There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup that can comfort the soul. Picture this: tender chicken swimming in a savory broth, surrounded by perfectly cooked noodles and vibrant veggies. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone forget their troubles and dive right in.
Let me take you back to those cold winter nights when my mom would whip up her famous chicken noodle soup. As soon as I walked through the door, the warm, inviting scent would wrap around me like a cozy blanket, making me feel instantly at home. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or simply craving something hearty, this chicken noodle soup is sure to become your go-to recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This comforting chicken noodle soup is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Its rich flavor profile warms the heart and soul on chilly days
- With its vibrant colors and textures, it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is delicious
- Highly versatile, you can customize ingredients based on your personal tastes or what’s left in your pantry
One chilly evening, I made this soup for friends during game night, and their delighted faces said it all. Everyone was reaching for seconds and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; adjust based on your crowd size.
Fresh Carrots: Opt for vibrant orange carrots; they add sweetness and color to the soup.
Celery Stalks: Fresh celery provides that classic crunch and aromatic flavor in every spoonful.
Onion: Use a medium onion for richness; it becomes sweet and soft when cooked.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic boost that elevates the overall flavor.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps things flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
Egg Noodles: Choose wide egg noodles for texture; they soak up the broth beautifully.
Herbs (Thyme & Parsley): Fresh herbs bring brightness; thyme adds depth while parsley offers freshness.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust according to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together on the counter. Chop onions, carrots, and celery into small pieces so they cook evenly.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large stockpot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes should do the trick.
Add Chicken and Broth: Toss in the boneless chicken breasts along with the chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
Toss in Veggies and Noodles: Once boiling, add your chopped carrots, celery, garlic, and egg noodles. Allow them to simmer together until noodles are tender—around 10 minutes will suffice.
Season and Serve!: Sprinkle in fresh thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper according to your taste preference. Stir well before ladling into bowls—don’t forget a sprinkle of parsley on top for presentation!
This delightful chicken noodle soup not only warms you up but also brings everyone together around the dinner table. Each spoonful is filled with love—how could anyone resist? Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days
- The aroma alone can transport you to your grandma’s kitchen, hugging you with warmth and nostalgia
- With simple ingredients and a few tricks, you’ll have a bowl of happiness in no time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor, then add chicken to sear. Cook noodles separately to avoid sogginess; combine everything just before serving for the best texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different veggies like carrots or peas. Try adding herbs like dill or thyme for a fresh twist, or spice it up with a dash of hot sauce.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove; add water if needed to refresh the consistency.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought; it makes a huge difference
- Always season gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve perfect seasoning balance
- For a richer flavor, let your soup simmer longer—it’s worth the wait!
Sometimes I think my friends love my chicken noodle soup more than me! Their smiles after a bowl remind me why I keep perfecting this classic recipe.
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken for chicken noodle soup?
Yes, rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
How long can I store chicken noodle soup?
Store it in the fridge for up to three days safely.
Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Yes, but noodles may become mushy upon reheating after freezing.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. This heartwarming dish features tender chicken simmered in a savory broth alongside egg noodles and vibrant vegetables, creating a delightful meal that warms both body and soul. Simple to prepare, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for cozy nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups wide egg noodles
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients: chop onions, carrots, and celery into small pieces.
- In a large stockpot over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add chicken breasts and chicken broth; bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in carrots, celery, garlic, and egg noodles; simmer for approximately 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper; serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
