Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe! It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, quick lunches, or when someone is feeling under the weather. This soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and nourishing broth, making it a comforting classic that warms both the heart and soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation – With a total time of just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
- Family-Friendly Flavor – The combination of chicken and wholesome veggies creates a taste that appeals to all ages.
- Customizable Ingredients – Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning for a personal touch.
- Healthful Nourishment – Packed with protein and vitamins, this soup is a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a chilly evening or a simple weeknight dinner, this soup fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Gather these items before you start making your homemade chicken noodle soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven – Ideal for simmering the soup evenly and holding all ingredients comfortably.
- Sharp knife – Makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for the best flavor.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed for your homemade chicken noodle soup:
Protein
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Broth Base
- 8 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 4 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 whole carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 onion (diced)
Seasoning
- 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
Additional Liquid
- 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: 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 completely cooked through (it should be completely white) and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked 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 cooked through.
Step 7: Remove Bay Leaves
After cooking, be sure to remove the bay leaves from your soup.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your delicious 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 thoughtful touches. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your soup to the next level.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into your soup.
- Garlic Bread: Adds a flavorful twist and complements the rich broth beautifully.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color.
- Thyme Leaves: A touch of fresh thyme can deepen the herbal notes in your soup.
Top with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan on top adds a savory kick to each bowl.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar provides creaminess and richness to the dish.
Include Lemon Wedges
- Lemon Slices: Offering lemon wedges allows guests to brighten their soup with a dash of citrus.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your homemade chicken noodle soup truly exceptional, consider these tips. Following these suggestions will ensure every bowl is packed with flavor and warmth.
- Use Quality Broth: A good quality chicken broth makes all the difference in taste.
- Sauté Vegetables First: Sautéing celery, carrots, and onions enhances their flavors before adding them to the pot.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper to suit your preference.
- Let it Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops deeper flavors that everyone will love.
- Store Correctly: If making ahead, store noodles separately to avoid mushiness when reheating.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Enjoying homemade chicken noodle soup is even better when paired with delicious side dishes. Here are some tasty options that complement this comforting meal perfectly.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This classic pairing offers gooey satisfaction alongside each spoonful.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a lovely contrast to the savory soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted veggies brings additional nutrients and flavors to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers provide a filling side that pairs well with the broth.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the soup.
- Rice Pilaf: Light and fluffy rice pilaf can serve as an excellent side for added texture.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with cheese are perfect for dipping into the warm broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using low-quality broth: Poor broth can lead to bland soup. Always use a good-quality chicken broth for rich flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook just until it reaches 165 degrees F for tender pieces.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting spices can make your soup taste flat. Include thyme, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Stale or old vegetables can ruin your soup’s freshness. Always opt for fresh celery, carrots, and onions.
- Ignoring noodle cooking time: Cooking noodles too long makes them mushy. Add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking for perfect texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers since liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl; cover loosely and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup:
Can I use leftover chicken for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes! Leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred it and add it towards the end.
What type of noodles should I use?
Egg noodles work best due to their texture, but you can substitute with any pasta you enjoy.
How can I make my soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, try adding a cornstarch slurry or reducing the liquid by simmering longer.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week—give it a try!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or to soothe when feeling under the weather. This recipe features tender chicken cooked in a rich, flavorful broth with fresh vegetables and hearty egg noodles. With its quick preparation time of just 20 minutes, this soup is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Customize it with your favorite veggies or seasonings to make it your own. Each bowl is a warm hug on a chilly evening, promising to nourish both body and soul.
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 cups water
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onion.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (approximately 20-30 minutes).
- Remove and shred the chicken; return it to the pot.
- Stir in seasonings and noodles; add water.
- Cook over medium-high heat until noodles are tender (about 10 minutes).
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- 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: 780mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
