Chicken Noodle Soup

This Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly day or need something nourishing when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup delivers warmth and flavor. Packed with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and fresh vegetables, it’s a cozy classic that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious homemade soup ready in no time.
• Flavorful: The combination of herbs, garlic, and fresh veggies creates a rich and savory broth that warms the soul.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out the vegetables or noodles based on what you have at home.
• Healthy Comfort Food: This recipe offers plenty of protein and nutrients while being low in calories.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Chicken Noodle Soup, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes cooking easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups as it retains heat well and evenly cooks ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and slicing chicken.
• Sharp knife: Makes it easy to chop ingredients quickly and safely.

Ingredients

This flavorful and cozy chicken noodle soup is packed with tender shredded chicken, hearty egg noodles, crisp celery, onions, and carrots, all simmered in a savory, warm broth.

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 celery stalks (thinly sliced)
• 2 carrots (thinly sliced)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Broth

• 10 to 12 cups low sodium chicken broth (I normally use 12 cups because I like a brothier soup)
• 4 thyme sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 bay leaves

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds skinless, bone-in chicken breasts

Seasoning

• 1¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

For the Noodles

• 10 ounces carba-nada noodles (low carb noodles) (or use regular wide egg noodles)

Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat the olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven set over medium heat.
Add chopped onions, sliced celery, and carrots; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

Add the chicken broth to the pot.
Stir to release any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add thyme sprigs and bay leaves; increase heat to high until simmering.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add skinless chicken breasts along with salt and pepper.
Stir gently then cover; reduce heat to medium.
Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Remove cooked chicken breasts from the pot; place them on a cutting board.

Step 5: Add Noodles

If using regular egg noodles:
Add them into the broth now; cook for about 6-7 minutes until al dente.
If using Carba-Nada noodles:
Wait until you shred the chicken before adding them; they cook in about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Shred the chicken once it’s cool enough to handle; discard bones.
Stir shredded chicken back into the soup; cover and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove soup from heat; discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
Taste your soup to adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Noodle Soup!

How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving chicken noodle soup can elevate the experience of enjoying this comforting dish. Here are some creative ways to present your homemade chicken noodle soup for an enticing meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Chives: Add finely chopped chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the soup.

Accompanied by Sides

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the savory broth.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair with a classic grilled cheese for a delightful combo.

With Lemon Wedges

• Lemon Garnish: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze into their bowls, adding a zesty brightness.

In Individual Bowls

• Personalized Servings: Ladle soup into individual bowls for a more intimate dining experience, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

How to Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

To make your chicken noodle soup truly exceptional, consider these tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Quality Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth; it allows you to control the saltiness while letting other flavors shine.
• Add Fresh Ingredients: Incorporate fresh vegetables like spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go; adjusting seasoning throughout ensures balanced flavor.
• Simmer Gently: A gentle simmer helps develop flavors without overcooking the chicken, keeping it tender and juicy.
• Shred Chicken Well: Shred the chicken into small pieces to distribute evenly throughout the soup, enhancing each bite.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing side dishes with chicken noodle soup can complete your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: This buttery delight is perfect for dipping into the broth.
2. Caesar Salad: A crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread adds a comforting sweetness that pairs well with savory soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: These hearty peppers can serve as a filling counterpart to your light soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and nutrition alongside your dish.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch that complements the soft noodles in your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chicken noodle soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Not using quality broth: A bland or low-quality broth will result in a mediocre soup. Always choose low sodium chicken broth or homemade stock for a richer flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Cook just until the chicken is done and tender, then remove it from the pot to shred.
• Adding noodles too early: Adding noodles at the wrong time can lead to mushy textures. If using regular egg noodles, add them towards the end of cooking; if using low-carb noodles, add them with the shredded chicken for perfect consistency.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Tasting your soup before serving is crucial. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to elevate flavors.
• Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add vibrancy and depth. Don’t skip garnishing with parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Chicken Noodle Soup

• Freeze in portions for easy meals later, up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Noodle Soup?

Chicken noodle soup is a comforting dish made with chicken, noodles, vegetables, and broth. It’s known for its warm flavors and cozy feel.

How long can I store Chicken Noodle Soup?

You can store chicken noodle soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I customize my Chicken Noodle Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like peas or corn, use different types of noodles, or even spice it up with herbs like rosemary or basil.

What type of noodles work best in Chicken Noodle Soup?

Both regular egg noodles and low-carb alternatives like Carba-Nada noodles are excellent choices. Choose based on your dietary preferences!

How do I make Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta options that cook similarly.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe stands out for its warmth and heartiness. It’s versatile enough to allow various customizations based on personal preferences—perfect for any season! Try different veggies or noodle types to make it your own.