Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless comfort dish known for its warm, soothing flavors and nourishing ingredients. It’s the perfect remedy for cold days, packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and filling egg noodles. This classic soup is simple to make yet full of flavor, ideal for family meals or a quick, comforting dish. With a fragrant broth seasoned with herbs, this soup will warm you from the inside out.
The combination of cooked chicken, aromatic vegetables, and well-seasoned broth creates a delicious balance of flavors. Add egg noodles for a traditional twist, or customize with your favorite pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Comforting and Nourishing: Perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm, filling meal.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together in one pot for a hassle-free cooking experience.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or substitute noodles for rice or other pasta.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken and vegetables)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• If using chicken breasts, cut them into small pieces. For chicken thighs, you can leave them whole or cut them into smaller portions if desired.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
• In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, or until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
• In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
• Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir well to combine.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Cook the Egg Noodles Separately
• While the soup is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
Step 7: Finish Cooking the Chicken
• After the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, return the browned chicken to the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 8: Combine and Serve
• Remove and discard the bay leaf. Add the cooked egg noodles to the pot, stirring to combine. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve the Chicken Noodle Soup piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
• Extra Flavor: For a richer broth, add a splash of chicken bouillon or a sprinkle of poultry seasoning.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a creamy version of chicken noodle soup.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice if preferred.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the noodles) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Chicken Noodle Soup is a heartwarming meal that’s ideal for chilly days or as a nourishing boost when you’re feeling under the weather. Enjoy its comforting flavors, and feel free to customize it to suit your taste!
