Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul and satisfies the taste buds. This delightful recipe is perfect for various occasions, from cozy family dinners to quick weeknight meals. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and soft egg noodles swimming in a rich broth, this soup stands out for its homemade flavor and nourishing qualities.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a quick option for busy nights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and herbs enhances the taste, creating a deliciously rich broth.
- Versatile Dish: Customize your soup by adding more veggies or using different types of noodles to suit your family’s preferences.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator, making lunch prep easy for the next day.
- Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal option.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make preparing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the soup evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring efficiency during prep time.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes cutting through chicken and vegetables easy and safe.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup:
For the Soup Base
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 whole carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 onion (diced)
For the Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 bay leaves
For the Noodles
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups water
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (approximately 20–30 minutes). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Noodles
Add thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Let It Simmer
Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove bay leaves before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can elevate your meal experience. This comforting bowl of goodness is versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance flavors and enjoyment.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Garlic Bread – The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the soup wonderfully.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds a refreshing crunch.
- Garden Salad – Fresh mixed greens enhance the meal with extra vitamins and minerals.
Finish with a Sprinkle of Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Adds brightness and freshness to each bowl.
- Fresh Thyme – Enhances the herbal notes in the soup.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup even better, consider these simple tips for achieving the best flavor and texture.
- Use Quality Broth – A rich, homemade or low-sodium broth provides depth to your soup.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles – Add egg noodles towards the end of cooking to keep them from becoming mushy.
- Season Gradually – Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper to your preference for optimal flavor.
- Add Vegetables Last – If using veggies like spinach, add them in the last few minutes of cooking for freshness and color.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options that complement this comforting dish.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic choice, perfect for dunking into the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins – Soft and slightly sweet, they pair beautifully with the savory broth.
- Stuffed Peppers – Filled with rice and meat, they offer a hearty addition to your meal.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they add a delicious crunch.
- Potato Wedges – Seasoned and baked until crispy, these make an excellent side.
- Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing option that balances out the richness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, avoid these common errors.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can lead to dry meat. Aim for a temperature of 165°F and remove it once done.
- Neglecting seasoning: A bland soup is uninspiring. Taste your broth as it simmers and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs throughout cooking.
- Skipping the vegetables: Vegetables add flavor and nutrition. Don’t skip them; include a variety like celery, carrots, and even greens for depth.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth is the foundation of your soup. Use a high-quality chicken broth for a richer taste instead of water or low-quality options.
- Not removing bay leaves: Leaving bay leaves in the soup can result in a bitter taste. Always remember to take them out before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
- Store in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every minute until warm.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.
How long does it take to make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
It takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted chicken works well. Just shred it before adding it to the soup.
What vegetables can I add to my Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or even corn for added nutrition and flavor.
Can I use store-bought noodles instead of egg noodles?
Yes! You can substitute with any pasta you have on hand; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect comfort food that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Its versatility allows you to customize with various vegetables or noodles based on your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness that brings joy to any meal!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or quick weeknight meals. This heartwarming dish features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and soft egg noodles all simmered in a rich, savory broth. In just 40 minutes, you can create a nourishing soup that warms both the body and soul. Customize it with your favorite veggies or noodles, making it a versatile meal that’s great for leftovers too. Enjoy this classic recipe that brings warmth and joy to any dining table!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 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 or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and cover; cook until chicken reaches 165°F (20–30 minutes). Remove chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Add thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water to the pot. Stir well.
- Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until noodles are tender; stir occasionally.
- Remove bay leaves before serving and enjoy your soup!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
