Table of Contents
Introduction
When the weather chills or the sniffles strike, nothing beats a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. This timeless recipe combines tender chicken, hearty veggies, and slurp-worthy egg noodles in a golden broth that’s equal parts comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re channeling Grandma’s kitchen or need a weeknight lifesaver, this dish delivers soul-soothing flavor with minimal fuss. Let’s get simmering!
Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup (Serves 6–8)
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles (or sub gluten-free pasta)
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté Veggies
Heat oil in a pot. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened (5 mins). Add garlic and thyme.
Step 2: Simmer Broth & Chicken
Pour in broth, add chicken and bay leaf. Simmer 15–20 mins until chicken cooks through. Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
Step 3: Cook Noodles
Add egg noodles and simmer 8–10 mins until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon (if using).
Pro Tip: Cook noodles separately to avoid sogginess, then add before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Immune Boost: Stir in minced ginger or turmeric.
- Kid-Friendly: Use fun-shaped pasta (stars, alphabets).
- Bread Pairing: Serve with crusty sourdough or garlic bread.
- Meal Prep: Store broth and noodles separately for freshness.
Conclusion
This chicken noodle soup is more than a meal—it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. With its quick prep and customizable ingredients, it’s a pantry-staple hero that never goes out of style. Whip it up, grab a blanket, and let the comfort kick in!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Skip cooking raw chicken and add shredded rotisserie meat in the last 5 mins.
How do I prevent mushy noodles?
Cook noodles separately and add them to individual bowls when serving.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze broth and chicken (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
Vegetarian alternative?
Swap chicken broth for veggie broth and use tofu or chickpeas instead of meat.
Why add lemon juice?
A splash brightens the broth and balances richness—don’t skip it!