There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chicken noodle soup to warm you up on a chilly day or to soothe you when you’re feeling under the weather. The “chicken noodle soup recipe” is a beloved comfort food that transcends generations. Whether you’re craving a quick and easy meal or looking for a hearty dish that brings a sense of nostalgia, this soup fits the bill perfectly. With its soothing broth, tender chicken, and comforting noodles, it’s no wonder that chicken noodle soup remains one of the most popular dishes in kitchens around the world.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This chicken noodle soup recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from chicken and a variety of vegetables, this soup is a wholesome choice that’s good for your body.
- Customizable: You can adjust the recipe to fit dietary preferences, such as gluten-free or dairy-free, making it versatile for everyone.
- Comforting and Delicious: It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a cozy embrace, offering a rich, flavorful broth and satisfying ingredients.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup keeps well, so you can enjoy it for days to come!
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Noodles: 2 cups egg noodles (or gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version)
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Broth: 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- Herbs and Spices: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley for garnish
Alternatives:
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing.
- Gluten-Free: Swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, heat a little oil and sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth, and add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions (typically 7-10 minutes), stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Shred and Add Chicken: Once the noodles are tender, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Expert Tip: To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, consider cooking them separately and adding them to individual servings rather than directly in the pot. This keeps the texture just right.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give the soup a spicy kick.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for added nutrients.
- Make it Sweeter: Add a touch of honey or a sweet potato for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- For a Creamy Version: Stir in a little heavy cream or coconut milk once the soup is done cooking.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just ensure that the noodles are cooked separately and added when reheating to preserve their texture.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if necessary to thin it out. You can also microwave it in individual servings.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of comforting soups, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more soup recipes that are just as delicious and satisfying as this chicken noodle soup:
- Thai Chicken Curry Soup – A flavorful, aromatic soup packed with tender chicken and the rich, spicy notes of Thai curry. Perfect for anyone craving a little heat and a lot of flavor.
- Lasagna Soup – A delicious twist on the classic lasagna, this soup combines all the best parts of lasagna in a comforting, easy-to-make broth.
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup – For potato lovers, this soup is the ultimate comfort food with creamy potatoes, bacon, and all the fixings of a loaded baked potato.
These soups are sure to become new favorites in your recipe rotation. Try them out for an extra dose of comfort and flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other types such as gluten-free noodles, rice noodles, or even pasta shells.
2. How do I make the soup more flavorful?
Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of lemon juice, a few dashes of soy sauce, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chicken noodle soup recipe is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
4. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Just add it at the end, after the vegetables are cooked, and skip the boiling step.
This classic chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re feeling under the weather, hosting a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a warm bowl of comfort. Give this recipe a try and share your experience with us! We’d love to hear how it turned out. Don’t forget to follow for more delicious recipes to bring comfort and joy to your kitchen.
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Noodles: 2 cups egg noodles or gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Broth: 6 cups chicken broth low-sodium recommended
- Herbs and Spices: 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried parsley, salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley for garnish
- Alternatives:
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing.
- Gluten-Free: Swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, heat a little oil and sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth, and add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions (typically 7-10 minutes), stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Shred and Add Chicken: Once the noodles are tender, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!