Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a bowl of warmth and nostalgia, offering both a satisfying meal and a sense of relief when you’re feeling under the weather. This classic recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, using everyday ingredients to create a hearty dish everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or seeking a soothing meal on a rainy day, chicken noodle soup never disappoints.
It’s easy to make and comes with the added bonus of being versatile. You can customize it to your tastes, adding more veggies or using different types of noodles. With the right balance of ingredients, this soup provides a cozy, delicious experience that can be shared with loved ones. Let’s dive into how you can prepare your very own homemade chicken noodle soup!
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
For this chicken noodle soup recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion
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2 medium carrots
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2 celery stalks
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3 cloves garlic
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6 cups chicken broth
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2 cups cooked chicken
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1 ½ cups egg noodles
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried parsley
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Salt and pepper
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2 bay leaves
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Guide
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Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.
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Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and parsley. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
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Pour in Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
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Cook the Chicken and Noodles: Stir in the shredded chicken, bay leaves, and egg noodles. Simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente.
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Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. For a brighter flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice.
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Serve and Garnish: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 bowl (approx. 1 ½ cups) |
|---|---|
| Servings per container | 4-6 servings |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 300 |
| Total Fat | 9g (12% DV) |
| Sodium | 800mg (35% DV) |
| Carbohydrates | 30g (11% DV) |
| Protein | 20g |
| Vitamin A | 90% DV |
| Vitamin C | 10% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
Cooking Tips and Tricks
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It’s already cooked and shredded, which saves you time and adds extra flavor to your soup.
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Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Since the soup continues to cook after the noodles are added, don’t overcook them in the initial step. You want them al dente to avoid soggy noodles.
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Make it a Meal: Add more vegetables like peas, spinach, or corn to make the soup heartier and more nutritious.
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Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat for the best texture.
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Freezing: If you have extra soup, freeze it for future meals. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Chicken noodle soup is the perfect dish to enjoy year-round. It’s hearty, nourishing, and comforting, making it a great go-to meal when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
By following this recipe, you can easily recreate the classic flavors at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve. Whether you’re feeding the family or need a solo comfort meal, this chicken noodle soup will always hit the spot.
