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your chicken noodle soup even more delicious, here are some helpful pro tips to elevate the flavors and ensure perfect results every time:
Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are convenient, using bone-in chicken (like thighs or a whole chicken) will give your broth an extra boost of richness and depth. Simply simmer the bones with the broth for a longer period, then remove and shred the meat.
Season as You Go: Instead of waiting until the end, add salt and pepper throughout the cooking process to build flavor at each stage. Taste and adjust as needed to get the perfect balance.
Cook Noodles Separately (Optional): To avoid your noodles soaking up too much broth, consider cooking them separately and adding them to each bowl just before serving. This way, you can control the noodle-to-broth ratio in each serving.
Add Lemon for Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can add a touch of brightness and enhance the soup’s flavors without overpowering it. This small addition makes a big difference!
Make It Ahead: Chicken noodle soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, and the flavors deepen the longer it sits. If you’re planning to store it, keep the noodles separate so they don’t absorb too much liquid.
Freeze for Later: If you’re making a big batch, you can freeze the soup (without the noodles) for up to 3 months. Just reheat and add fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve.
With these tips, your chicken noodle soup will always be a hit. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
Variations of Chicken Noodle Soup
One of the best things about chicken noodle soup is its versatility. You can easily tweak the recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:
Add More Veggies: If you want to load up on veggies, add some frozen peas, spinach, zucchini, or corn. These vegetables cook quickly and bring more nutrients and color to your soup.
Swap the Noodles: Not a fan of egg noodles? No problem! You can use any type of pasta you like, such as gluten-free noodles, rice, or even spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: If you like a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup. For extra flavor, try adding a few slices of jalapeño or a tablespoon of sriracha.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a rich and creamy twist, stir in a half cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. This will add a velvety texture to your broth.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is delicious on its own, but it’s always nice to pair it with some tasty sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
Crusty Bread or Toast: Nothing beats dipping a warm, buttery slice of bread into your soup. Choose a hearty sourdough or rustic whole-grain loaf for extra flavor and texture.
Garlic Bread: If you’re craving something a little extra, garlic bread is a perfect complement to the savory chicken broth. The buttery, garlicky flavor pairs wonderfully with the soup’s warmth.
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FAQs for Chicken Noodle Soup
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your chicken noodle soup experience:
Is chicken noodle soup actually healthy?
Yes! Chicken noodle soup can be a nutritious option, especially when made with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and whole-grain noodles. The broth provides hydration, while the protein and veggies offer essential nutrients. To make it even healthier, use low-sodium broth and load up on extra vegetables.
What can I add to my chicken noodle soup to give it more flavor?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves during the cooking process. A splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can bring out the savory notes. For extra depth, you can also sauté garlic, onions, and celery before adding the broth.
Can I eat chicken soup after 5 days?
Chicken noodle soup typically lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator. After this, the quality and safety of the soup might degrade. If you want to keep it longer.
chicken noodle soup
Ingredients
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups egg noodles or pasta of your choice
- 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- A handful of fresh parsley or thyme chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, add the chicken breasts or thighs. Cover them with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little olive oil (if needed), then sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
- Shred and Add Chicken: While the noodles are cooking, shred the cooked chicken. Add it back into the soup, along with any juices that may have collected. Stir everything together.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the bay leaves and stir in your fresh parsley or thyme for added flavor and freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with more fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy a comforting, delicious, homemade chicken noodle soup!