Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a chilly evening or a cozy family gathering. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This homemade chicken noodle soup can be made in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: Packed with fresh vegetables and tender chicken, each bowl offers a delightful taste that warms the soul.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a filling main course. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like vegetables and lean chicken, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this dish, making it a great option for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables, making your prep work faster and safer.
Ingredients
- 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: Bring to a Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cook until the chicken is completely white and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This usually takes approximately 20–30 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Shred it using two forks and stir it back into the stock pot.
Step 5: Add Seasonings and Noodles
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: Remove Bay Leaves
Remove the bay leaves from the soup before serving.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving homemade chicken noodle soup is a delightful experience that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some tasty serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of freshly baked baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons add freshness.
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a light contrast.
Garnish for Extra Flavor
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of lemon enhances the soup’s taste and adds brightness.
Serve with Crackers
- Saltine Crackers: Classic choice for crumbling into your bowl.
- Herbed Crackers: Add extra flavor with seasoned crackers on the side.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfecting homemade chicken noodle soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables provide better flavor and nutrition than canned options.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper according to preference.
- Cook Noodles Separately: For better texture, consider cooking noodles separately and adding them just before serving.
- Let it Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavors – just be mindful of the noodles!
- Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that adds a cheesy crunch.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers can add a hearty element to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch alongside your soup.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil skewers bring a refreshing touch.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served with tortilla chips complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade chicken noodle soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final taste and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using Undercooked Chicken: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and flavor. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Overcooking Noodles: Egg noodles can become mushy if overcooked. Add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking for perfect texture.
- Skipping Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your broth properly. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs throughout the cooking process.
- Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables add vibrant flavor. Use fresh celery, carrots, and herbs instead of dried or canned when possible.
- Not Letting It Simmer: A quick boil won’t develop flavors fully. Allow your soup to simmer for at least 20 minutes after adding all ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover homemade chicken noodle soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about homemade chicken noodle soup.
How long does homemade chicken noodle soup last?
Homemade chicken noodle soup lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen properly.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor to your homemade chicken noodle soup.
What type of noodles work best?
Egg noodles are traditional for this recipe, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free varieties according to your preference.
How can I customize my homemade chicken noodle soup?
You can add other vegetables like peas or corn and adjust spices based on your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
Is homemade chicken noodle soup healthy?
Yes! This comforting meal is packed with protein from chicken and nutritious veggies while being low in calories when prepared without excess fat.
Final Thoughts
This easy homemade chicken noodle soup is not just comforting; it’s also versatile! You can customize it with various vegetables or spices according to your family’s preferences. Give it a try—your loved ones will appreciate this warm bowl of goodness!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty egg noodles in a rich broth that envelops you in warmth with every spoonful.
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 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions.
- Bring to a boil; then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 20–30 minutes).
- Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in thyme leaves, minced 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 before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
