Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s a delightful way to nourish your loved ones. Plus, this soup is quick to make, meaning you can enjoy a warm bowl of goodness in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of total time, you can whip up a delicious homemade chicken noodle soup that fits into any busy schedule.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Using fresh veggies and tender chicken, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Versatile Flavor: The blend of herbs and spices gives the soup a delightful taste that everyone will love.
- Comfort Food Classic: Perfect for cozy nights or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup brings warmth and comfort.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make your homemade chicken noodle soup, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the entire soup; it allows for even heating and ample space for all ingredients.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing chicken without mess.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and efficient chopping, making prep work easier.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the right flavor balance in your soup.
Ingredients
Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! I think your family will love it.
Chicken and Broth
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 4 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 whole carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 onion (diced)
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 Bay Leaves
Noodles
- 2 cups Egg noodles
- 2 cup water
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Combine 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 Chicken
Cook until the chicken is completely white and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This generally takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Shred it using two forks, then 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 Noodles
Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Step 7: Remove Bay Leaves
Carefully remove bay leaves from the soup before serving.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your comforting homemade chicken noodle soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few simple touches. Here are some great serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Thyme Sprigs: Add a few sprigs of thyme for an aromatic touch that complements the soup.
With Bread Options
- Crusty Bread Rolls: Serve warm rolls on the side for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Offer slices of garlic bread that pair perfectly with this comforting dish.
Garnished with Cheese
- Parmesan Shavings: Add freshly shaved Parmesan cheese for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar can bring a creamy texture to each bite.
With Side Salads
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad makes a refreshing accompaniment.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad provides a light contrast to the hearty soup.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and quality chicken for a richer flavor profile.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
- Cook Noodles Separately: For best results, cook noodles separately to prevent them from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Let it Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer longer after adding the chicken for deeper flavors.
- Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness, ideally in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.
- Crackers: Saltines or buttery crackers add crunch and are perfect for dipping.
- Cornbread: A slice of cornbread brings sweetness that balances the savory soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add extra nutrition and flavor.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a satisfying contrast to the soup’s warmth.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: This classic pairing offers gooey goodness alongside the broth.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can turn your meal into a feast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is simple, but small errors can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using low-quality broth – Always opt for a good quality chicken broth. Homemade or organic options enhance flavor significantly.
- Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken too long makes it dry. Monitor the internal temperature and remove it as soon as it reaches 165°F.
- Skipping seasoning – Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and herbs. These elements bring depth to your soup, so taste and adjust as you go.
- Neglecting noodle timing – Adding noodles too early can lead to mushy results. Add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
- Not removing bay leaves – Bay leaves are not edible. Be sure to remove them before serving to avoid a bitter taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before sealing the container.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion when freezing.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup:
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
How do I make my soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, add a cornstarch slurry or let it simmer longer without the lid.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze this soup for easy meals later on.
Can I use whole grain noodles?
Yes! Whole grain noodles are a nutritious substitute that works well in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is not only comforting but also highly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings to suit your family’s tastes. Give it a try, and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction it brings!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm up to the comforting flavors of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, a delightful meal that your whole family will adore! This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and hearty egg noodles simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather, this classic soup is not only nourishing but also customizable to fit your family’s tastes. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can create a warm bowl of goodness that brings everyone together around the table.
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 cup 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 to low and cover.
- Cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 20-30 minutes).
- Remove chicken and shred it with two forks; return it to the pot.
- Stir in thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, 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 cup (240g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
