Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! This delightful dish is perfect for cozy nights in, and its comforting flavors make it a go-to meal for any occasion. With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty noodles, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup stands out as a family favorite that warms the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
- Nutritious and Healthy: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this soup is a wholesome choice for your family.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or tailor it to your family’s taste preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re feeling under the weather, this soup is sure to uplift spirits.
- Leftover Friendly: The soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep and leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking your homemade chicken noodle soup evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring consistent sizes for even cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in cooking; they ensure balanced flavors in your soup.
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: Boil the Mixture
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 fully cooked (it should be completely white inside) and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, then stir it back into the stock pot.
Step 5: Add Flavorings
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 or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
Step 7: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaves 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 can elevate the dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting friends, consider these suggestions for an inviting presentation.
Pair with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Thyme Sprigs: Add whole thyme sprigs for a touch of elegance and aroma.
Accompany with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Offer warm garlic breadsticks to complement the flavors.
Add Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
- Cheddar Cubes: Provide cheddar cheese cubes on the side for a cheesy twist.
Include a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with the soup’s warmth.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and balance to the meal.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your homemade chicken noodle soup truly exceptional, follow these simple tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth will enhance flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook, adjusting salt and pepper to your preference.
- Cook Noodles Separately: For a less soggy texture, consider cooking noodles separately and adding them just before serving.
- Let It Simmer Longer: A longer simmer can deepen the flavors, but keep an eye on the noodles.
- Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers 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 complete meal. Here are some tasty options:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic combo that’s perfect for dipping into warm soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add flavor and nutrition to your meal.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to savory soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a satisfying crunch alongside the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can make a hearty addition to your table.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings healthy grains into your meal, balancing flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade chicken noodle soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes for the best results.
- Using raw vegetables – Always chop and cook your vegetables before adding them to the soup. This ensures they are tender and flavorful.
- Skipping seasoning – Don’t forget to season your soup! Adding salt, pepper, and herbs enhances the taste. Taste as you go!
- Overcooking the chicken – Cook the chicken just until it reaches 165°F. Overcooking can lead to dry meat that doesn’t shred well.
- Not skimming the broth – If you see foam or impurities on top of your broth while boiling, skim them off for a clearer soup.
- Adding noodles too early – Add egg noodles towards the end of cooking. This prevents them from becoming mushy and overcooked.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store homemade chicken noodle soup in an airtight container.
- It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just leave out the egg noodles; add them fresh when reheating.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F. Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval, until hot.
- Stovetop – Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup special?
The combination of fresh ingredients and simple preparation makes this soup comforting and delicious. It’s a family favorite!
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken saves time. Just shred it and add it towards the end of cooking to warm through.
How do I make this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup healthier?
You can reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth or adding more vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
What other ingredients can I add to my Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
Feel free to add peas, corn, or even spinach for variety. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill also brighten up the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This homemade chicken noodle soup is not only easy to make but also incredibly comforting. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand. Give it a try today!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, a dish that brings comfort and joy to every family meal. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty egg noodles in a savory broth that’s perfect for cozy nights or when someone is feeling under the weather. In just 20 minutes, you can create a nutritious and delicious soup that everyone will love. Whether served as a simple dinner or enjoyed as leftovers, this comforting classic is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions.
- Bring the mixture 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, shred it with forks, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water.
- Cook on medium-high for about 10 minutes or until noodles are tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
