Ah, chicken noodle soup! Just thinking about it brings back a flood of memories. It’s one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, a true classic among soup recipes. My grandma used to make this for me when I was feeling under the weather, and honestly, nothing else ever quite hit the spot like her version. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and just pure comfort. What makes this recipe my absolute go-to is how unbelievably easy it is to whip up, even on a busy weeknight, without sacrificing that incredible homemade taste we all crave. It’s truly the best of both worlds!
Why You’ll Love This Simple Chicken Noodle Soup
This is why this recipe is my favorite:
- It’s incredibly easy and quick to make, perfect for busy nights.
- The comforting, classic flavors are like a warm hug in a bowl.
- It’s the ultimate feel-good food, ideal for sick days or chilly evenings.
- You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry!
- It’s so satisfying and hearty, everyone will ask for seconds.
- Comes together in about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes
Okay, here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy bowl of goodness. Trust me, it’s nothing complicated!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces egg noodles
How to Make the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Alright, let’s get this soup magic happening! It’s really as simple as following these steps, and you’ll have a pot of pure comfort ready in no time. Trust me, the aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing! We’ll start by building a flavor base, then let it all simmer together beautifully. You can find more tips for cozy soups right here!
Sautéing Aromatics and Browning Chicken
First things first, grab a big pot or your favorite Dutch oven. Pour in that tablespoon of olive oil and let it get nice and warm over medium heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces and just let them brown up on all sides – don’t cook them all the way through, we just want a nice sear! Once they’re looking golden, scoop them out and set them aside for a bit. Now, into the same pot go your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Give them a good stir and let them soften up for about 5 to 7 minutes. This is where all that yummy flavor starts to build!
Simmering for Flavor: The Heart of Soup Recipes
Okay, now for the soul of our soup! Pour in those 8 cups of chicken broth – yum! Bring it all up to a boil, then toss in your dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Once it’s bubbling away, turn the heat down low, pop a lid on, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This little simmer is where all those herbs and seasonings really get to know each other and create that classic, comforting flavor that makes chicken noodle soup so special. It’s the heart of any good soup recipe, really!
Adding Noodles and Finishing Touches
Now, let’s bring the chicken back into the party! Pop those browned chicken pieces back into the pot. Next, grab your 4 ounces of egg noodles and add them right in. You’ll want to cook these according to the package directions, usually about 7 to 10 minutes, until they’re just tender. My trick? I always give them a little taste test – you want them tender but still with a tiny bit of bite, not mushy! And that’s it! Your glorious chicken noodle soup is ready to be served up hot. If you want more noodle fun, check out these egg noodle tips!
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup
Making a truly *great* chicken noodle soup is all about those little touches, you know? It’s not just throwing stuff in a pot; it’s about making smart choices that bring out the best flavors. We want this soup to be a winner every single time, so let’s chat about how to do that. Think of these as my little secrets that make a difference – kind of like how a squeeze of lemon can totally change a dish! If you love cozy soups, you should totally check out this tomato basil one too!
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
Don’t be afraid to play around! If you have chicken thighs instead of breasts, go for it – they’ll make the soup even richer. And if you’re feeling fancy, a bay leaf simmered in the broth adds such a lovely depth. I also love a tiny squeeze of lemon juice right at the end; it just brightens everything up beautifully. You can even throw in a handful of peas or some spinach towards the end for an extra veggie boost!
Achieving Deeper Flavor in Soup Recipes
Want to take your soup to the next level? Try using homemade chicken broth if you have it – it’s a game-changer! Also, after you sauté your veggies, don’t scrape out the pot! A little splash of broth to deglaze and scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom makes a huge difference. And seriously, a bay leaf is just pure magic for bringing out those deep soup flavors. For more on boosting flavor, check out these sauce secrets that apply to soups too!
Serving and Storing Your Homemade Soup
Alright, serving this beauty is the best part! Ladle your hot, steaming chicken noodle soup into bowls. I love garnishing mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley – it just makes it feel extra special. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let it cool down a bit before popping it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheating is super easy – just a gentle simmer on the stove or a quick zap in the microwave does the trick!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Noodle Soup
Got questions about this soup? Happens to the best of us! Here are some common ones I get:
Can I make this chicken noodle soup ahead of time?
You totally can! Just cook the noodles separately and add them when you reheat the soup. This keeps them from getting too soft and mushy sitting in the broth.
What are the best noodles for chicken noodle soup?
Classic egg noodles are my absolute favorite – they just have that perfect texture! You could also try ditalini or even small pasta shapes if you don’t have egg noodles on hand.
How can I make my chicken noodle soup richer?
For starters, use chicken thighs instead of breasts; they have more fat and way more flavor. You could also add a splash of heavy cream right at the end, though that changes it from the classic version!
Nutritional Information for This Soup Recipe
So, let’s talk numbers! This bowl of comfort has about 350 calories per 1.5-cup serving. It’s got around 10g of fat, 35g of protein, and 30g of carbs, with about 3g of fiber. The sodium is roughly 1200mg, which is typical for a hearty soup like this. Just remember, these are estimates, and your exact numbers might wiggle a bit depending on the brands you use!
Print
Simple Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and comforting chicken noodle soup recipe that is easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces egg noodles
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pot. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions, or until noodles are tender.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Add a bay leaf during simmering for extra depth of flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken noodle soup, soup recipes, easy soup, comfort food, homemade soup