Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! Homemade chicken noodle soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s simple to prepare and offers a delightful blend of flavors that warms both the body and soul. This soup is not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This homemade chicken noodle soup takes just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs creates a rich and satisfying taste.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or personal preferences.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the veggies, this soup is healthy and filling.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting classic—it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Tools and Preparation
To make your homemade chicken noodle soup effortlessly, gather some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
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: Ideal for simmering ingredients together, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for quick preparation of veggies and chicken.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create your own delicious homemade chicken noodle soup:
- 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 (it should be completely white when done) and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This usually takes about 20–30 minutes depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, then 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.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup is a comforting dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh flavor.
- Chives: Add finely chopped chives for a mild onion taste.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of warm baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a flavorful crunch.
Topped with Cheese
- Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan on top just before serving for a savory kick.
- Cheddar: Melt shredded cheddar cheese into the soup for added richness.
As a Meal Prep Option
- In Containers: Store leftovers in airtight containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze individual portions for quick meals later.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Creating the perfect homemade chicken noodle soup requires some attention to detail. Here are tips to enhance your recipe.
- Use Quality Broth: A rich, flavorful chicken broth will make all the difference in taste.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Ensure you cook the chicken just until done to keep it tender and juicy.
- Add Veggies Early: For a deeper flavor, add vegetables at the beginning with the broth and chicken.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go; it’s easier to add more salt or spices than to fix an overly seasoned soup.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Pairing your homemade chicken noodle soup with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic combo that’s perfect for dipping into your warm soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: These hearty sides add a colorful touch and extra nutrition.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to savory soup flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional texture and flavor to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch alongside your comforting bowl of soup.
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.
- Using raw chicken – Always ensure your chicken is fully cooked before shredding it back into the soup. This helps prevent any foodborne illness.
- Skipping the seasoning – Don’t forget to add salt and pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the flavor of your soup. Taste as you go!
- Overcooking the noodles – Adding noodles too early can lead to mushy results. Cook them just until tender for the perfect texture.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables can elevate your soup’s taste. Use crisp celery and vibrant carrots for a delicious outcome.
- Not letting it simmer – Letting your soup simmer allows flavors to meld together beautifully. Avoid rushing this step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Homemade chicken noodle soup lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop – Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about homemade chicken noodle soup that can help you make it even better.
How do I make my homemade chicken noodle soup richer?
Adding more broth or using bone broth can enhance the richness of your homemade chicken noodle soup.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works great! Just add it when you stir in the noodles.
What if I don’t have egg noodles?
You can substitute with any pasta you like, though cooking time may vary based on the type used.
How can I customize my homemade chicken noodle soup?
Feel free to add different vegetables, herbs, or spices according to your taste preferences!
Final Thoughts
This homemade chicken noodle soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or leftovers. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm bowl that brings joy to your family!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 bowls 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of homemade chicken noodle soup, a timeless comfort food that brings families together. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty egg noodles in a savory broth that’s perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little pick-me-up. In just 20 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that is not only satisfying but also adaptable to your personal tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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
- In a large stock pot, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onion.
- Bring 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 cooked chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
- Add thyme, 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 and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
