Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe! It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, chilly weather, or when someone needs a comforting meal. This soup combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables and hearty noodles, making it a standout dish that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This homemade chicken noodle soup takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavorful Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs make every spoonful burst with flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness, making it great for family gatherings.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and nutrients, this soup is a wholesome choice that nourishes while delighting your taste buds.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect homemade chicken noodle soup, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here are the essential tools you’ll need to prepare this recipe seamlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly and holding all the ingredients comfortably.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when chopping vegetables, which helps release their flavors more effectively.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safe and efficient food preparation.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Broth Base
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Vegetables
- 4 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 whole carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 onion (diced)
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Noodles
- 2 cups egg noodles
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 Mixture
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 fully cooked through (it should be completely white) and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with 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.
Step 7: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaves from the soup before serving.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup is comforting and versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance the dining experience for your family.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Thyme Sprigs – Use whole thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch that complements the soup.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Baguette – Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
- Garlic Bread – Pair with garlic bread for a savory side that everyone loves.
With a Salad
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds a crunchy texture and creamy dressing that balances the soup.
- Garden Salad – Lighten up the meal with a garden salad featuring fresh vegetables and vinaigrette.
As a Main Dish
- In a Bowl – Serve the soup in deep bowls, allowing everyone to enjoy it as a hearty main course.
- With Toppings – Offer toppings like shredded cheese or crushed crackers for added flavor and texture.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfecting your homemade chicken noodle soup can take it from good to great. Here are some helpful tips to enhance your recipe.
- Choose Quality Ingredients – Use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
- Add More Vegetables – Consider adding peas or corn for extra nutrition and sweetness.
- Season Gradually – Start with less salt and pepper, then adjust to taste as it cooks for optimal seasoning.
- Let It Simmer Longer – Allowing the soup to simmer enhances flavor development. Just be sure not to overcook the noodles!
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Pairing side dishes with homemade chicken noodle soup can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic pairing, perfect for dipping into the soup’s warm broth.
- Cornbread Muffins – These sweet muffins complement the savory flavors of the soup beautifully.
- Stuffed Peppers – Add a hearty dish like stuffed peppers filled with rice and ground meat for a filling meal.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges are perfect for adding crunch alongside your comforting bowl of soup.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the chicken noodle soup.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad offers sweetness and freshness, balancing out the savory flavors of your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key for the best flavor and texture.
- Using too much salt: This can overpower the soup’s natural flavors. Start with less salt and adjust to taste as it cooks.
- Not cooking the chicken properly: Under-cooked chicken can lead to food safety issues. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Skipping the aromatics: Ingredients like onions and garlic add depth to your soup. Don’t skip these essential flavors!
- Overcooking the noodles: Egg noodles can become mushy if cooked too long. Add them towards the end of cooking for perfect texture.
- Neglecting to shred the chicken: Leaving large pieces of chicken can make the soup hard to eat. Shred it into bite-sized pieces for a better experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Homemade chicken noodle soup lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.
How do I make homemade chicken noodle soup from scratch?
To make it from scratch, gather fresh ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and broth. Follow our recipe for best results!
Can I use leftover chicken for homemade chicken noodle soup?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works great as a time-saver while still providing excellent flavor.
What vegetables can I add to homemade chicken noodle soup?
Feel free to get creative! Spinach, peas, or corn are excellent additions that enhance both nutrition and flavor.
How can I customize my homemade chicken noodle soup?
You can adjust seasonings or add herbs like parsley or dill for extra freshness. Experiment with different noodles too!
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is not just comforting; it’s also versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather, give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious bowl of warmth!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect remedy for chilly nights or when you need a comforting meal. This simple and delicious recipe features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty egg noodles, making it a family favorite that everyone will love. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a warm bowl of goodness that nourishes both body and soul. Customize it with your favorite veggies or seasonings for an extra personal touch.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 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
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions.
- Bring to a boil; then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F), about 20-30 minutes.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and return to the pot.
- Stir in thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water.
- Cook over medium-high heat until noodles are tender (about 10 minutes).
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
