This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, soft noodles, and fresh veggies, it warms you right up on chilly days.
There’s something special about the smell of this soup bubbling away. I love serving it with a slice of bread—perfect for dipping! It’s like a cozy blanket for your belly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Chicken: Using a whole chicken adds incredible flavor. However, if you want to save time, boneless chicken breasts or thighs are good options too. You can also use a rotisserie chicken—just shred it and add to the soup at the end!
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is my go-to for better control over salt levels. If you don’t have broth, use water and seasonings to amp up the flavor. You can even use vegetable broth for a lighter taste!
Vegetables: Carrots and celery are staples, but you can mix things up! Try adding green beans, peas, or even corn for extra color and nutrition. Frozen veggies can work in a pinch!
Noodles: I love classic egg noodles, but feel free to use any pasta you like. Whole wheat pasta or gluten-free options also work great. Just adjust cooking times based on the type!
Herbs: Fresh thyme is preferred for a robust flavor, but dried thyme will do just fine! Rosemary enhances the flavor but can be skipped if you don’t have it handy.
How Can I Ensure My Soup is Packed with Flavor?
For a flavorful chicken noodle soup, focus on these key techniques:
- Start by simmering the chicken slowly; it helps create a rich broth. Keep an eye on the foam and skim it off as needed.
- Add herbs and spices at the beginning to let their flavors blend into the soup as it cooks.
- Once you’ve shredded the chicken, add it back to the pot with the vegetables to soak up all the flavors.
- For brightness, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar just before serving—it really lifts the dish!
Enjoy this warm and cozy soup that’s perfect for any day! Each bowl brings comfort and a hint of home with every spoonful.
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), or 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts/thighs
- 10 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles or any noodle of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: lemon juice or a splash of vinegar for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus around 1-1.5 hours for cooking. After that, you can enjoy serving it warm!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Broth:
In a large pot, place the whole chicken or chicken pieces and cover with water or broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface.
2. Add Seasonings:
Add the bay leaves, thyme, rosemary (if using), and a pinch of salt to the pot. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is cooked thoroughly and tender.
3. Shred the Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth to remove the solids and return the clear broth to the pot.
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the pot of broth, add olive oil or butter. Then, sauté the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Cook the Noodles:
Bring the broth back to a simmer and add your noodles. Cook until they are tender, which should take about 6-8 minutes (check the package directions for precise timing).
6. Combine Everything:
Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for a touch of brightness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your soup with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this heartwarming classic chicken noodle soup that’s perfect for comfort and warmth on any day!
FAQs About Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking From Scratch?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the meat and add it to the soup after sautéing the vegetables. You can skip the simmering step for the chicken broth, but still, use some store-bought broth to enhance the flavor.
What Vegetables Can I Add to the Soup?
You can definitely add other vegetables! Common additions include peas, corn, green beans, or even spinach. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand—the more veggies, the better!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the best texture, consider storing the noodles separately if you anticipate having leftovers, as they can become mushy over time.
Can I Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes! You can freeze chicken noodle soup, but for best results, freeze it without the noodles. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, adding fresh noodles during the reheating process.
