Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Comforting and Simple Meal

Nothing beats a warm bowl of classic chicken noodle soup on a chilly day. It’s not just a dish; it's comfort food that brings joy and warmth. In this article, I'll walk you through a simple recipe that features tender chicken, fresh veggies, and savory broth. You’ll discover tips to enhance flavor and variations to suit any taste. Let’s dive into making this heartwarming meal together!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 medium onion, finely diced

- 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds

- 2 celery stalks, chopped into small pieces

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)

- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 bay leaf

- 3 cups egg noodles

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the heart of the soup, I like to use these simple, fresh ingredients. Olive oil starts the flavor. Onion, carrots, and celery bring sweetness and crunch. Garlic adds warmth. Chicken broth makes the base rich and savory. Shredded chicken gives a nice bite, and dried herbs add depth.

Optional Garnishes

- Fresh parsley, chopped

- Crusty bread

- Toasted rolls

Garnishes can make a meal even better. I love adding fresh parsley for color and taste. Crusty bread or toasted rolls are perfect for dipping. They add a nice texture and round out the meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

To start, grab a large pot. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 finely diced onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Stir these veggies for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften and the onion to turn translucent. This step builds a great base for your soup.

Add Garlic and Broth

Next, mix in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for about a minute, stirring often. You want the garlic to smell good but not brown. Now, pour in 8 cups of chicken broth and add 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. This can be from a rotisserie chicken for ease. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and toss in 1 bay leaf. Turn up the heat and let it boil.

Simmer the Soup

When your soup is boiling, stir in 3 cups of egg noodles. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Check the noodles often. You want them to be cooked just right. Before serving, taste the soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf! Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with some chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To boost the flavor of your chicken noodle soup, think about your seasonings. Start with salt and pepper. You can add more dried thyme or oregano for a richer taste. If you want a hint of spice, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Now, homemade broth is the best choice if you have time. It adds depth and warmth. Store-bought broth is fine, but look for low-sodium options. This helps you control the salt in your soup.

Cooking the Noodles

For perfect noodles, cook them just right. If you want them firm, add them to the soup for 10-12 minutes. But if you like them softer, let them cook a bit longer. Cooking noodles separately works too. Just boil them in water, then add them to the soup when ready. This keeps them from soaking up too much broth.

Presentation Ideas

Garnishing makes a big difference. Fresh parsley on top adds color and flavor. You can sprinkle it on just before serving. For a nice touch, serve your soup with crusty bread or toasted rolls. This makes for a cozy meal, perfect for any day.

Variations

Vegetable Additions

You can make your chicken noodle soup even better by adding more veggies. Try adding peas, corn, or green beans. These options boost nutrition and color. Simply toss them in when you add the chicken broth. They cook quickly, so they will blend well with the soup.

- Peas: Sweet and tender, they add a nice pop.

- Corn: Adds sweetness and a lovely yellow hue.

- Green Beans: Crisp and fresh, they give great texture.

Protein Options

If you want to mix up the protein, there are great choices. You can use different types of chicken. Grilled chicken or smoked chicken adds a unique flavor. For non-meat eaters, try beans or tofu. These options give a hearty feel without chicken.

- Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and adds rich flavor.

- Shredded Turkey: Works well if you have leftovers.

- Tofu: Use firm tofu for a plant-based option.

Gluten-Free Alternatives

For a gluten-free version, swap the egg noodles. There are many good options available. Rice noodles or quinoa can fit your soup perfectly. You can also use gluten-free pasta. Just cook them separately and add them before serving to keep the right texture.

- Rice Noodles: Light and absorb the soup's flavor well.

- Quinoa: Adds protein and a nutty flavor.

- Gluten-Free Pasta: Look for brands that cook well in soup.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftover soup, wait for it to cool first. Once cool, pour the soup into an airtight container. Seal it tightly to keep air out. Place the container in the fridge. This soup will stay fresh for up to four days. Remember to label it with the date you stored it.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to freeze the soup, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. When you want to eat it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to ensure even heating.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your chicken noodle soup lasts about four days. In the freezer, it can last for up to three months. After that, the flavor and texture may change. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or has a strange color, it’s best to throw it away.

FAQs

Can I make chicken noodle soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make chicken noodle soup ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge. Here are some best practices for meal prepping this recipe:

- Cook the soup fully: Prepare your soup as per the recipe and let it cool down.

- Store it properly: Place the soup in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh.

- Refrigerate: Store it in the fridge for up to three days.

- Reheat carefully: When ready to eat, reheat on the stove over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking.

How can I thicken my chicken noodle soup?

There are several ways to thicken your chicken noodle soup. Here are some suggestions:

- Add a slurry: Mix equal parts cornstarch and water. Stir this mixture into the soup and cook until thickened.

- Use flour: Create a roux by cooking flour in a bit of butter. Add this to the soup for a thicker texture.

- Blend some soup: Scoop out a portion of the soup and blend it. Stir it back in for a thicker consistency.

What type of chicken is best for chicken noodle soup?

The best type of chicken for chicken noodle soup is shredded cooked chicken. Here are some recommendations:

- Rotisserie chicken: This is a great choice. It’s flavorful and already cooked.

- Bone-in chicken: Cooking bone-in chicken adds rich flavor. Just remove the bones after cooking.

- Chicken thighs: These are tasty and stay moist when cooked. They make the soup hearty.

Using any of these chicken options will give your soup a rich and comforting taste.

This blog post covered how to make a delicious chicken noodle soup. We discussed ingredients like olive oil, chicken broth, and dried herbs. I shared steps for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup. You also learned tips to enhance flavor and options for variations.

In conclusion, making soup at home is simple and rewarding. Customize it to your taste and enjoy warmth in every bowl. With these tips, your chicken noodle soup will surely impress. Happy cooking!