Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
A Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the perfect dish to warm your heart and soul on chilly days. This comforting soup combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy broth for a delightful experience. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying it as a cozy lunch, this recipe is guaranteed to please everyone in your family. The blend of flavors makes this a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food: This creamy chicken noodle soup offers warmth and satisfaction in every bite, making it a classic favorite for families.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this dish without fuss.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite veggies or noodles to suit your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to children and picky eaters alike.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best creamy chicken noodle soup, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are a few essentials you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking large batches of soup evenly.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring no lumps remain in your creamy soup.
Ingredients
A family favorite for cold days or any time you need a hug, it’s a classic recipe made even more delicious.
For the Soup Base
- 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
Broth and Seasoning
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (plus additional for seasoning)
Chicken and Noodles
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 4 ounces wide egg noodles (about 2 ½ cups)
Creamy Element
- 2 10.5 ounce cans cream of chicken soup
- ¼ cup water or milk
Garnish
- 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. Then, add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 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, stirring continuously to coat them evenly and break up any clumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing 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. Then, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Next, add the chicken bouillon base and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, stirring to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Carefully place the chicken breasts into the pot, fully submerging them in the broth. Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from pot once done.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Add egg noodles to the pot, stirring to combine. Cover and cook on medium-high for 7-10 minutes until noodles are tender. While they cook, shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Once noodles are done, return shredded chicken to pot.
Step 6: Add Cream Soup
Whisk together two cans of cream of chicken soup in a small bowl with ¼ cup of water or milk. Pour this mixture into pot while stirring thoroughly until well blended. Taste and season with additional pepper and salt if desired.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for ultimate comfort!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Serving your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe can be just as delightful as making it. There are various ways to enjoy this comforting dish that can enhance the experience for you and your family.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- French Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread: Add some flavor with garlic butter spread on toasted bread for a delicious contrast.
Serve with a Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crunch of romaine and tangy dressing pairs well with the rich soup.
- Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens and vegetables adds a light balance to the hearty soup.
Include Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese: Grated sharp cheddar sprinkled on top adds a savory note.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan complements the creaminess of the soup beautifully.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley not only garnishes but also brightens up flavors.
- Thyme or Rosemary: These herbs can be added during cooking or as a garnish for an aromatic finish.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
To make your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe even better, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate both the taste and texture of your dish.
- seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning! Adjust salt and pepper according to taste while cooking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor profile compared to frozen or canned options.
- Cook chicken properly: Ensure that chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety and optimal tenderness.
- Adjust creaminess: For a richer flavor, add more cream of chicken soup or reduce broth slightly.
- Customize noodles: Feel free to substitute egg noodles with other types like fettuccine or whole wheat pasta.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes great when made in advance; just reheat before serving!
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Complement your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe with these delightful side dishes. They provide variety and enhance your meal experience.
- Garlic Toast: Crunchy and buttery garlic toast offers a tasty way to soak up the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Delicious bell peppers filled with rice, meat, and spices create a hearty side option.
- Crackers or Breadsticks: Simple yet effective, they add crunch alongside the creamy texture of the soup.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw brings crispness and acidity to balance out the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables add extra nutrients and complement the flavors in your soup beautifully.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a satisfying crunch while being easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding mistakes in your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe can make the difference between a good soup and a great one. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Using low-quality broth: Always opt for low-sodium chicken broth for better flavor control. This prevents your soup from becoming too salty.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cook chicken just until it reaches 165°F. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, ruining the soup’s creamy texture.
- Neglecting seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the dish significantly.
- Skipping the flour step: Flour helps thicken the soup, creating that creamy consistency. Be sure to incorporate it with the vegetables before adding liquid.
- Adding noodles too early: If you add egg noodles too soon, they may become mushy. Wait until the chicken is cooked and shredded before adding them to the pot.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
- The soup can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe so special?
This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich cream base that creates a comforting experience perfect for chilly days.
Can I customize my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables like peas or corn, or swap out chicken for turkey or even dumplings.
How long does it take to prepare this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
From start to finish, you’ll spend about 55 minutes preparing this delicious comfort food.
Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken works perfectly. Just add it during the last stages of cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is not only a family favorite but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients according to your preferences. Whether you’re seeking comfort on cold days or just want something hearty, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction every time. Give it a try today!
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on chilly days. This rich and hearty soup features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy broth that envelops you in warmth with every spoonful. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy lunches. Whether you enjoy it alone or paired with crusty bread, this delicious dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and bring everyone together around the table.
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 (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook for 7-10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth and bouillon base; bring to a boil.
- Submerge chicken breasts in broth, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred it, then add egg noodles to the pot and cook until tender.
- Whisk cream of chicken soup with water or milk in a bowl; stir into the soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
