Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or when you’re feeling under the weather. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup stands out among other recipes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that anyone can enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This homemade chicken noodle soup takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: Packed with tender chicken and aromatic vegetables, each spoonful delivers warmth and comfort.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this classic dish, ensuring a happy dinner table.
- Healthy Choice: With lean protein and nutritious veggies, it’s a meal you can feel good about serving.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes creating your homemade chicken noodle soup easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables, speeding up your prep time.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 whole carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 onion (diced)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 cups Egg noodles
- 2 cup water
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions to a large stock pot or Dutch oven.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Cook until the chicken is fully cooked (it will be completely white) and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on size.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the pot.
- Shred it using two forks and stir it back into the stock pot.
Step 4: Add Flavorings
- Stir in thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
- Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Remove the bay leaves.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this hearty homemade chicken noodle soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving homemade chicken noodle soup is a delightful experience, perfect for any family meal. This comforting dish can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance its flavor and appeal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Thyme Sprigs: Add a few sprigs of thyme for an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s flavors.
With Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread to add a savory twist to your meal.
With Crackers
- Saltine Crackers: Offer saltine crackers on the side for a crunchy texture.
- Herbed Crackers: Provide herbed crackers for an added layer of flavor alongside the soup.
With Salad
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad can balance the warmth of the soup nicely.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and complements the hearty soup.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfecting homemade chicken noodle soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Quality Broth: A good quality chicken broth makes all the difference in flavor. Consider making your own for an extra rich taste.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook. You may want more salt or herbs based on personal preference.
- Add Vegetables Early: Adding vegetables early ensures they become tender and infuse their flavors into the broth.
- Cook Noodles Separately: For best results, consider cooking noodles separately and adding them just before serving to prevent mushiness.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Pairing side dishes with homemade chicken noodle soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Breadsticks: Warm and buttery breadsticks that pair wonderfully with the broth.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens provides a refreshing contrast.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese make for a satisfying side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies bring additional nutrients and flavors to your meal.
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a hearty addition that complements the soup beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Using uncooked chicken: Always start with cooked chicken. Adding raw chicken can lead to uneven cooking and unsafe food practices.
- Overcooking the noodles: Egg noodles cook quickly. Keep an eye on them to avoid mushy noodles in your soup.
- Ignoring seasoning: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding salt and pepper at the end can elevate the flavors.
- Neglecting the broth quality: Use a good-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought can work well too.
- Skipping the bay leaves: Bay leaves add depth and aroma. Don’t forget to include them for a richer taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Cool the soup completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Leave space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup that might help you.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great option for quick preparation and adds flavor.
How do I make my soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, add a cornstarch slurry or let it simmer longer to reduce liquid.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with veggies like peas, corn, or spinach for added nutrition.
How long does homemade chicken noodle soup last?
In the refrigerator, it lasts about 3-4 days; if frozen, it can last up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for cozy nights or when you’re feeling under the weather. Its versatility allows you to customize with your favorite ingredients. Give this comforting recipe a try—your family will love it!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, a comforting classic that brings the whole family together. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather, this easy recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth, each spoonful promises satisfaction and nourishment. Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours. This wholesome dish not only warms the soul but also nourishes the body, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
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, celery, carrots, and onions. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and cover.
- Cook until chicken is fully cooked (about 20-30 minutes). Shred the chicken using two forks and return to the pot.
- Stir in thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water.
- Cook for another 10 minutes over medium-high heat until noodles are tender.
- Remove bay leaves and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
