Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
A Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion, especially on chilly days when you crave warmth and comfort. This hearty soup blends tender chicken, rich broth, and wholesome vegetables into a creamy delight that your whole family will love. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavor: The creamy texture combined with fresh vegetables creates a delightful taste that warms the soul.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it as a side dish; it’s great for lunch or dinner.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups, allowing even heat distribution for consistent cooking.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface, ensuring all ingredients blend seamlessly.
Ingredients
A family favorite for cold days or any time you need a hug, it’s a classic recipe made even more delicious.
For the Soup Base
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chopped carrots (about 3 large carrots)
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery (about half a head of celery)
- 1 cup chopped onion (about one medium onion)
For Thickening the Soup
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
For Flavoring
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (plus additional for seasoning)
For Protein and Noodles
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 4 ounces of wide egg noodles (about 2 ½ cups)
For Creaminess
- 2 10.5 ounce cans cream of chicken soup
- ¼ cup water or milk
To Taste
- Salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
Melt the butter in your large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion turns translucent and vegetables are tender.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir continuously to coat them evenly while breaking up any clumps. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so that flour combines well with butter and vegetables.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Bouillon
Slowly stir in the chicken broth to avoid lumps. Increase heat to medium-high until boiling. Then add chicken bouillon base along with ½ teaspoon of black pepper, stirring well to combine flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Carefully submerge chicken breasts in the pot. Cover it up, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from pot and place it on a cutting board.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Add egg noodles to the pot. Stir well before covering and cooking on medium-high for about 7-10 minutes until they are tender. While noodles cook, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Step 6: Add the Cream Soup
In a small bowl, whisk together two cans of cream of chicken soup with ¼ cup water or milk. Pour this mixture into your pot, stirring thoroughly until creamy and well blended. Adjust seasoning with additional pepper and salt if desired.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Serve with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Perfect for dipping into the soup, a crusty baguette adds a delightful texture.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the creamy soup beautifully.
Add a Salad on the Side
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Parmesan and croutons pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the soup.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers freshness that balances the meal.
Top with Extras
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top adds creaminess and a cheesy flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with additional parsley or thyme can elevate the presentation and taste.
Enjoy with Crackers
- Saltine Crackers: Simple yet classic, these crackers provide a satisfying crunch.
- Cheese Crackers: A flavorful option that adds an extra layer of taste to each bite.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
A few tips can help you make this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup even better. Here are some helpful suggestions:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your soup more vibrant.
- Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety and tenderness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper based on your preference for perfect seasoning.
- Experiment with Noodles: Different types of noodles, like rotini or shells, can change the texture of your soup.
- Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Consider making it in advance for meal prep!
- Add Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like peas or corn for added nutrition and color.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes flavored with garlic provide comfort alongside your soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies brings color and health benefits to your table.
- Cheesy Biscuit Twists: These soft, cheesy twists are perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Potato Salad: A cold potato salad provides a refreshing alternative texture next to hot soup.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds brightness and a tangy flavor that pairs well with creamy dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Ignoring vegetable prep: Not chopping vegetables evenly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure all your veggies are cut into similar sizes for consistent texture.
- Skipping the flour step: Neglecting to cook the flour with the vegetables can result in a gritty soup. Always stir and cook the flour until it’s well combined with the butter and veggies.
- Overcooking chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Monitor the internal temperature and remove it once it reaches 165°F for juicy, tender meat.
- Using high-sodium broth: Opting for regular chicken broth instead of low-sodium can make your soup too salty. Always choose low-sodium broth to control seasoning.
- Not seasoning properly: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your soup bland. Remember to add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken in this creamy chicken noodle soup recipe?
Yes! Leftover chicken works great. Just shred it and add it during the last few minutes of cooking.
How do I thicken my creamy chicken noodle soup recipe?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more flour during the cooking process or use cornstarch mixed with water as a thickening agent.
What type of noodles are best for this creamy chicken noodle soup recipe?
Wide egg noodles are recommended, but you can also use other types like rotini or fettuccine if preferred.
Can I make this creamy chicken noodle soup recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs. Try this delicious recipe next time you need a warm hug on a cold day!
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, rich broth, and wholesome vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that your family will adore. In just under an hour, you can whip up this delightful soup that is not only quick to make but also versatile enough for lunch or dinner. It’s freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for quick future meals. With customizable ingredients, this recipe invites you to add your favorite vegetables or seasonings for a personal touch.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces wide egg noodles
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion; cook until tender (7-10 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables; stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth and bouillon base; bring to a boil.
- Submerge chicken breasts; cover and simmer until cooked through (15 minutes). Remove chicken and shred.
- Add egg noodles to the pot; cook until tender (7-10 minutes).
- Whisk cream of chicken soup with water/milk; mix into the pot until creamy.
- Season as desired, garnish with parsley if preferred, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
