Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! Perfect for chilly days or when someone is under the weather, this comforting dish brings warmth and happiness to the table. The use of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques makes it a favorite among busy families. Plus, this homemade chicken noodle soup is not just satisfying; it’s also easy to customize based on what you have at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This homemade chicken noodle soup can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful Ingredients: With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, each bowl bursts with flavor that warms the soul.
- Versatile Dish: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand, making it a flexible choice.
- Nutrient-Rich Meal: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from veggies, it’s a nutritious option for everyone.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting classic, making it a go-to recipe for family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your homemade chicken noodle soup, gather all the necessary tools to streamline your cooking process.
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: Essential for simmering the soup evenly while allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
- Sharp knife: A good quality knife helps in chopping vegetables quickly and safely, ensuring even cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors in your homemade chicken noodle soup.
Ingredients
Protein & Broth
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 4 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 whole carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 onion (diced)
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Noodles & Liquid
- 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 completely white and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on chicken size.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Shred it using two forks or your hands before stirring 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 into the pot.
Step 6: Cook Noodles Until Tender
Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until the noodles are tender and fully cooked.
Step 7: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaves from the soup to avoid any bitterness.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving homemade chicken noodle soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance the flavor and presentation of this comforting dish.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
- Thyme: A sprinkle of fresh thyme complements the flavors beautifully.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic bread makes for a flavorful side that pairs well with the soup.
Include Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan on top adds a salty richness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar can give a creamy texture and taste.
Serve in Unique Bowls
- Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls.
- Mason Jars: For individual servings, use mason jars for a rustic touch.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your homemade chicken noodle soup truly exceptional, consider these simple tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.
- bold Use Quality Broth: Opt for low-sodium or homemade chicken broth for better control over saltiness and flavor depth.
- bold Cook Noodles Separately: For the best texture, cook noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- bold Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; it’s key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
- bold Add Vegetables: Feel free to include other vegetables like peas or green beans for added nutrition and color.
- bold Use Leftover Chicken: Using leftover rotisserie chicken can save time while still delivering great taste.
- bold Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer enhances flavors; just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup pairs wonderfully with various sides that complement its heartiness. Here are some excellent options.
- Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery delight that is perfect for dipping into the broth.
- Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
- Cheese Toasties: Grilled cheese sandwiches are always a hit alongside warm soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring extra nutrients and great flavors to your meal.
- Biscuits: Flaky biscuits can be used to soak up all the delicious broth.
- Stuffed Peppers: These add an interesting twist and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade chicken noodle soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dry meat. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Skipping the broth flavoring: Not adding herbs or spices will result in bland soup. Use thyme, garlic, and bay leaves for better taste.
- Using the wrong noodles: Selecting the wrong type of noodles may lead to mushy soup. Stick with egg noodles for the best texture.
- Not letting it simmer: Rushing through cooking can affect flavor development. Let your soup simmer gently to enhance all the ingredients.
- Ignoring storage guidelines: Improper storage can spoil your soup. Follow proper refrigeration and freezing methods to keep it fresh.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover homemade chicken noodle soup in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place soup in a covered dish, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot and heat over medium until hot, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup special?
This recipe features tender chicken and fresh vegetables combined with flavorful broth, making it comfort food that’s quick to prepare.
Can I customize my Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
How do I make this Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free egg noodles and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time until they are fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
This homemade chicken noodle soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of joy!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Warm up your family on chilly days with this easy homemade chicken noodle soup. This comforting dish is a go-to favorite for busy weeknights, delivering heartwarming flavors with minimal effort. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and wholesome egg noodles come together in a savory broth that will please eaters of all ages. Quick to prepare and highly customizable, you can easily adapt the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or personal preferences. Make this classic recipe your family’s new staple for cozy dinners and moments of comfort.
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 (20-30 minutes).
- Remove chicken; shred it using two forks and return it to the pot.
- Stir in thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water.
- Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Discard bay leaves and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
