Oh, friends, there are some dishes that just wrap you in a warm hug, aren’t there? And for me, nothing quite says “comfort” like a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a soothing balm for the soul, brimming with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and those delightfully chewy egg noodles that make every spoonful a pure joy. It’s the kind of simple magic we all need in our kitchens.
I remember chilly afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of simmering broth and herbs. She’d always have a big pot on the stove, especially when someone was feeling under the weather, but often just because it brought us all together. Her secret, she’d say, was always making it with a generous sprinkle of love and a whole lot of patience.
This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is not only incredibly easy to bake, making it perfect for even the busiest weeknights, but it’s also wonderfully family-friendly, guaranteed to bring smiles to every face at your table. My top tip? Don’t be shy with the fresh herbs at the end; they truly brighten up the flavors!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this hearty soup begins with a few simple, honest ingredients that transform into something truly special. We’re talking about aromatic vegetables like yellow onion, carrots, and celery, the savory depth of chicken broth, and the star of the show: tender, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Every element plays a crucial role in building the comforting flavor of this chicken noodle soup. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make chicken noodle soup
Creating this wonderful chicken noodle soup is a delightful journey that begins with preparing your ingredients, then gently sautéing the aromatics to build a fragrant foundation. Next, the chicken and broth simmer together, allowing all those lovely flavors to meld beautifully. Finally, the egg noodles are cooked right in the pot, absorbing all that delicious broth, before everything is combined and ready to serve. You’ll be amazed at how easily this comforting classic comes together!
Hearty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chop all vegetables as directed: dice onion, slice carrots and celery, mince garlic. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts (or thighs) to the pot along with the chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks, then set aside. Discard the bay leaf from the broth.
- Increase the heat of the broth to medium-high and bring it back to a gentle boil. Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to package directions, usually 7-10 minutes, or until al dente.
- Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This chicken noodle soup
Making a truly exceptional chicken noodle soup is all about those little touches that elevate it from good to absolutely glorious. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that I just have to share with you, my dear readers, to ensure your bowl of comfort is nothing short of perfect.
My personal preference is to always use a good quality chicken broth; it truly makes all the difference in the depth of flavor for your homemade chicken noodle soup. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings throughout the cooking process. A little extra salt or pepper can really make the flavors sing!
My Secret Trick: I always add a splash of fresh lemon juice right at the end, just before serving. It brightens up all the flavors in the chicken noodle soup and adds a wonderful, subtle zing without making it taste lemony. Trust me on this one, it’s a game-changer!
Another thing I always recommend is to avoid overcooking your egg noodles. They should be tender but still have a lovely chew to them. Cook them according to package directions, then add them into the soup at the very last minute to prevent them from getting mushy.
Fun Variations for chicken noodle soup
One of the beautiful things about a classic like chicken noodle soup is how easily you can make it your own, adding little twists to suit your family’s tastes or whatever you have on hand. It’s like adding a personal sprinkle of magic to an already beloved recipe!
For a truly vibrant twist, my sister always asks me to add a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. It wilts beautifully and adds a lovely boost of greens to your hearty chicken noodle soup. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider swapping out half of the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth.
Another fun idea is to experiment with different herbs. While dried thyme is wonderful, a touch of fresh rosemary or a bay leaf can deepen the aromatic profile. And for those who love a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes added with the aromatics gives a subtle, warming kick to this delightful chicken noodle soup.
What to Serve With chicken noodle soup
Serving up a bowl of warm, comforting chicken noodle soup is an event in itself, but a few thoughtful pairings can truly complete the experience, turning a simple meal into something truly special. It’s all about creating those moments around the table!
I adore serving this hearty chicken noodle soup with a crusty piece of artisan bread, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. My mom always makes a simple grilled cheese sandwich to go alongside, especially on a cold evening – it’s a nostalgic pairing that brings back so many happy memories.
For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the soup. And sometimes, for a truly quick and comforting serving idea, all you need is a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over your warm bowl of chicken noodle soup to add an extra layer of savory goodness.
How to Store chicken noodle soup
Knowing how to properly store your homemade chicken noodle soup means you can enjoy that comforting warmth for days to come, or even pull it out for a quick, wholesome meal when you need it most. It’s all about preserving those lovely flavors!
Fridge Storage
Once your chicken noodle soup has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is my go-to for quick lunches throughout the week, and the flavors often deepen overnight!
Freezer Tips
For longer storage, this chicken noodle soup freezes wonderfully! Allow it to cool entirely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Methods
To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you’ve frozen it, you might want to add a splash of extra chicken broth to bring back that perfect consistency. My personal tip: a fresh sprinkle of parsley after reheating makes it taste freshly made!
Nutritional Benefits
While it’s a soul-warming treat, this homemade chicken noodle soup also offers lovely nutritional benefits. The lean chicken provides a wonderful source of protein, while the carrots and celery contribute essential vitamins and fiber, making it a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s my kind of balanced comfort food, bringing wholesome ingredients together in a truly delicious way.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use different noodles in this soup?
Absolutely! While classic egg noodles are wonderful, you can easily substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even broken spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions when making your chicken noodle soup.
Faq 2
How can I make this soup creamier?
To achieve a creamier texture for your chicken noodle soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, blend a cup of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the noodles.
Faq 3
Can I freeze this soup with the noodles in it?
Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup with the noodles. However, some find that the noodles can become a bit softer upon thawing and reheating. If you prefer firmer noodles, you can cook and add them fresh after thawing and reheating the broth and chicken.
Faq 4
What kind of chicken is best for chicken noodle soup?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work beautifully for this chicken noodle soup recipe. Thighs tend to offer a slightly richer flavor and stay incredibly tender, while breasts are a lean and classic choice.
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup — it’s a recipe that transcends simple ingredients to become a vessel of comfort, care, and countless cherished memories. I truly hope this recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones around the table and create your own sweet moments, proving that with a little love and patience, even the simplest ingredients can indeed become magical treats. Happy cooking, my friends, and may your kitchen always be filled with joy and the delicious aroma of home-baked goodness!
