Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! This dish is perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or when you’re feeling under the weather. With its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic that never goes out of style. You’ll find it not only warms the body but also nurtures the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: This recipe can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavor: The blend of chicken, vegetables, and seasonings creates a rich and satisfying taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite veggies or noodles for a personal touch.
- Healthful Meal: Packed with protein and vitamins, this soup is a nourishing choice for any meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love it! The familiar flavors appeal to all ages, making it ideal for family dining.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your delicious Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and in larger quantities.
- Sharp knife: Helps you chop vegetables quickly and safely.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures that your seasonings are precise for optimal flavor.
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 cups water
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients
Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions to a large stock pot or Dutch oven.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cook until the chicken is cooked through—this usually takes about 20-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and stir it back into the stock pot.
Step 5: Add Seasonings and Noodles
Stir in thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water.
Step 6: Cook Until Tender
Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
Step 7: Remove Bay Leaves
Once cooked, remove the bay leaves from the soup before serving.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is all about enhancing the experience. This comforting dish can be paired with various accompaniments that elevate its flavors and satisfy your family’s appetite.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Chives: Thinly sliced chives offer a mild onion flavor that complements the soup.
Include Crunchy Toppings
- Croutons: Toasted bread cubes bring a delightful crunch to every spoonful.
- Fried Onions: Crispy fried onions add texture and a savory kick.
Provide Accompanying Breads
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread pairs well for dipping.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for sopping up the rich broth.
Offer Side Salads
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad balances the warmth of the soup with crisp greens.
- Coleslaw: The crunchy texture of coleslaw contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the soup.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To truly perfect your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, consider these handy tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will make your soup taste vibrant and delicious.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Add egg noodles towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go; this ensures you achieve the perfect balance of flavors without overdoing it.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for longer can deepen its flavors significantly.
- Shred Chicken Well: Shredding chicken into bite-sized pieces allows it to blend seamlessly into the soup.
- Cool Before Storing: If you have leftovers, let them cool before refrigerating to maintain texture.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Pairing side dishes with your comforting bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can turn a simple meal into a delightful feast. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted with butter and garlic, it’s great for dipping.
- Green Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the soup.
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are ideal for soaking up broth and adding a hearty touch.
- Stuffed Peppers: These colorful veggies stuffed with rice or meat provide a nutritious side.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy, seasoned potato wedges add a satisfying crunch alongside your soup.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of savory soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple and delicious, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
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Skipping the broth quality: Using low-quality chicken broth can lead to bland soup. Always opt for a rich, flavorful broth or make your own.
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Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Monitor the cooking time closely and remove it once it reaches 165°F.
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Not seasoning properly: Failing to season at different stages may result in flat flavors. Taste as you go and adjust salt and spices accordingly.
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Ignoring noodle timing: Adding noodles too early can make them mushy. Wait until the chicken is shredded before stirring them in for perfect texture.
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Forgetting about bay leaves: Leaving bay leaves in the soup while serving can create an unpleasant taste. Always remove them before serving.
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Using pre-shredded chicken: This may result in an uneven texture. For the best flavor, shred fresh chicken after cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It lasts for up to 3 months when frozen.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place soup in a safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup:
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great! Just shred it and add it towards the end of cooking.
How do I make this soup healthier?
You can reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and increase vegetables for added nutrition.
What noodles are best for homemade chicken noodle soup?
Egg noodles are traditional but feel free to experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free options!
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include peas, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
How long does this soup take to make?
This delicious homemade chicken noodle soup can be ready in about 20 minutes!
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that your family will adore. It’s quick to prepare and allows for many customization options like adding different vegetables or changing the type of noodles. Enjoy making it your own!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 cups (6 servings) 1x
Description
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and nourishment in every bowl. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful herbs in a rich broth that your family will love. Perfect for cozy dinners or when you need a pick-me-up, this soup can be ready in just 20 minutes. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or noodles to make it your own. With its satisfying taste and healthful ingredients, this classic dish is sure to become a staple in your home.
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 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 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; simmer for 20-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the pot.
- Stir in garlic, seasonings, egg noodles, and water; cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
