Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. This comforting dish has been a staple in households around the world, particularly during chilly days, when your body craves warmth and nourishment. The savory aroma of chicken, vegetables, and herbs simmering together creates an atmosphere of tradition and care. Whether you are feeling under the weather or simply in need of a hearty meal, this recipe will provide you with the essence of comfort.
Why We Love This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
There’s something about the combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles that feels like a hug on a cold day. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia of family gatherings or the simplicity of preparing a dish that brings everyone together. This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it according to your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring that it suits everyone’s taste. Additionally, it’s packed full of nutrients, making it an excellent choice for the whole family.
Ingredients about Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
To create this classic dish, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups egg noodles (or any small pasta)
How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Directions
Creating this delicious soup is straightforward and rewarding. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and focus on achieving that perfect translucent look, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, it’s time to welcome in the sliced carrots and diced celery. Allow these to cook for another 5 minutes; this step is crucial for developing the base flavor of your soup.
Now comes the exciting part—add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it in for about a minute, just until you can smell its fragrant aroma wafting through the kitchen. This scent signals that it’s time to pour in the chicken broth, turning the heat up slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer.
As the broth begins to bubble, gently place the boneless chicken breasts into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add in the dried oregano, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes. This timeframe ensures that the chicken cooks through perfectly, absorbing the incredible flavors surrounding it.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot. You can shred it using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces—whatever you prefer! Return the shredded chicken to the pot, immersing it back into the simmering goodness.
Next, add your egg noodles or small pasta to the pot. Follow the cooking instructions on the packaging for the noodles, ensuring you don’t overcook them. It’s vital to taste the soup at this stage and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Finally, remember to remove those bay leaves before serving to avoid any surprises in your bowl.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is as satisfying as making it. Ladle the warm soup into large bowls, allowing each person to appreciate the colorful carrots, celery, and egg noodles lovingly suspended in the rich broth. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to boost the dish’s visual appeal and flavor.
Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread or cornbread for the ultimate comforting meal. It’s ideal during chilly evenings or even as a lunch option that guarantees to nourish and warm you up. This dish can also be easily portioned out, making it a fantastic choice for meal prepping or serving during gatherings.
Expert Tips: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
To take your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup to the next level, consider these expert tips. First, for an enhanced flavor profile, opt for homemade chicken broth if you have the time. It adds a richness that store-bought options can sometimes lack. If you’re using store-bought broth, low-sodium varieties are preferable, as they allow you to control the salt levels in your soup better.
Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup for added nutrition and flavor. Ingredients like peas, green beans, or even spinach can be excellent additions. Simply toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to retain their vibrant color and crunch.
If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Alternatively, for a heartier meal, throw in some bay leaves earlier, or add more noodles for a thicker soup base.
Lastly, don’t forget to adjust seasoning before serving! A sprinkle of fresh herbs can significantly elevate the soup’s flavor, making it even more inviting.
How to Store Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Storing your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is easy and ensures you can enjoy it later. Allow the leftover soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This method preserves the flavors and prevents spoilage. Typically, the soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing your soup. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. When properly sealed, your soup can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
Variation of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is versatile, allowing you to personalize it to suit your preferences. For those wanting a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest just before serving to brighten the soup.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half once the soup has finished cooking. This creates a delightful creamy chicken noodle soup that feels indulgent without compromising the original’s essence.
For a healthy twist, you can substitute the egg noodles with whole grain or gluten-free options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this comforting dish. You can also swap the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken to save time or use turkey as a lean alternative.
Explore different herbs and spices as well—adding rosemary, dill, or even turmeric can introduce exciting new flavors to this comforting classic. Do not hesitate to experiment; each variation brings its unique charm to the table.
FAQ
What is Classic Chicken Noodle Soup?
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is a hearty dish made from chicken, vegetables, and noodles simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s known for its comforting qualities, especially during cold weather or when you’re feeling unwell.
How long does it take to make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup?
Making Classic Chicken Noodle Soup typically takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Classic Chicken Noodle Soup can be made ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days and can also be frozen for longer storage.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup?
You can enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, and spices like garlic powder. Additionally, using homemade broth instead of store-bought can elevate the overall taste.
How do I reheat Classic Chicken Noodle Soup?
To reheat Classic Chicken Noodle Soup, thaw if frozen, then heat it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced Adds flavor to the base
- 2 medium carrots, sliced For sweetness and color
- 2 stalks celery, diced For added crunch and flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced For aroma and depth of flavor
Broth and Seasoning
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth Preferably homemade for rich flavor
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Main protein of the soup
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Herb for flavor
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped Fresh herb enhances taste
- 2 leaves bay leaves To be removed before serving
Noodles
- 2 cups egg noodles Can substitute with any small pasta
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add sliced carrots and diced celery; cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about a minute.
Cooking
- Pour in the chicken broth and turn the heat up to bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add the boneless chicken breasts, seasoning with salt and pepper, dried oregano, fresh thyme, and bay leaves.
- Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from the pot and shred it or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the egg noodles.
- Cook noodles according to packaging instructions, avoiding overcooking.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Serving
- Ladle warm soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped herbs if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread or cornbread.
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