Growing up, Chicken Noodle Soup was always the ultimate comfort food in our household. Whenever I was feeling under the weather or just needed a warm hug in a bowl, my mom would whip up a big batch of her signature Chicken Noodle Soup. The aroma of simmering chicken, fresh herbs, and tender noodles would fill the entire house, instantly lifting my spirits. I can still remember sitting at the kitchen table, slurping up that steaming broth and savoring each bite of the perfectly cooked chicken and vegetables. There was just something so soothing and nourishing about Mom’s Chicken Noodle Soup. To this day, it remains my go-to recipe whenever I need a little extra comfort or want to share a heartwarming meal with loved ones.
Why This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup
This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is truly special because it combines traditional techniques with a few unexpected twists that take the flavor to the next level. The key is in the slow-simmered broth, which extracts maximum flavor from the chicken bones and aromatics. Plus, I’ve added a touch of lemon juice and fresh herbs that brighten up the overall taste, making it remarkably comforting yet refreshing. Once you try this recipe, I guarantee it will become your new go-to for Chicken Noodle Soup.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Whole chicken or chicken parts: The foundation of the soup, providing rich, savory flavor.
– Carrots, celery, and onion: The classic aromatic vegetables that add depth and sweetness.
– Egg noodles: For that classic Chicken Noodle Soup texture and heartiness.
– Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
– Fresh parsley, thyme, and bay leaves: These herbs and spices infuse the broth with fragrance.
– Lemon juice: A secret ingredient that brightens up the soup and balances the richness.
– Salt and pepper: To season the soup to perfection.
Step-by-Step Chicken Noodle Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Chicken Noodle Soup
This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is surprisingly easy to make, with just a few simple steps. In about an hour and a half, you can have a big batch of comforting, homemade Chicken Noodle Soup ready to enjoy. All you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a knife for chopping, and a ladle for serving.
1- Start by placing the whole chicken or chicken parts in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, skimming off any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
2- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves to the broth and let it continue simmering for another 30 minutes.
3- While the broth is simmering, shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4- When the broth is ready, add the chicken and egg noodles to the pot. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5- Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6- Ladle the hot Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
– For an even richer broth, roast the chicken bones before simmering.
– Add a Parmesan rind to the broth for extra depth of flavor.
– Use a combination of chicken breasts and thighs for the best texture.
– Don’t overcook the noodles – they should be tender but still have a bit of bite.
– Adjust seasoning to your taste preference, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
Serving and Storing Your Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, warm crusty bread, or buttery crackers for dipping. For a heartier meal, you can add a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple side of roasted vegetables. And of course, no bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup is complete without a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade to balance the richness of the broth.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or resealable bags. When ready to serve, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chicken Noodle Soup
Creative Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
While this classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is already a winner, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping out the egg noodles for other types of pasta, like orzo or small shells. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or kale for a nutrient boost. For a heartier meal, stir in some cooked rice or quinoa. And for a Mexican-inspired twist, garnish your Chicken Noodle Soup with crushed tortilla chips, avocado, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese.
Making Chicken Noodle Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe more diet-friendly, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of the whole chicken or dark meat. For a gluten-free version, simply replace the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini noodles. And for a low-carb or keto-friendly option, skip the noodles altogether and serve the broth and chicken over a bed of riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken on hand, you can absolutely use that instead of cooking a whole chicken from scratch. Just add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken to the simmering broth in step 3.
Q: How long does it take to make this Chicken Noodle Soup?
A: The total hands-on time for this recipe is about 30 minutes, with an additional 1-1.5 hours of simmering time for the broth. So in total, you’re looking at around 1.5-2 hours from start to finish to have a big batch of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.
Q: Can I make this Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, Chicken Noodle Soup is a great make-ahead meal! The soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot.
Q: How much Chicken Noodle Soup does this recipe make?
A: This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, depending on the size of your portions. It’s easy to scale the recipe up or down to feed a crowd or have leftovers for the week.
Q: Why is my Chicken Noodle Soup broth cloudy?
A: A cloudy broth is usually the result of improperly skimming the foam and fat that rises to the surface during the simmering process. Be sure to skim the broth frequently for a clear, golden-colored soup.
Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6
Description
This homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic, comforting dish that’s easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and nourishing broth come together for a delicious and soothing meal.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
– 8 ounces egg noodles
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. – Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. – Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. – Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. – Add the shredded chicken and egg noodles, and continue simmering for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. – Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a heartier soup, you can add additional vegetables like potatoes, spinach, or peas. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer-term storage.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s a reason why Chicken Noodle Soup is such a beloved and time-honored classic – it’s simply the best comfort food around. This recipe takes the traditional version to new heights with its slow-simmered broth, tender chicken, and bright, fresh flavors. Whether you’re under the weather, craving a hug in a bowl, or just want to enjoy a heartwarming meal, this Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to become your new go-to. So what are you waiting for? Grab a spoon and get ready to savor every last drop of this delicious, soul-nourishing soup!