There’s something deeply comforting about a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s especially true on a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather. The aroma of simmering broth, tender chicken, and fragrant herbs can instantly transport you to a cozy, nostalgic place.
That’s why I’m excited to share this classic chicken noodle soup recipe with you. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to warm your soul.
Key Takeaways
- This chicken noodle soup recipe can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it a quick and convenient meal option.
- The recipe features a flavorful broth made with both chicken and vegetable stocks, providing flexibility to adjust based on availability or preference.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used as a budget-friendly alternative to cooked chicken breasts.
- Carrots are added at the end of cooking to maintain their crispness, but can be added earlier for softer carrots.
- Dried basil and oregano are used to enhance the flavor profile of the soup.
Why This Homemade Soup Recipe Stands Out
This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is special for many reasons. The broth is rich and full of flavor, thanks to using chicken thighs. This makes the soup taste deeper and more robust.
Rich and Flavorful Broth Base
The secret to the amazing broth is the choice of ingredients. We add onions, carrots, celery, and fennel for a rich, aromatic base. Fresh thyme sprigs also add to the flavor, making the soup incredibly comforting.
Quick 40-Minute Preparation
This chicken noodle soup is quick and ready in 40 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners. You can enjoy a homemade, nourishing chicken stock without spending hours cooking.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This versatile soup is great for any time. It’s perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day or when you’re feeling sick. Its balanced flavors and quick cooking make it ideal for any occasion.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion, diced | 1 cup |
| Carrots, chopped | 2 cups |
| Celery, chopped | 1 cup |
| Fennel, chopped | 1 1/2 cups (1 bulb) |
| Fresh thyme sprigs | 2 |
| Kosher salt | 1 tbsp |
| Black pepper, freshly ground | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Egg noodles | 1 cup |
| Whole chicken | 3-4 lb |
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup
To make a delicious chicken noodle soup, you need the right ingredients. These include:
- Chicken – Use 2 1/2 pounds of bone-in chicken thighs or a mix of thighs and breasts.
- Vegetables – You’ll need a large sweet onion, 2-4 cloves of garlic, and 1 1/2 cups each of sliced celery and carrots.
- Herbs and Seasonings – Add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried), 2 bay leaves, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Broth and Liquids – Use 9 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
- Noodles – Choose 8 ounces of Kluski egg noodles or 2 cups of uncooked egg noodles.
For more flavor, try homemade chicken stock or a high-quality store-bought one like Better than Bouillon Chicken paste. You can also change up the recipe by using different pasta shapes or a rotisserie chicken.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (thighs or breasts) | 2 1/2 pounds |
| Onion | 1 large sweet onion |
| Garlic | 2-4 cloves |
| Celery | 1 1/2 cups, sliced |
| Carrots | 1 1/2 cups, sliced |
| Thyme | 1 tablespoon fresh (or 1 teaspoon dried) |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Turmeric | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Parsley | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Chicken broth | 9 cups, reduced-sodium |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons, fresh |
| Cornstarch | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Egg noodles | 8 ounces Kluski or 2 cups uncooked |
The Secret to Creating a Flavorful Base
The secret to a great chicken noodle soup is the base. This is the mirepoix (onions, carrots, and celery). By sautéing them in butter, you unlock their sweetness. This builds a rich, savory base for the soup.
Proper Vegetable Sautéing Technique
Begin by cutting the onions, carrots, and celery into small pieces. In a big pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the mirepoix and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then. This makes the vegetables soft and slightly caramelized.
Building Layers of Flavor
After the mirepoix is ready, add minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until it smells great. Then, add dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and a bay leaf. Let them toast for a minute to release their oils.
Seasoning Tips and Tricks
Seasoning is key to tying everything together. Start with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. Remember, the broth will get more concentrated as it simmers. A splash of low-sodium soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can add depth. A sprinkle of thyme or rosemary can add an earthy flavor.
By following these steps, you’ll make a flavorful base. This will make your chicken noodle soup rich and complex. The end result is a comforting, homemade dish that warms the soul.
How to Choose and Prepare the Chicken
For the best flavor and texture, choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They offer a richer taste and are more tender than chicken breasts. Be careful not to overcook chicken breasts, as they can become dry and tough.
To keep the chicken juicy and flavorful, gently poach it in the broth. This method helps the chicken stay moist and soak up the soup’s flavors. After it’s cooked, remove it from the broth and shred or dice it into small pieces before adding it back to the soup.
For a quicker option, use a rotisserie chicken. Just take the meat off the bones and add it to the soup towards the end to warm it up.
“The secret to a truly delicious chicken noodle soup lies in the quality of the chicken itself. Opt for the most flavorful cuts and cooking methods to create a soup that’s both comforting and satisfying.”
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Gently poach the chicken in the broth to keep it juicy and infuse it with the soup’s aromatic flavors.
- Shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it back to the soup.
- For a time-saving option, use rotisserie chicken as a substitute.
Chicken Noodle Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the perfect chicken noodle soup is a fun and comforting task. Follow these easy steps to create a homemade soup that will warm your heart and body.
Preparing the Vegetables
Start by cutting one cup of carrots, one cup of celery, and half a cup of onions. In a big pot or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté the veggies until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and your favorite herbs, like thyme or parsley. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cooking the Chicken
Next, add the chicken to the pot. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or a mix of dark and white meat. Cook the chicken in the broth for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and reaches 165°F.
Once the chicken is done, take it out of the pot, shred it, and set it aside.
Adding Noodles and Finishing Touches
Now, add the noodles to the soup. Use 12 ounces of egg noodles for a classic taste. Let the noodles cook for 8-10 minutes, until they’re tender.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and let the flavors mix for about 30 minutes.
To finish, add a handful of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Your homemade chicken noodle soup is now ready to enjoy!
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Carrots, diced | 1 cup |
| Celery, diced | 1 cup |
| Onions, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 3 Tablespoons |
| Chicken Broth | 1 carton (32oz) |
| Chicken Breasts | 1-2 lbs |
| Egg Noodles | 12 oz |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Best Noodle Options and Cooking Tips
Egg noodles are a timeless choice for chicken noodle soup. Their rich flavor and chewy texture are perfect for the comforting broth. But, feel free to try other pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli too. They can also be great in this dish.
To keep your noodles from getting mushy, cook them separately. Stir them into the soup just a few minutes before it’s done. This way, they stay firm and don’t become soggy. If you’re making the soup ahead of time, store the noodles separately. Add them when you reheat to keep them fresh.
- Egg noodles are the go-to option for a traditional chicken noodle soup.
- Rotini, fusilli, and other pasta shapes can also be used as tasty alternatives
- Cook noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving to prevent mushiness
- For make-ahead soups, store noodles separately and add them when reheating
When cooking pasta for your chicken noodle soup, aim for a balance. Overcooked noodles make the soup mushy, while undercooked ones are unpleasant. Watch the cooking time and texture closely. Don’t hesitate to try different pasta alternatives to find your favorite.
“The secret to a great chicken noodle soup is all in the noodle choice and preparation.”
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing a big batch of classic chicken noodle soup is great for meal prep. It lets you have tasty, comforting meals ready to go. To keep your homemade soup fresh and flavorful, follow some important guidelines.
Refrigeration Guidelines
For short-term storage, keep leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. This way, you can enjoy the soup all week for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing Instructions
- To freeze chicken noodle soup, prepare the soup base without the noodles. Cooked noodles can get mushy when thawed.
- Portion the soup base into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- Properly sealed, the frozen chicken noodle soup will keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating Methods
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen chicken noodle soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stovetop until it simmers gently . If the soup is too thick, thin it out with a bit of broth or water. For the best taste, add fresh noodles when reheating to avoid overcooking.
By following these tips, you can easily meal prep and have homemade chicken noodle soup ready whenever you want. Enjoy the convenience of having a comforting, flavorful meal ready, while also reducing food waste.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
Classic homemade chicken noodle soup is incredibly versatile. It’s a comforting dish that you can easily make your own. Try new flavors and find what you love.
For a creamier soup, add heavy cream or half-and-half. A squeeze of lemon juice can add a zesty touch. Fresh cilantro or diced avocado can give it a Mexican twist.
- Stir in handfuls of spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost.
- Swap traditional egg noodles for heartier options like quinoa, rice, or potatoes for a different texture.
- For a heartier meal, consider adding cheese-filled tortellini or bite-sized gnocchi.
- Experiment with various herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne, to personalize the flavor profile.
Customizing your chicken noodle soup is endless. Let your creativity shine and find the perfect version for you.
| Variation | Ingredients | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup | Chicken, vegetables, egg noodles, heavy cream | A rich and indulgent twist on the classic |
| Mexican-Inspired Chicken Soup | Chicken, vegetables, lime, cilantro, avocado | Bright and zesty flavors for a refreshing take |
| Hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup | Chicken, vegetables, cheese-filled tortellini | A filling and satisfying soup for a comforting meal |
Explore the endless possibilities of chicken noodle soup. Whether you stick to the classic or try something new, you can make it your own. Let your creativity shine and enjoy the perfect bowl of comfort.
Conclusion
This classic homemade soup recipe is a perfect mix of flavor, comfort, and simplicity. It’s great for any meal, whether it’s a quick dinner, a cozy remedy for cold days, or a fulfilling lunch. This comfort food meets all your needs.
The soup’s rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty veggies make it a family hit. The easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips mean you can make this homemade soup with ease. Enjoy the warmth and nourishment of a bowl of this classic chicken noodle soup.
Remember, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Homemade comfort food like this easy recipe is a true delight. It offers a heartwarming and satisfying dining experience that’s hard to beat.