Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or when you’re feeling under the weather. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup stands out as a go-to comfort food that everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This soup can be made in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The blend of chicken, veggies, and herbs creates a deliciously hearty meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta types.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting bowl of goodness.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s a nourishing choice for any meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups and stews evenly without losing heat.
- Sharp knife: Ensures quick and precise chopping of vegetables, saving time during prep.
Ingredients
Main 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 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 the pot.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through (should be 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 being cooked.
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 Noodles
Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until the noodles are tender and fully cooked.
Step 7: Remove Bay Leaves
Carefully remove the bay leaves from the soup before serving.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this delightful bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to enhance your meal experience and make it even more enjoyable for the whole family.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Slice a fresh baguette and serve it warm for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: Add a delicious twist with garlic butter spread on toasted bread.
Add a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing pairs perfectly with soup.
- Garden Salad: A mix of fresh vegetables with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch.
Serve with Crackers
- Saltines: Classic choice that adds crunch and complements the soup’s flavors.
- Cheese Crackers: These can add a cheesy flavor that kids love.
Garnish for Flavor
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds color and freshness.
- Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of lemon can brighten up the soup’s taste.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup even better, consider these simple tips. They will help you elevate this comforting dish to new heights.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; add more salt or pepper as needed.
- Quality Broth Matters: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth for more control over salt levels.
- Cook Noodles Separately: For best texture, cook egg noodles separately and add them just before serving.
- Add Veggies Gradually: To keep them crisp, add delicate veggies like spinach at the end of cooking.
- Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can create a more rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement the flavors perfectly.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The gooey cheese and crispy bread make an ideal companion.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers provide additional protein and veggies.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned lightly enhance this comforting meal.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness contrasts well with the soup’s richness.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings balance to the meal with its sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade chicken noodle soup is simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the broth: Using water instead of chicken broth can lead to bland soup. Always use quality chicken broth for rich flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Monitor the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
- Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to add salt and pepper can result in a flat taste. Taste your soup and adjust seasonings before serving.
- Adding noodles too early: Putting noodles in at the start can make them mushy. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best texture.
- Not shredding properly: Leaving large chunks of chicken can make the soup hard to eat. Shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for better distribution.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave space in the container for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through for even heating. Start with 2 minutes on high.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat until simmering, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about homemade chicken noodle soup that may help you perfect your dish.
How do I make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free?
You can substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time while still enjoying delicious homemade chicken noodle soup.
What vegetables can I add to my Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
Feel free to add peas, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup healthy?
Yes, this soup is packed with nutrients from vegetables and protein from chicken, making it a healthy meal option.
Final Thoughts
Homemade chicken noodle soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices according to your family’s preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm bowl filled with love!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm and comforting, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect solution for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra love in a bowl. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty egg noodles simmered in a savory broth, this family-friendly recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s not only quick and easy but also incredibly nourishing, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs to make it your own. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a comforting meal, this homemade soup is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 whole 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 cups water
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook the chicken until fully cooked (about 20-30 minutes), reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks before returning 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: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
