Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or when someone needs a little extra love. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, homemade chicken noodle soup stands out as both nourishing and satisfying. It’s a classic that’s not just for sick days; it’s great for any occasion, from family dinners to cozy gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This homemade chicken noodle soup can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Comforting & Delicious: The blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory broth creates a dish that warms the soul.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. It’s versatile enough for everyone’s taste!
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein and nutrients, this soup provides comfort without guilt.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this classic dish, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything on hand makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables, leading to even cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the best flavor balance in your homemade chicken noodle soup.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 4 celery stalks (chopped)
– 4 whole carrots (peeled and chopped)
– 1/2 onion (diced)
– 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 cups egg noodles
– 2 cups water
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions to a large stock pot or Dutch oven.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through. It should be completely white inside and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This usually takes about 20–30 minutes.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot.
- Shred it using two forks.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the stock pot.
Step 5: Add Flavorings
- Stir in the thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water.
Step 6: Cook Noodles
- Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Step 7: Final Touches
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Step 8: Serve Warm
- Serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving homemade chicken noodle soup can be a delightful experience for everyone. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, enhancing your soup with the right accompaniments makes it even better.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping and soaking up the broth.
- Garlic Bread: Garlic bread adds a rich flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
With Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with fresh veggies offers a light, crunchy side.
Topped with Herbs
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds color and freshness.
- Chives or Green Onions: Finely chopped chives or green onions enhance the flavor profile.
With Crackers
- Saltines: Classic saltines are always a comforting choice to enjoy with soup.
- Graham Crackers: For a sweet twist, graham crackers can be a fun accompaniment for kids.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Creating the best homemade chicken noodle soup involves some simple tips. Follow these guidelines to make your dish even more delicious.
- Use Quality Chicken Broth: A rich, flavorful broth will enhance the overall taste of your soup.
- Season Generously: Adjust your seasonings according to taste; don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs.
- Add Vegetables Early: Cooking vegetables longer allows their flavors to meld into the broth.
- Cook Noodles Separately: For firmer noodles, consider cooking them separately and adding them at serving time.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat slowly on low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken and noodles.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Pairing side dishes with homemade chicken noodle soup enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This classic combo is loved by many; it’s gooey and easy to make.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful touch of sweetness alongside savory soup.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad balances well with the warmth of chicken noodle soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer nutrition and complement the flavors of the soup nicely.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be made ahead of time and provide a heartier option next to your soup.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and a hint of sweetness as a side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Ignoring chicken quality: Using low-quality chicken can affect the soup’s flavor. Always choose fresh, organic chicken for the best taste.
- Overcooking the noodles: Egg noodles can become mushy if overcooked. Add them near the end of cooking for the perfect texture.
- Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning adequately will make your soup bland. Taste and adjust spices as you cook to enhance flavors.
- Neglecting to shred chicken properly: Shredding chicken too coarsely can result in large chunks in your soup. Aim for smaller, bite-sized pieces for better distribution.
- Not removing bay leaves: Leaving bay leaves in the soup will result in an unpleasant taste. Always remember to take them out before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup:
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it and add it during the last few minutes of cooking.
How do I make this gluten-free?
You can substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.
How long does it take to cook?
The total cooking time is around 20-30 minutes, depending on how long you cook the chicken.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This soup stores well and makes an excellent meal prep option for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 bowls 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of homemade chicken noodle soup, a quintessential comfort food that brings families together. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory broth to create a nourishing dish perfect for chilly evenings or when someone needs a little extra love. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s not only quick but also customizable—add your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy it as a cozy dinner option or a heartwarming meal for gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 whole carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions.
- Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat and cover to simmer until chicken is fully cooked (20–30 minutes).
- Remove the chicken, shred it with forks, and return to the pot.
- Stir in thyme leaves, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water.
- Cook on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
