Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This hearty and flavorful soup combines tender pieces of chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs in a rich, savory broth. Whether you’re under the weather or simply craving a cozy meal, this soup is the perfect choice. With a rich base of chicken broth and a combination of garlic, thyme, and bay leaves, this dish is sure to soothe and satisfy. The addition of noodles gives it the perfect texture, making every spoonful both comforting and filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth makes this soup the ultimate comfort food.

2. Packed with Flavor

The thyme, garlic, and bay leaves infuse the broth with depth and richness, while the fresh vegetables add texture and sweetness.

3. Versatile

You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, such as using different types of noodles or adding extra vegetables.

4. Healthy and Nutritious

This soup is packed with protein from the chicken and full of vitamins from the vegetables, making it a nutritious meal for the whole family.

5. Easy to Make

With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and quick, perfect for a weeknight meal or meal prepping.

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Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Butter
• Yellow onion, diced
• Celery stalks, thinly sliced
• Carrots, thinly sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Low sodium chicken broth
• Fresh thyme sprigs (or dried thyme)
• Bay leaves
• Skinless, bone-in chicken breasts
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Low carb noodles (such as carba-nada noodles) or regular wide egg noodles
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Variations

• Noodles: If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free noodles or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb alternative.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and texture.
• Chicken: While skinless, bone-in chicken breasts work perfectly in this recipe, you can substitute them with chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
• Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat in your soup.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onion, sliced celery, and sliced carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Broth

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the thyme sprigs, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the bone-in chicken breasts to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Remove the bones and skin, then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Add the Noodles

While shredding the chicken, bring the soup back to a simmer. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Soup

Add the shredded chicken back into the soup and stir to combine. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of fresh flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For a Brothier Soup: If you like a brothier soup, use 12 cups of chicken broth as suggested. If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly.
• Shred the Chicken Easily: After cooking the chicken, allow it to cool for a few minutes before shredding. This makes it easier to handle and shred into smaller pieces.
• Make it Ahead: Chicken noodle soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more as it sits.
• Reheating: If the noodles absorb too much broth while stored, simply add more chicken broth when reheating to restore the soup’s consistency.

How to Serve

Chicken Noodle Soup can be served as a standalone meal, or paired with a side of warm crusty bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty, refreshing flavor to each bowl, making it a perfect accompaniment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the texture of the noodles, it’s best to store the soup and noodles separately if you plan to keep leftovers for more than a day.

Freezing

Chicken Noodle Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, store the soup without noodles, as noodles can become mushy when frozen. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra chicken broth if needed. If the noodles have absorbed too much liquid, you can add more broth to restore the soup’s consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They are more flavorful and slightly more tender, which adds richness to the soup.

2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Simply add it to the soup once the broth and vegetables are simmering, and heat it through.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen carrots, celery, and peas instead of fresh vegetables. Just add them during the cooking process along with the garlic.

4. Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?

Yes, to make it in the slow cooker, sauté the onions, celery, and carrots on the stove, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the noodles in the last 30 minutes.

5. How do I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, add a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water to the broth and simmer for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can purée a portion of the soup for a creamier texture.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free noodles or substitute with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

7. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, Chicken Noodle Soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen the longer it sits.

8. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add peas, corn, or even potatoes to this soup for extra texture and flavor.

9. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper along with the garlic.

10. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Noodle Soup. However, it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles, as noodles can become mushy once frozen.

Conclusion

Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare, healthy, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s the perfect dish for chilly nights or when you need a little extra nourishment. Whether you’re using up leftover chicken or preparing a fresh batch, this soup is sure to satisfy. It’s a timeless classic that the whole family will love, and it’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner. Enjoy a warm bowl of this soothing soup any time!

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