Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, or simply when you’re feeling under the weather. Its rich flavor and hearty ingredients come together in just 20 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal option. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This homemade chicken noodle soup can be made in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs creates a deliciously comforting bowl of soup.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the veggies, this soup is a healthy option for everyone.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. You can add more veggies or switch up the noodles!
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking your homemade chicken noodle soup, gather the essential tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stock pot or Dutch oven
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Stock pot or Dutch oven: These are perfect for simmering your soup evenly and accommodating all your ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting, ensuring safety during meal prep.
- Ladle: Ideal for serving soup without making a mess!
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: 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 cooked through. The chicken will be completely white when done and should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This generally 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
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 fully cooked.
Step 7: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaves from the pot before serving.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup with crusty bread or crackers!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or as a comforting meal on chilly days. Here are some delightful ways to serve this classic dish.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is ideal for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Garlic Bread – Liven up your meal with buttery garlic bread that complements the soup perfectly.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad – The crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Garden Salad – A simple garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette adds a light touch.
Enhance with Toppings
- Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Grated Parmesan – A sprinkle of cheese adds richness that elevates your homemade chicken noodle soup.
Serve in Unique Bowls
- Mason Jars – For a fun presentation, serve individual portions in mason jars, perfect for gatherings.
- Bread Bowls – Hollowed-out bread bowls can make for an exciting and edible way to enjoy your soup.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your homemade chicken noodle soup even more delicious, consider these handy tips.
- Use Homemade Broth – Making your own chicken broth enhances the flavor and is healthier than store-bought options.
- Add More Veggies – Extra vegetables like peas or corn can provide additional nutrients and texture.
- Season Gradually – Start with less salt and adjust at the end of cooking to avoid over-seasoning.
- Cook Noodles Separately – For best results, cook egg noodles separately to maintain their texture, then add them just before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
A few well-chosen side dishes can elevate your homemade chicken noodle soup experience. Here are some great options:
- Cheesy Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits with melted cheese are perfect for soaking up the broth.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies make a hearty companion.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs add crunchiness to your meal.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad brightens up the table with sweetness and freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal veggies bring warmth and depth alongside your comforting soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Using the wrong chicken cut: Many people use chicken thighs or wings, which can lead to greasier soup. Stick with boneless skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Not seasoning adequately: Forgetting to season your soup can leave it bland. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed during cooking.
- Overcooking the noodles: If you add the noodles too early, they may become mushy. Add them towards the end of cooking to ensure they stay firm.
- Ignoring the broth quality: Using low-quality broth can affect the flavor of your soup. Opt for a good-quality chicken broth for the best results.
- Skipping aromatics: Neglecting garlic and herbs can lead to a lackluster flavor. Always include fresh aromatics like garlic, onions, and thyme for depth.
- Not shredding chicken properly: Failing to shred the chicken well can result in large chunks that don’t mix well with the soup. Shred it finely before returning it to the pot.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in a container.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Place soup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, usually about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.
What makes this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe special?
This recipe is simple yet flavorful, providing comfort food that warms both body and soul.
Can I use different pasta instead of egg noodles?
Yes! You can substitute any type of pasta you prefer, just adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
How can I make this soup healthier?
Opt for low-sodium chicken broth and add more vegetables like spinach or peas for added nutrients.
Is Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and is perfect for making ahead of time for quick meals throughout the week.
Can I freeze leftovers of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes! Just be sure to follow proper freezing instructions for best quality when reheating later.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. This comforting dish is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want something warm and hearty. Give this recipe a try today!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the heartwarming comfort of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, a dish that brings families together on chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs to create a flavorful broth that warms both body and soul. Ready in just 20 minutes, this nourishing soup is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. Perfectly paired with crusty bread or a side salad, this classic dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F), about 20–30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred using two forks; return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water.
- Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- 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: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
