Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for a Cozy Night In

Chicken noodle soup is a classic dish that is hearty, comforting, and perfect for any time of the year. Whether you are feeling sick and in need of some warm, nourishing soup, or simply in the mood for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, chicken noodle soup fits the bill. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables.

Making chicken noodle soup from scratch may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. All you need is some basic ingredients, a pot, and some time. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious and satisfying chicken noodle soup that will warm your soul and make you feel happy and nourished. So put on your apron, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious pot of chicken noodle soup, it’s all about the ingredients. Gathering high-quality components from the beginning will set the foundation for a flavorful and satisfying soup that everyone will love.

1. Chicken: Start with fresh or frozen chicken that hasn’t been seasoned or marinated. You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, such as breasts, drumsticks, and thighs, or a whole chicken.

2. Broth: Use high-quality chicken broth or make it from scratch by simmering chicken bones with vegetables, herbs, and water. Homemade broth adds an extra depth of flavor that store-bought versions can’t match.

3. Carrots: Carrots are an essential ingredient in chicken noodle soup, adding a hint of sweetness and a healthy dose of vitamins. Peel, wash, and dice the carrots into bite-size pieces.

4. Celery: Celery adds a subtle flavor and a satisfying crunch to the soup. Chop the celery into small pieces, including the leaves.

5. Onion: Onion is another key ingredient that contributes to the overall taste and aroma of the soup. Dice a medium-sized onion for the recipe.

6. Garlic: Garlic adds another layer of flavor and aroma while also providing various health benefits like boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. Use fresh garlic cloves minced or garlic powder.

7. Noodles: You can use any type of noodle you prefer, but egg noodles are a popular choice for making chicken noodle soup. You can also use homemade or frozen noodles.

8. Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and dried herbs like thyme, parsley, and bay leaves are common seasonings used for chicken noodle soup.

9. Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to the soup, and it also helps to brighten up the broth.

10. Olive oil: Use olive oil for sautéing vegetables like onion, garlic, and celery. It adds a subtle flavor and healthy fats.

Preparation

Now that you have all the ingredients ready let’s move to the preparation and cooking process of the chicken noodle soup.

Start by preparing the chicken, if using bone-in, skin-on pieces, remove the skin from the chicken and trim any excess fat. Then, add the chicken and broth to a large pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and let the chicken cook until it’s tender and fully cooked.

Remove the chicken from the broth and set it aside to cool. Once it’s cooled down, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces using a fork.

Next, add the chopped onions, garlic, and celery to the same pot with olive oil and sauté them until they’re tender and translucent. Add the diced carrots and sauté for another 5 minutes until the carrots begin to soften.

Add the chicken back into the pot along with the seasonings and stir to combine. Add the noodles and continue cooking according to package instructions until they’re tender.

If the soup is too thick, you can add additional broth or water to thin it out. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Finally, remove the bay leaves and any other herbs you used and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

With this recipe, you can make a comforting and delicious pot of chicken noodle soup that’s perfect for any time of the year or any occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup

The right ingredients can make or break any dish, and the same goes for chicken noodle soup. Here are the essential ingredients you need to make this delicious soup:

Chicken

The star of chicken noodle soup is, of course, the chicken. It’s important to use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the best flavor and texture. You can use a whole chicken or just chicken thighs and breasts.

Vegetables

The vegetables in chicken noodle soup are what give it a fresh, comforting flavor. You’ll need onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or green beans if you like.

Herbs and Spices

A good chicken noodle soup needs some herbs and spices for added flavor. You’ll need dried thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper. Some people also like to add a bit of fresh parsley at the end for a pop of color and freshness.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is the base of the soup and provides most of the flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade chicken broth. If using store-bought, look for low-sodium options to control the saltiness of the soup.

Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are the traditional noodle used in chicken noodle soup, but you can use any type of noodle you like. Cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving.

Salt

Salt is essential to bring out the flavors in the soup. Add salt at the end of the cooking process, after you’ve tasted the soup, to avoid oversalting.

Oil

You’ll need a bit of oil to sauté the vegetables and brown the chicken. Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.

Water

You’ll need water to cook the soup. You can use tap water or filtered water.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to the soup. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving.

Cooking Equipment

To make chicken noodle soup, you’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven with a lid, a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a ladle. A soup ladle will make it easier to transfer the soup from the pot to bowls.

Ingredients

Making chicken noodle soup does not require many ingredients, and some of the items might already be present in your kitchen. Some of the must-have ingredients are as follows:

Step-by-Step Process

Follow these simple steps to make the chicken noodle soup:

Step 1: Boil the Chicken

In a large pot, bring around 8 cups of water to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, add the chicken breasts, 1 chopped onion, 3 chopped carrots, 3-4 stalks of chopped celery, and 3 garlic cloves. Season with salt and pepper. After this, lower the heat and let everything simmer for around 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 2: Preparing the Noodles

While the chicken is cooking, you can start boiling the egg noodles separately in another pot. Follow the package instructions for the correct cooking time. After the noodles are cooked, drain the water and keep them aside.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

After the chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the pot and place it on a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small pieces.

Step 4: Strain the Broth

Once the chicken is out of the pot, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any vegetable pieces and impurities from the broth.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, and strained broth into a large pot. Place it on medium heat and let everything simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Once everything is hot and well combined, your chicken noodle soup is ready to serve.

Variations

Chicken noodle soup is a versatile dish, and you can change it according to your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:

Vegetable Chicken Noodle Soup

Add more vegetables like mushrooms, diced tomatoes, and spinach into the soup for a more nutritious and flavorful version.

Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Add some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the soup while cooking for a little extra heat and flavor.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Add some cream, milk, or half-and-half to the soup to make it creamy and comforting.

Thai-style Chicken Noodle Soup

Add coconut milk, lemongrass, and Thai curry paste to the broth while cooking for a spicy and exotic twist on the classic recipe.

Mexican-style Chicken Noodle Soup

Add black beans, jalapenos, cumin, and fresh lime juice to the soup for a Mexican flair.

In conclusion, making chicken noodle soup is a quick and easy task with only a few ingredients. It’s a comforting and healthy meal that everyone loves, especially during the cold winter months. Try experimenting with some variations to make it more interesting and flavorful!

Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup!

That’s it, folks! You’ve made a delicious and comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup perfect for any occasion. Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done! Thank you for reading and I hope you had fun in the kitchen. Don’t be shy to come back later for more easy and tasty recipes. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun while doing it. See you soon!