Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or seeking a remedy for the sniffles, this hearty and flavorful soup never disappoints. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and homemade egg noodles creates a deliciously satisfying meal. This recipe features a rich, savory broth made with chicken stock, a variety of aromatic herbs, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. It’s the perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to warm both your body and soul. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a bowl of this classic soup from scratch that rivals any restaurant’s.

The beauty of this Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup lies not just in its flavor but in its versatility. Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken for ease or making homemade egg noodles, you’re sure to enjoy the comforting, familiar taste that defines this classic dish. Plus, it’s a perfect meal for meal prep—just make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling: Packed with chicken, vegetables, and noodles, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl, offering both nutrition and comfort.
2. Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes to make this soup your own.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: It keeps well in the fridge and freezes easily, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
4. Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet flavorful enough for special occasions.
5. Packed with Flavor: The rich, savory broth and combination of seasonings make this soup incredibly flavorful, without being too complicated.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1/2 Tablespoon butter
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3-4 large carrots, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 10 cups chicken stock (or broth)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary (or more, to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 batch homemade egg noodles (or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-size pasta)
• 3 cups rotisserie chicken
• 1 teaspoon better than bouillon chicken flavor (or more, as needed), or chicken bouillon granules

Variations

Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, corn, or parsnips for extra flavor and nutrition. The more vegetables, the more hearty your soup will be!

Use Different Noodles

While egg noodles are traditional in chicken noodle soup, you can use any pasta you prefer. Try farfalle, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta for a twist.

Make It Spicy

For a bit of a kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to spice things up.

Use Homemade Broth

For an extra layer of flavor, you can use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. It takes a bit more time but adds depth to the soup.

Go Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, simply omit the butter and use olive oil or coconut oil instead. This ensures the soup remains just as tasty but suitable for those avoiding dairy.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced celery and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance.

Step 3

Pour in the chicken stock (or broth) and bring the soup to a simmer. Add the salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Once the soup is simmering, add the homemade egg noodles (or dry pasta) to the pot. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. If using homemade noodles, they may take slightly less time to cook.

Step 5

Add the rotisserie chicken and better than bouillon (or chicken bouillon granules). Stir until everything is well combined, and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat through.

Step 6

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or bouillon for extra flavor if desired.

Step 7

Once everything is heated through and the noodles are tender, serve the soup hot in bowls.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Homemade Noodles: If you have the time, homemade egg noodles are easy to make and add an extra special touch to the soup. The texture and flavor are unbeatable.
• Adjust the Broth: If you want a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock. For a quicker option, store-bought chicken broth or stock works just fine.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be sure to keep an eye on the noodles as they cook. Overcooking can make them mushy, so aim for a tender but slightly firm texture.
• Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or rosemary on hand, feel free to use them instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
• Store the Soup Separately: If you’re making a large batch, store the noodles separately from the soup broth to prevent them from soaking up too much liquid as it sits.

How to Serve

This Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is best served with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s also great with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. For a bit of a twist, you can serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon or some fresh herbs like parsley for extra brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to store the noodles and broth separately to prevent the noodles from becoming too soft. Reheat the soup over low heat on the stove, adding more broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Freezing

To freeze, store the soup in an airtight container (again, separating the noodles and broth is ideal). It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the noodles have absorbed too much liquid, simply add a bit more chicken broth or stock to thin it out to your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought noodles instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use any type of bite-size pasta like egg noodles, farfalle, or rotini. Just cook them directly in the soup as instructed.

2. How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular noodles. You can also ensure the chicken stock is gluten-free.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Cook the vegetables and garlic in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

4. Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to store the noodles separately from the broth to prevent them from becoming too soft during freezing.

5. What can I add to make the soup spicier?

You can add more crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to the soup to give it a spicy kick.

6. Can I use chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can cook and shred your own chicken breasts if you prefer. It will work just as well in the soup.

7. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute any bite-size pasta, such as farfalle, rotini, or fusilli, in place of egg noodles.

8. Can I make the soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, and substitute the chicken with plant-based protein or more vegetables.

9. How do I make the soup less salty?

If the soup is too salty, add a bit more water or unsalted chicken broth to dilute the flavor. You can also adjust the salt in smaller increments next time.

10. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Yes, you can add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or parsnips to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup.

Conclusion

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re sick, cold, or simply craving comfort food, this soup hits the spot every time. With its rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and comforting noodles, it’s a meal that brings warmth and satisfaction. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy this classic dish any time of the year!

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