Chicken noodle soup is classic comfort food. It’s been around for centuries and was once served as part of the ration during war times.
I recommend making this dish when you want something that tastes homey and healthy because it contains vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, chicken broth which is low in sodium, and white or red wine (optional).
No other soup elicits the same sense of nostalgia as a chicken noodle soup, and everything about it appeals to the essence of tranquillity and serenity. I can be having a difficult or stressful day, but the instant I sit down to a bowl of hot, homemade chicken noodle soup, something magical happens: my mind and spirit are restored to a state of balance and well-being.
This chicken noodle soup recipe contains everything that makes this staple so famous – fresh chicken, nutritious veggies, and herbs, all gently cooked – as well as a few “extras” that amp up the taste and delectability.
Ingredients
- Two cups shredded chicken
- Ten cups chicken broth
- Three garlic cloves minced
- Four celery stalks sliced
- Two tablespoons of fresh thyme (stems removed)
- One small onion diced
- Two tablespoons fresh parsley
- Two tablespoons olive oil
- Four large carrots sliced
- 12-ounce wide egg noodles
- Salt and pepper
Cooking instructions
- Combine the celery, olive oil, onion, and carrots in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until tender. Continue sautéing for 1 minute longer, adding the garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil over high heat the chicken stock and egg noodles. Reduce to low heat and cook the noodles for approximately 10 minutes or al dente.
- Before serving, add the chicken and fresh parsley and continue to cook until the chicken is well cooked—season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking tips
- Add additional broth: As the noodles rest in the soup, they will absorb more liquid, and you’ll need to put more when rewarming.
- Utilize a slow cooker: Cook your chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker. Continue with the recipe as written, but omit the noodles until ready to be served.
- To make a thicker soup, add starch such as flour or cornstarch. In a separate dish, combine roughly one tablespoon cornstarch and water and continue to add additional cornstarch and water until the desired thickness and consistency are achieved. If you’re going to thicken your soup, avoid adding the flour or cornstarch immediately to it. It will clump and will be ineffective in thickening the soup.
- Larger slices: If you want to simmer or use a slow cooker, prevent your vegetables from becoming soft and mushy by chopping them larger.
- Prepare veggies ahead of time: To save time, prepare greens the evening before or the morning before cooking. Thus, it just takes a few minutes to combine it all in your pot.
Recipe variations
I prefer to keep homemade chicken noodle soup basic by using only a few components and seasonings. However, here are some more experimental chicken noodle soup recipes! Make substitutions or additions to customize this chicken noodle soup recipe.
- Zucchini, peas, spinach, maize, green beans, tinned tomatoes, or even potatoes are all vegetables to experiment with.
- Instead of oil, you may sauté the veggies with butter.
- Meat: Extra meat is usually the best, and experimenting with turkey, chicken varieties, or shredded ham is always a good idea.
- Broth: For various flavors, use turkey broth or bone broth for the chicken broth.
- Tortellini, bowtie pasta, little shell pasta, or even spaghetti noodles are excellent substitutes for egg noodles.
- Seasoning: Experiment with adding or replacing any herbs in place of fresh or dried.
Pairing dishes
This recipe is perfect for a cold night. To take the meal up a notch, you can pair the chicken noodle soup with bread or even potato chips.
Some easy-to-prepare dishes that are excellent complements to the classic chicken noodle soup include veggie noodles and roasted butternut squash.
Some other great pairings for a hearty dish like this are spicy shrimp skewers or stir-fried vegetables.
Storage instructions
If you want to store it in the refrigerator, prepare the recipe as directed and allow it to cool thoroughly. Once the chicken noodle soup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days. When reheating, it may require more broth.
Is it possible to prepare chicken noodle soup in advance? Sure! Prepare and prepare your chicken noodle soup according to the package directions. If I cook ahead of time, I like to omit the noodles. I even cut my vegetables to prevent them from becoming mushy or overcooked when cooking for an extended amount of time. This is also an excellent method for making it in a slow cooker.
Can chicken noodle soup be frozen? Yes, this chicken noodle soup freezes really well. Proceed as directed for the chicken noodle soup, only omit the noodles. Allow chicken noodle soup to cool fully before serving. Put in a sealed bag and freeze flat. Ensure that the bag is labeled with the date! When you’re ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave and add the noodles at this point. This will keep for approximately one month in the freezer.
Nutritional value
Serves: 8
Calories: 290kcal
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 62mg
Carbohydrates: 37g
Sodium: 1134mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Potassium: 562mg
Vitamin C: 28mg
Vitamin A: 5312IU
Calcium: 60mg
Final thoughts
The chicken noodle soup recipe is a relatively simple dish to make. This article covers the ingredients you’ll need, how long it will take for your meal to come together, and more! Check out these recipes now and sign up for our newsletter today to learn about new and upcoming recipes.
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