Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
A bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the perfect remedy for cold days or any moment when you need a comforting dish. This classic recipe brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy goodness to create a meal the whole family will love. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a cozy gathering, this soup shines as a versatile option that can warm hearts and bellies alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup is quick to make, even on busy nights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh veggies, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup creates a deliciously rich flavor profile that delights every bite.
- Comfort Food Classic: This recipe embodies comfort food at its best, making it a go-to for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly and providing enough space for all the ingredients to blend beautifully.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring your kitchen stays tidy.
- Sharp knife: Makes cutting vegetables easier and safer, speeding up your prep time.
Ingredients
A family favorite for cold days or any time you need a hug, it’s a classic recipe made even more delicious.
For the Soup Base
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chopped carrots (about 3 large carrots)
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery (about half a head of celery)
- 1 cup chopped onion (about one medium onion)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
For Broth and Chicken
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base
- ½ teaspoon course ground black pepper (plus additional for seasoning)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
For Noodles and Creaminess
- 4 ounces of wide egg noodles (about 2 ½ cups)
- 2 10.5 ounce cans cream of chicken soup
- ¼ cup water or milk
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Then, add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion turns translucent and the vegetables are tender. Watch the heat to prevent burning.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to coat them evenly and break up any clumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flour to combine with the butter and vegetables.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Bouillon
Slowly stir in the chicken broth to avoid lumps. Then, increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Next, add the chicken bouillon base and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, stirring to blend flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Carefully place the chicken breasts into the pot, fully submerging them in broth. Cover pot; reduce heat to medium-low; let simmer for about 15 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from pot; place on cutting board.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Add egg noodles to pot; stir to combine. Cover and cook on medium-high for 7-10 minutes until noodles are tender. While noodles cook, use two forks to shred chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once noodles are done cooking, return shredded chicken to pot.
Step 6: Add the Cream Soup
Whisk together two cans of cream of chicken soup in a small bowl with ¼ cup water or milk. Pour mixture into pot; stir thoroughly until soup is creamy and well blended. Taste; add additional pepper and salt if desired.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle soup into bowls; sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish if desired. Serve warm.
By following these steps closely, you’ll create a delightful bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe that everyone will love!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly days or cozy family dinners. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your soup experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair this soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. A baguette or sourdough works wonderfully to soak up the delicious broth.
Over Rice
- Serve your creamy chicken noodle soup over a bed of rice for added texture and heartiness. This option makes it even more filling.
With a Side Salad
- A fresh side salad complements the rich flavors of the soup. Choose light dressings like vinaigrette to keep the meal balanced.
Topped with Cheese
- Add shredded cheese on top of the soup just before serving. Cheddar or mozzarella can enhance the creaminess and add flavor.
With Crackers
- Offer saltine crackers or oyster crackers on the side. They provide a satisfying crunch and make for a classic pairing with chicken noodle soup.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
To ensure your creamy chicken noodle soup is always delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup compared to canned or frozen options.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go. Start with less salt and pepper, then adjust to avoid over-seasoning.
- Cook Noodles Separately: For best texture, consider cooking noodles in a separate pot and adding them just before serving.
- Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Add Greens: For extra nutrition, stir in spinach or kale just before serving for a pop of color and health benefits.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent choices.
- Garlic Bread: This buttery, garlic-infused bread adds a flavorful touch and is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing, balancing the richness of the soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs provide an elegant touch alongside your comforting bowl of soup.
- Coleslaw: The crunchy texture and slightly tangy taste of coleslaw contrast nicely with the creamy soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a delightful addition that brings warmth and sweetness to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, making them an ideal healthy side dish choice.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a satisfying crunch that goes well with creamy soups.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing your overall dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe can be easy, but there are common pitfalls that could affect the final dish.
- Skipping the Sautéing Step: Not cooking the vegetables properly before adding them can result in a bland soup. Always sauté until tender for maximum flavor.
- Using Regular Chicken Broth: Opting for regular chicken broth instead of low-sodium can make your soup overly salty. Choose low-sodium broth to control seasoning better.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dryness. Ensure you monitor the internal temperature and remove it promptly at 165°F.
- Adding Noodles Too Early: Putting noodles in at the start can cause them to become mushy. Add them just before serving to keep them al dente.
- Neglecting to Taste: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning means you might miss out on enhancing flavors. Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers, as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this delicious soup.
How do I make my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe thicker?
To thicken your soup, you can add more flour or cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it in gradually while heating until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken makes prep time quicker and adds even more flavor. Just shred it and add it during the final steps of cooking.
What if I want a gluten-free version of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Also, choose gluten-free noodles available at most grocery stores.
How long does it take to prepare this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
The total time is approximately 55 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.
Can I add other vegetables to my soup?
Yes! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is comforting and versatile, perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs for an extra personal touch. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on chilly days or whenever you crave a hearty meal. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken simmered with fresh vegetables and enriched with creamy goodness, creating a deliciously satisfying dish that the whole family will adore. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting friends, this soup can be customized with your favorite herbs and veggies, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces wide egg noodles
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté carrots, celery, and onion until tender.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for a few minutes to combine.
- Gradually add chicken broth and bouillon; bring to a boil.
- Add chicken breasts; simmer until cooked through (165°F). Remove and shred chicken.
- Cook egg noodles in the pot, then return shredded chicken.
- Whisk cream of chicken soup with water/milk; stir into the pot until well blended.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
