Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
A Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days or anytime you need a warm hug in a bowl. This classic dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and rich noodles in a creamy broth that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also brings everyone together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up any day of the week.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cream of chicken soup and fresh veggies creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and delicious.
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour.
- Versatile Dish: Customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs for a personal touch.
- Freezable Leftovers: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later on.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. These will help ensure a smooth cooking process for your creamy chicken noodle soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly without risk of burning.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes cutting vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
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
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (plus additional for seasoning)
For the Chicken and Noodles
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 4 ounces of wide egg noodles (about 2 ½ cups)
For Creaminess
- 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. 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. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Next, add the chicken bouillon base and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, stirring to blend flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Carefully place chicken breasts into the pot, fully submerging them in broth. Cover pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from pot and place on cutting board.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Add egg noodles to pot, stirring to combine. Cover and cook on medium-high for 7-10 minutes until noodles are tender. While noodles cook, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Once noodles are done, return shredded chicken to pot.
Step 6: Add the Cream Soup
Whisk together two cans of cream of chicken soup in a small bowl with ¼ cup water or milk. Pour mixture into pot, stirring thoroughly until soup is creamy and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional pepper or salt if desired.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for an extra cozy experience!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that warms the heart and soul. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: This tangy bread complements the creamy soup perfectly, adding a chewy texture.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor pairs wonderfully, making each bite even more satisfying.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and a hint of freshness.
- Thyme: Using fresh thyme can elevate the flavor profile, giving it an aromatic touch.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing balances the richness of the soup.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
Serve with Crackers
- Saltines: Classic saltines are perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Cheese Crackers: Their cheesy flavor adds another layer of taste to your meal.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
To make your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition, making your soup vibrant.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to suit your palate for a personalized touch.
- Shred Chicken Properly: Use two forks for easy shredding, ensuring bite-sized pieces blend seamlessly in the soup.
- Control Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer; add more broth if it’s too thick for your liking.
- Experiment with Noodles: Try different types of noodles like whole wheat or gluten-free options based on dietary needs.
- Store Correctly: For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Complement your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with these delicious side dishes. They will enhance your meal and satisfy everyone at the table.
- Garlic Toast: Easy to prepare; just spread butter and garlic on bread and toast until golden.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can be made ahead, offering a delightful appetizer before soup.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness that contrasts well with warm soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is simple to bake and provides a hearty side option that pairs nicely with soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional nutrients and flavors without much effort.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are a fun finger food that everyone loves alongside warm soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender vegetables that still have some texture.
- Using low-quality broth: A great soup starts with good broth. Choose low-sodium chicken broth for better control over the seasoning and overall flavor.
- Not shredding the chicken properly: If you don’t shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces, it may not distribute evenly in your soup. Use two forks to ensure even shredding.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust the seasoning can result in bland soup. Always taste your soup before serving and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Adding noodles too early: If you cook the noodles for too long, they will become soggy. Add them towards the end of cooking to keep them al dente.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover creamy chicken noodle soup in an airtight container.
- It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Consider portioning it into smaller bags for easier thawing.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe:
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred it and add it at the end when you combine all ingredients.
How can I make it gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this creamy chicken noodle soup recipe, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free noodles.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe stores well and is ideal for meal prep. Just follow storage instructions above to keep it fresh.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of noodles! Just adjust cooking times according to their package instructions.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or simply want something heartwarming, this recipe delivers. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or herbs. Give it a try today!
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect comfort food, combining tender chicken, hearty noodles, and vibrant vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. This classic dish is ideal for chilly days or whenever you crave a warm hug in a bowl. Not only easy to prepare, but it also brings family and friends together for cozy gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious soup that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
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 (about 2 ½ cups)
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion; sauté for 7-10 minutes until tender.
- Stir in flour; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add chicken broth and bouillon base, bringing to a boil.
- Submerge chicken breasts in the pot, cover, and simmer on medium-low for about 15 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken to shred.
- Add egg noodles to the pot; cook for 7-10 minutes until tender.
- Whisk cream of chicken soup with water or milk; stir into the pot until creamy. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
