Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
A Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days or whenever you crave something warm and soothing. This delicious soup combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy goodness, making it perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Its rich flavor and creamy texture will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of butter, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup creates an irresistible taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting qualities of this classic dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize with your favorite veggies or noodles to suit your family’s preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later use.
Tools and Preparation
To make this creamy chicken noodle soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: This is crucial for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop your vegetables without mess.
- Whisk: Helps you combine ingredients smoothly, especially when mixing the soup with flour and broth.
Ingredients
A family favorite for cold days or any time you need a hug, it’s a classic recipe made even more delicious.
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chopped carrots (about 3 large carrots)
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery (about half a head of celery)
- 1 cup chopped onion (about one medium onion)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base
- ½ teaspoon course ground black pepper (plus additional for seasoning)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 4 ounces of wide egg noodles (about 2 ½ cups)
- 2 cans (10.5 ounce) cream of chicken soup
- ¼ cup water or milk
- Salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for about 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion turns translucent and the vegetables are tender. Watch the heat to prevent burning.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Stir continuously to coat them evenly while breaking up any clumps. Cook for about 2–3 minutes to allow the flour to combine with the butter and vegetables.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Bouillon
Slowly stir in the chicken broth to avoid lumps. Increase heat to medium-high until it reaches a boil. Next, add in the chicken bouillon base and sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of black pepper while stirring well.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Carefully place the chicken breasts into the pot so they are fully submerged in broth. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 15 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove chicken from pot and place on a cutting board; if not fully done, cook for additional minutes as needed.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Add wide egg noodles into the pot while stirring to combine. Cover and cook on medium-high heat for about 7–10 minutes until noodles are tender. Use two forks to shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces on your cutting board. Once noodles are ready, return shredded chicken back into the pot.
Step 6: Add the Cream Soup
In a small bowl, whisk together two cans of cream of chicken soup with ¼ cup water or milk. Pour this mixture into your pot while stirring thoroughly until it’s creamy and well blended. Adjust seasoning with extra pepper or salt if desired.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired. Enjoy your meal warm!
Each bite of this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is sure to bring warmth and comfort!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Serving Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is all about enhancing its cozy flavors and comforting texture. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette – Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Garlic Bread – Add a flavorful twist with garlic bread to complement the soup’s richness.
With a Side Salad
- Garden Salad – A light garden salad adds freshness and crunch to balance the creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad – The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons in a Caesar salad pair wonderfully with the warm soup.
Toppings for Extra Flavor
- Grated Cheese – Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for added richness and flavor.
- Croutons – Add crunchy croutons for a delightful texture contrast.
With a Beverage
- Hot Tea – A warm cup of herbal tea can enhance the cozy experience of enjoying this soup.
- Chilled Lemonade – For a refreshing contrast, serve chilled lemonade alongside the soup.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
To make your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs will bring vibrant flavors to your soup.
- Adjust Consistency – If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Shred Chicken While Hot – Shredding the chicken while it’s hot ensures it stays tender and absorbs more flavor from the broth.
- Season Gradually – Always taste and adjust seasonings gradually; it’s easier to add than to take away!
- Make Ahead of Time – This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Freeze Leftovers – Store any leftover soup in airtight containers; it freezes well for future meals.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup can create a complete meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this comforting dish.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with soup; try different cheeses for variety.
- Stuffed Peppers – These can be made ahead of time and offer a hearty side that complements the lightness of the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins – Their slightly sweet flavor contrasts nicely with savory soups; they’re also great for dipping!
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies provide nutrition and a lovely caramelized flavor alongside the creamy bowl.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges can add an extra element of crunch to your meal; season them with herbs for extra flavor.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the richness of the soup; mix seasonal fruits for best results.
- Quinoa Salad – This healthy option is packed with protein and can be seasoned to match your main course’s flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
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Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté the vegetables can lead to a bland soup. Always cook the carrots, celery, and onion until tender for maximum flavor.
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Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can leave your soup flat. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
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Using high-sodium broth: Opting for regular chicken broth may make your soup too salty. Choose low-sodium chicken broth for better control over seasoning.
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Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long makes it dry and tough. Ensure you check the internal temperature and remove it once it reaches 165°F.
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Neglecting noodle timing: Adding noodles too early can result in mushy pasta. Wait until the chicken is cooked before adding them to ensure they stay tender.
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Forgetting garnishes: Skipping fresh parsley removes a layer of flavor and color from your dish. Always add garnishes just before serving for a vibrant finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow soup to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about this delicious Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, here are some frequently asked questions:
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for using leftover chicken. Just shred it and add it when combining with egg noodles.
What can I substitute for egg noodles?
You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or penne. Adjust cooking time accordingly based on the pasta used.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
To make a lighter version, reduce the butter or use olive oil, and substitute half-and-half instead of cream of chicken soup.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor in your creamy soup.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or seasonings. This cozy dish is perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl. Try making it today!
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that warms you from the inside out. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy broth, this soup is perfect for chilly nights or whenever you crave a wholesome meal. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, yet delicious enough to impress at family gatherings. In just under an hour, you can have a satisfying bowl of this classic recipe ready to enjoy. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or noodles for a personalized touch, and savor the rich flavors that will quickly make this soup a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces wide egg noodles
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook until tender.
- Stir in flour and cook for a few minutes.
- Gradually add chicken broth and bouillon; bring to a boil.
- Add chicken breasts; cover and simmer until cooked through. Remove and shred.
- Cook egg noodles in the same pot until tender; return shredded chicken.
- Whisk cream of chicken soup with water or milk; stir into the pot until creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
