Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or need a quick weeknight meal. This delightful recipe features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and soft egg noodles swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s comfort food that warms your heart and satisfies your soul while being simple enough for anyone to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of herbs and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously rich broth that enhances every bite.
- Customizable: You can easily modify this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or using leftover chicken for even quicker preparation.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and nutrients from the vegetables, this soup is both nutritious and comforting.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeling under the weather or hosting a family gathering, this soup fits all scenarios.
Tools and Preparation
To make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, having the right tools on hand can streamline your cooking process. Below are essential items you’ll need to create this comforting dish.
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: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly while providing ample space for all ingredients.
- Sharp knife: A crucial tool for efficiently chopping vegetables, ensuring they cook evenly and quickly.
Ingredients
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 Flavoring
- 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
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken breasts, chicken broth, chopped celery, peeled and chopped carrots, and diced onion. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (approximately 20–30 minutes). Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Noodles
Return shredded chicken to the pot along with dried thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water. Stir everything together well.
Step 4: Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender
Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until the egg noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving
Remove bay leaves from the soup before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your comforting bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette complements the soup perfectly, allowing you to soak up every drop of the flavorful broth.
- Garlic Bread: Spread garlic butter on slices of bread and toast them for a savory side that adds extra flavor to your meal.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley on top of your soup adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Thyme Sprigs: A few sprigs of fresh thyme can enhance the aromatic qualities of your soup.
Top with Cheese
- Shredded Parmesan: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty flavor that pairs well with the soup.
- Cheddar Crumbles: For a bolder taste, try adding some crumbled cheddar cheese on top just before serving.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To take your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup to the next level, consider these helpful tips. They will help you achieve an even more delicious result!
- Use Quality Broth: Start with high-quality chicken broth for a rich and flavorful base that enhances the overall taste.
- Shred Chicken While Warm: Shredding the chicken while it’s still warm allows it to absorb more broth and flavors.
- Cook Noodles Separately: For better texture, consider cooking egg noodles separately and adding them just before serving.
- Add Veggies Last: To keep vegetables crisp and vibrant, add them toward the end of cooking or sauté them separately first.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Side Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The gooeyness of melted cheese between crispy bread makes for a comforting pairing.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide additional nutrients and flavor alongside the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges make for a fun and satisfying side that everyone loves.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice or quinoa for a healthy option that complements your soup beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple, but common errors can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold chicken: Always start with room temperature chicken for more even cooking. Cold chicken can lead to uneven texture.
- Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust with salt and herbs as you cook.
- Overcooking the noodles: Egg noodles can become mushy if overcooked. Add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
- Ignoring the broth quality: Using low-quality broth affects flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for a richer taste.
- Skipping the vegetables: Vegetables add nutrition and flavor. Don’t be tempted to skip them; they enhance both taste and health benefits.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- It freezes well for up to 2-3 months; just leave out the noodles if possible, as they can become mushy.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, then cover your soup in an oven-safe dish and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup that might help you get even better results.
Can I use leftover chicken?
You can definitely use leftover roasted chicken! Just shred it before adding it to your soup for a quick meal.
How do I make my soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, consider adding a cornstarch slurry or pureeing a portion of the soup before mixing it back in.
What vegetables can I add to my Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
Feel free to add peas, spinach, or green beans for added nutrition and variety!
Is Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup healthy?
Yes! It’s nutritious due to the protein from chicken and vitamins from vegetables. You can also customize it further by adding more veggies.
How long does it take to make this soup?
Total time is about 40 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner!
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or alternate proteins based on what you have on hand. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or when you’re feeling under the weather. Give it a try—I’m sure you’ll find joy in creating this delicious dish!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or a quick weeknight meal. This nourishing dish features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft egg noodles in a rich broth that warms the heart and soul.
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, chopped celery, carrots, and diced onion. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and cover; simmer until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (20–30 minutes). Remove chicken and shred.
- Add shredded chicken back into the pot along with thyme, 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. Ladle soup into bowls and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
