Chicken Noodle Soup

This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is the perfect way to warm your soul on a chilly day. It’s packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and hearty noodles simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for family dinners or as a comforting lunch, this soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Its delightful flavors and nourishing ingredients make it a go-to dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Warmth: This soup is a classic comfort food that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, making homemade chicken noodle soup is a breeze.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the veggies or noodles based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
• Batch Cooking Friendly: This recipe yields 14 servings, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
• Health Benefits: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the vegetables, it’s both filling and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make this chicken noodle soup efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Using quality kitchen equipment ensures your cooking process goes smoothly and yields delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Ladle
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning; its heavy construction retains heat well.
• Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, allowing for precise cuts.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving soup without spills, ensuring each bowl gets an ample amount of broth.

Ingredients

This flavorful and cozy chicken noodle soup is packed with tender shredded chicken, hearty egg noodles, crisp celery, onions, and carrots, all simmered in a savory, warm broth.

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 celery stalks (thinly sliced)
• 2 carrots (thinly sliced)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Broth

• 10 to 12 cups low sodium chicken broth (I normally use 12 cups because I like a brothier soup)
• 4 thyme sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 bay leaves

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds skinless, bone-in chicken breasts
• 1¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

For the Noodles

• 10 ounces carba-nada noodles (low carb noodles) (or use regular wide egg noodles)

For Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat the olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, sliced celery, and carrots; cook for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add thyme sprigs and bay leaf; turn up the heat to high until it reaches a simmer.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add in the chicken breasts along with salt and pepper; stir gently. Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the pot carefully. Place them on a cutting board to cool slightly before shredding them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Cook Noodles

If using regular egg noodles, add them to the broth now and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until they are al dente. If you’re using Carba-Nada noodles, wait until you’ve added back your shredded chicken before adding these noodles since they only take about 4 to 5 minutes to cook.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the shredded chicken into your soup mixture; cover again and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove your soup from heat. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Taste your soup for seasoning; adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot alongside lemon wedges for that extra zing!

How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving chicken noodle soup is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit every taste. Here are some creative suggestions for enjoying this comforting dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Thyme Leaves: Add a few fresh thyme leaves to enhance the herbal notes in the soup.

With Citrus

• Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their soup, adding a zesty brightness.
• Lime Slices: For a different twist, offer lime slices that provide a unique tangy flavor.

With Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Pair the soup with slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Serve garlic bread to complement the flavors and add some crunch.

With Cheese

• Shredded Parmesan: Top each bowl with shredded Parmesan cheese for added richness.
• Crumbled Feta: For a Mediterranean twist, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.

How to Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

Perfecting chicken noodle soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips for an exceptional bowl every time.

• Use Quality Broth: Start with homemade or high-quality low-sodium chicken broth for the best flavor.
• Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages during cooking, tasting as you go to avoid over-seasoning.
• Add Fresh Ingredients Last: Include vegetables like peas or spinach towards the end to keep them vibrant and crisp.
• Choose the Right Noodles: Select noodles that hold up well in broth; egg noodles are traditional but feel free to experiment.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing side dishes with chicken noodle soup enhances your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette complements the soup’s warmth.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The gooeyness of melted cheese between crispy bread pairs perfectly with the comforting soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer healthy crunch and depth of flavor alongside your soup.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the savory chicken noodle soup.
5. Potato Chips: For an easy crunch, serve a bowl of potato chips on the side for snacking.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms provide an elegant touch that pairs well with your hearty meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chicken noodle soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using Low-Quality Broth: The broth is the base of your chicken noodle soup. Always use high-quality low sodium chicken broth for the best flavor.
• Skipping Aromatics: Don’t skip the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. These aromatics add depth and flavor to your soup.
• Overcooking the Noodles: If you add noodles too early, they can become mushy. Cook them just until al dente for the best texture.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed; this step enhances overall flavor.
• Not Shredding Chicken Properly: When shredding chicken, make sure it’s done evenly. This ensures every bite has tender chicken pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chicken noodle soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Noodle Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers; it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe pot until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl; heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making chicken noodle soup.

What type of chicken is best for Chicken Noodle Soup?

Using skinless, bone-in chicken breasts is ideal because they stay moist and flavorful during cooking.

Can I use homemade broth instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade broth adds a personal touch and can enhance the flavors of your chicken noodle soup significantly.

How do I make Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free?

You can substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.

Can I add vegetables to my Chicken Noodle Soup?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor variety.

How long does it take to make Chicken Noodle Soup?

The total time is approximately 65 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This comforting Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables or noodles based on your preference. Give this cozy recipe a try, and enjoy a bowl of warmth!