Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl. Made completely from scratch, it showcases the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying it as leftovers for lunch, this recipe will surely become a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses straightforward steps and common ingredients, making it perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks.
- Rich Flavor: Cooking from scratch allows you to control the flavor balance, ensuring every spoonful is deliciously satisfying.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.
- Comforting and Nourishing: Homemade chicken noodle soup is known for its comforting qualities, providing warmth and nourishment when you need it most.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into your cooking adventure, gathering the right tools will make the process smoother. Here are the essential tools you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot: Perfect for simmering soups, allowing all flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables fast and easy, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your seasonings are just right, enhancing the overall flavor of your soup.
Ingredients
This is the best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe. It is made totally from scratch and so it is rich, delicious, and totally comforting.
Main Ingredients
- 2 TBSPs butter
- 1 lb bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 celery stalks (diced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 1/2 a yellow onion (diced)
Seasonings
- 1/2 TBSP dried thyme
- 1/2 TBSP dried basil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 to 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Liquids & Pasta
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 12 ounces frozen egg noodles (see note)
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
In a large stock pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and add them to the pot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until browned.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Remove the chicken from the pan and discard the skin. Remove any pan drippings but reserve 2 TBSPs of it in the pan.
Step 3: Cook Aromatics
Add the celery, carrots, onion, and garlic to the pan. Add in dried thyme and basil. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Return the chicken thighs back into the pot. Reduce heat and let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes with just a slight bubble.
Step 5: Add Noodles
Remove chicken once cooked through; set aside. Bring broth back to a boil again; add frozen egg noodles and simmer according to package instructions or about 20 minutes.
Step 6: Shred Chicken
Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. When noodles are ready, return shredded chicken to pot; stir well before serving!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving homemade chicken noodle soup is a delightful experience. It warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this comforting dish.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Thyme Sprigs: Add a few thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch that enhances the flavor.
With Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of crusty baguette for dipping into the rich broth.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a flavorful complement that adds crunch.
With Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: Top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melting sharp cheddar on top adds a creamy, indulgent twist.
With Lemon
- Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side to squeeze into the soup for brightness.
As a Main Dish
- Hearty Meal: Enjoy it as is, as this homemade chicken noodle soup is filling enough to be a main course.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfecting homemade chicken noodle soup is about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your recipe.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Select fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken stock for richer flavors.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow sufficient time for simmering; this enhances depth in flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Taste as you go, adding salt and pepper slowly until it’s just right.
- Shred Chicken Properly: Make sure to shred the chicken finely so it integrates well with the noodles and broth.
- Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Cook noodles just until al dente; they’ll continue cooking in the hot soup.
- Store Wisely: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container but avoid adding noodles until serving to prevent sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To round out your meal, consider these delightful side dishes that pair wonderfully with homemade chicken noodle soup.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette offers refreshing crunch alongside your soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the savory soup and is perfect for dipping.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides a healthy option that complements the meal nicely.
- Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty side dish full of flavor and nutrients.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes are always a hit and add an extra layer of comfort food charm.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Grilled cheese quesadillas cut into triangles make for fun dippers in your soup.
Enjoy serving your homemade chicken noodle soup with these suggestions!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Avoid these mistakes for a perfect bowl of soup.
- Using the wrong chicken parts: Opt for bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor. Skinless or boneless options may lead to less depth in taste.
- Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing vegetables before adding broth enhances their flavor. Skipping this step leads to a bland soup.
- Not seasoning adequately: Seasoning is crucial. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper levels to achieve the best flavor.
- Overcooking the noodles: Frozen egg noodles cook quickly. Overcooking them can result in mushy noodles, so follow package instructions closely.
- Ignoring the resting time: Allowing your soup to rest after cooking helps flavors meld. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Cool soup completely before refrigerating to preserve quality.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers, as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken works well. Just add it when returning the noodles to the pot.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles for a gluten-free version of homemade chicken noodle soup.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize by adding peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Experience the comforting warmth of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, the perfect remedy for chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather. This recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful spices, all simmered to perfection in a rich broth. Made entirely from scratch, it’s a delightful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing meal. Ideal for cozy dinners or as leftovers for lunch, this soup is destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 pound bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 12 ounces frozen egg noodles
- 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large stock pot over medium heat, melt butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper; add to pot and cook until browned on both sides (3-4 minutes per side).
- Remove chicken and discard skin. Sauté celery, carrots, onion, and garlic in the residual fat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chicken stock and bring to a boil; return chicken to pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove cooked chicken to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Bring broth back to boil; add frozen egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (about 20 minutes).
- Stir in shredded chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
