The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: Comfort in a Bowl
There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. This recipe has been a favorite in my family for as long as I can remember, evoking memories of cozy evenings spent around the table. It’s a dish that warms not just your body but also your heart, making it perfect for chilly nights or when someone needs a little extra care.
Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family, this soup fits seamlessly into any occasion. Each spoonful is filled with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles that make you feel right at home. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself making this soup again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Wholesome ingredients: Made with fresh vegetables and lean chicken, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
– Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this comforting meal in no time.
– Family favorite: It’s a recipe that kids and adults alike will love, making it perfect for any family dinner.
– Great leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for creating The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Soup Base
– 1 medium yellow onion
– 3 garlic cloves
– 4 carrots
– 2 ribs celery
– 1 Tbsp fresh parsley
– 2 Tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
– 1 tsp dried basil
– ½ tsp dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
– 1-3 tsp salt (divided)
Main Ingredients
– 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 6 oz. egg noodles (uncooked)
Variations
One of the great things about soup is its flexibility! Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
– Swap the protein: Instead of chicken, try using turkey or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
– Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach, kale, or peas for an extra boost of nutrition and color.
– Spice it up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your soup some kick.
– Change the noodles: Substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or whole grain options to accommodate different dietary preferences.
How to Make The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into cooking, take a moment to gather all your ingredients. Having everything at hand makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and dice the carrots, dice celery, and mince the fresh parsley. Set aside the parsley for later garnish. Preparing these ingredients ahead of time ensures they cook evenly and flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery to a large soup pot. Cook on medium heat until vegetables have softened—about 6 minutes—stirring occasionally. Sautéing these aromatics builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 4: Add Spices
Once your vegetables are softened, add minced garlic, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and 1 tsp salt to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This step enhances the aroma and depth of flavor in your soup.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Place chicken breasts into the pot and cover them with chicken broth. Cover with a lid; bring it to a boil over high heat before reducing to low heat to simmer for one hour. Simmering allows flavors to develop while ensuring your chicken becomes tender enough to shred easily.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
After an hour of simmering blissfully away on your stove top, remove the chicken from the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Taste your broth at this point; adjust seasoning with more salt if necessary based on personal preference.
Step 7: Add Noodles
Add uncooked egg noodles directly into the pot while turning up the heat back to high. Boil until they are tender—about 7 minutes—before returning shredded chicken back into the mix. This step brings everything together beautifully while ensuring noodles are cooked just right.
Step 8: Serve with Fresh Parsley
Finish off by sprinkling fresh minced parsley over each bowl before serving hot! This adds brightness not only visually but also enhances flavor wonderfully.
Now you’re ready to enjoy The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup—a bowl full of warmth that comforts you like a hug from Grandma!
Pro Tips for Making The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Making homemade chicken noodle soup is not only a delightful experience but also a wonderful way to warm your heart and home. Here are some tips to elevate your soup-making skills and ensure that each bowl is simply delicious.
– Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. Whenever possible, opt for seasonal produce to enjoy maximum freshness.
– Don’t rush the simmering: Allowing the chicken and vegetables to simmer for the full hour ensures that the flavors meld beautifully. A proper simmer helps in shredding the chicken easily and making the broth rich and savory.
– Taste as you go: It’s essential to taste your broth at different stages. Adjust seasoning gradually, especially salt, as some broths can already be salty.
– Customize with noodles: While egg noodles are traditional, feel free to experiment with other types of noodles like whole grain or gluten-free options. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
– Save leftovers wisely: If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider storing the noodles separately from the soup to prevent them from becoming mushy when reheated.
How to Serve The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving homemade chicken noodle soup can be just as enjoyable as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a comforting meal that will impress family and friends alike.
Garnishes
– Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness right before serving.
– Cracked black pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper enhances flavor and gives your soup a bit of zest.
Side Dishes
– Crusty bread: Serve your soup with slices of crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping – it’s a classic combination that everyone loves.
– Green salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly.
– Grilled cheese sandwiches: For a nostalgic twist, pair your soup with gooey grilled cheese sandwiches for a hearty meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prep can make life so much easier, especially when it comes to enjoying delicious homemade meals throughout the week. Here’s how to store your chicken noodle soup effectively:
Storing Leftovers
– Cool completely: Allow your soup to cool down at room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This helps maintain its quality.
– Use airtight containers: Store your chicken noodle soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
– Portion wisely: Consider freezing in individual portions so you can easily defrost just what you need later on.
– Freeze without noodles: For best results, freeze your soup without adding noodles. Cooked noodles may become mushy when thawed. When ready to eat, add freshly cooked noodles directly into your reheated soup.
Reheating
– Thaw safely: If frozen, thaw your soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for even cooking.
– Reheat gently: Warm your chicken noodle soup on low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
Curious about some common questions surrounding homemade chicken noodle soup? You’re not alone! Here are some answers that may help you out:
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure they are fully cooked through before shredding them into the soup. You might need an extra 10–15 minutes of simmering time if you’re starting with frozen meat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies for added texture and flavor!
What should I do if my broth is too salty?
If you’ve accidentally made your broth too salty, try adding diced potatoes or carrots while simmering; they will absorb some of the saltiness. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy into your kitchen just like it does in mine! Homemade chicken noodle soup is perfect for chilly days or anytime you’re craving comfort food. So gather those ingredients and give it a try – I promise you’ll be glad you did!
The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all your ingredients to make the cooking process smoother.
- Prepare the vegetables by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, peeling and dicing the carrots, and dicing the celery.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened, about 6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and 1 tsp salt; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add chicken breasts and cover with chicken broth; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for one hour.
- Remove chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add uncooked egg noodles to the pot and boil until tender, about 7 minutes; return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
