Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or whenever you need a warm bowl of goodness. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a standout choice among traditional soups. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a classic, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of total time, you can whip up a delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and spices creates a rich flavor that warms your soul.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this classic soup, making it a great option for family dinners.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or substitute with gluten-free noodles for dietary preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later on!
Tools and Preparation
Preparing your homemade chicken noodle soup requires just a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for making soups, allowing even heating and ample space for all ingredients.
- Sharp knife: Ensures quick chopping of vegetables, making prep time faster and safer.
- Cutting board: Provides a sturdy surface for cutting and helps keep your workspace organized.
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: Combine Ingredients
Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions to a large stock pot or Dutch oven.
Step 2: Bring to Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Cook until the chicken is completely white inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This generally takes about 20–30 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot. Shred it using two forks and stir it back into the stock pot.
Step 5: Add Seasonings
Stir in 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 and fully cooked.
Step 7: Remove Bay Leaves
Carefully remove the bay leaves from the soup before serving.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving homemade chicken noodle soup is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this flavorful dish with your family and friends.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Thyme Sprigs – Add a few sprigs of thyme for an aromatic touch.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Bread – Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
- Garlic Bread – Pair with garlic bread for an extra kick of flavor.
Garnished with Lemon
- Lemon Wedges – Offer lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy a zesty twist.
- Lemon Zest – A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten up the soup beautifully.
As a Complete Meal
- Side Salad – A light salad can complement the soup perfectly, adding crunch and freshness.
- Cheese Platter – A small cheese platter can provide variety and richness alongside your soup.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your homemade chicken noodle soup even better, consider these simple tips. They will enhance the flavors and textures, making it truly irresistible.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the taste significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper according to preference.
- Sear the Chicken First – For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts before adding them to the pot.
- Let It Simmer Longer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors; just be careful not to overcook the noodles.
- Add Vegetables Last – Add quick-cooking veggies like peas or spinach in the last few minutes for added nutrition without losing texture.
- Store Properly – Store leftovers in an airtight container; it keeps well in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Pairing side dishes with your homemade chicken noodle soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options that complement its hearty flavor.
- Garden Salad – A light garden salad adds freshness and crunch alongside your soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Classic grilled cheese is perfect for dipping into your warm bowl of soup.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
- Stuffed Peppers – Stuffed peppers offer a filling option that pairs well with chicken noodle soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrients to your meal.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges are satisfying and great for scooping up every last bit of soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt or spices can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- Overcooking the chicken: Leaving chicken in the pot for too long can make it tough. Cook until it reaches 165°F, then shred immediately for best results.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using wilted vegetables can reduce flavor and nutrition. Always use fresh celery, carrots, and herbs for a vibrant soup.
- Not following the order of ingredients: Adding noodles too early can leave them mushy. Stir in noodles towards the end of cooking for perfect texture.
- Omitting the bay leaves: These add depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step; just remember to remove them before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store soup in an airtight container.
- It’s best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months; just remember to leave space for expansion.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup:
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor. Just shred it and add it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
What type of noodles should I use?
Egg noodles work well, but you can substitute with any pasta. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on noodle type.
How do I make this soup healthier?
You can use low-sodium broth and add more vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Just store properly in the refrigerator or freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is not just comforting; it’s also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings. It’s a delightful recipe that your family will love—perfect for any occasion!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 cups (6 servings) 1x
Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this easy-to-make soup is packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. In just 20 minutes, you can create a bowl of goodness that warms your soul and satisfies your cravings. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply in need of a comforting meal, this classic dish will delight both kids and adults alike. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or gluten-free noodles to suit dietary preferences. With meal prep in mind, this soup also freezes well, making it an ideal go-to for busy days.
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 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F), about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water; stir well.
- Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
