Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! This wholesome dish is perfect for cozy dinners, chilly nights, or when you’re feeling under the weather. With its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite veggies or spices, making it versatile for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with chicken, noodles, and vegetables, this soup is sure to satisfy your hunger.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup, making it great for all ages.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious ingredients like chicken and vegetables, this soup is both tasty and healthy.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious homemade chicken noodle soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your cooking process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for simmering soups; these pots retain heat well and provide even cooking.
- Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables easier and safer, enhancing your prep time efficiency.
Ingredients
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 Chicken
Cook until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F. This takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
Step 4: Shred 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
Stir in thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water into the pot.
Step 6: Cook Noodles
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 before serving.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your 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 simple touches. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy your soup.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Thyme Sprigs: Garnish with sprigs of thyme to enhance the herbal notes in the soup.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for an extra savory touch that complements the soup’s flavors.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crunchy texture and freshness alongside the warmth of the soup.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens balances the hearty soup well.
With Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: Top individual bowls with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
- Cheddar Cheese Toast: Melt cheddar on toast and serve on the side for an indulgent treat.
For the Kids
- Fun Shaped Crackers: Include fun-shaped crackers or goldfish for a playful twist that kids will love.
- Mini Sandwiches: Cut sandwiches into small shapes to make meal time more enjoyable for little ones.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your homemade chicken noodle soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Broth: Start with high-quality chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Incorporating fresh vegetables enhances both nutrition and taste.
- Cook Noodles Separately: For best texture, cook noodles separately and add them just before serving.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper levels to suit your preference.
- Cool Before Storing: If you have leftovers, let the soup cool before storing it in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to avoid overcooking the noodles.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Complementing your homemade chicken noodle soup with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options.
- Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread adds crunch and flavor that pairs well with soup.
- Crackers: Simple saltine or whole grain crackers provide a light crunch alongside your meal.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread brings a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients while enhancing your meal’s heartiness.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of chicken noodle soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty complement, filled with rice and beans or meat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results:
- Overcooking the Chicken: This can lead to dry meat. Always check the internal temperature and remove it as soon as it reaches 165°F.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Without proper seasoning, your soup can taste bland. Be sure to add salt and spices at every stage of cooking.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old vegetables affects flavor. Always opt for fresh produce for a vibrant taste.
- Not Skimming the Foam: A foam forms from chicken impurities during boiling. Skim this off to ensure a clear, clean broth.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Each ingredient has its cooking time. Follow the recipe closely to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 4 days.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or wrap, and heat in intervals of 2-3 minutes until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
It takes about 20 minutes of cooking time after preparation.
Can I use leftover chicken for this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes! Leftover chicken works great and can save time in preparation.
What vegetables can I add to my Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup without noodles?
Absolutely! You can substitute noodles with rice or quinoa if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is not just quick but also comforting and versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. Try it today and enjoy a warm bowl of joy!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms both body and soul. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in rich chicken broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, cozy family dinners, or when you’re under the weather, this soup can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Its customizable nature allows you to add your favorite vegetables or spices, ensuring every bowl is tailored to your taste. Enjoy a nourishing serving of this classic dish and make it a staple in your home.
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
- Combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onion in a large stock pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (20-30 minutes). Shred the chicken 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 or 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: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
