This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is pure comfort in a bowl! With tender chicken, slurpy noodles, and fresh veggies, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy evening.
I love how making this soup fills my kitchen with yummy smells. It’s easy too! Just toss everything in a pot, let it simmer, and soon you’ll have a big hug in soup form.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing, but you can also use butter for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a kick, try sesame oil for a unique twist.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is great to control saltiness, but homemade broth is even better if you have it on hand! You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its convenience. If you’ve got leftover roasted chicken, that will work too! For a lighter option, boiled chicken breast or shredded turkey can also be used.
Pasta: While egg noodles are traditional, any pasta works! Try whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if that fits your diet better. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Herbs: Dried thyme and parsley are staples, but feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them. I prefer fresh parsley for garnishing as it adds a pop of color and freshness.
How Can I Make Sure My Veggies Are Perfectly Cooked?
The sauté process is crucial to bringing out the flavors in your chicken noodle soup. Don’t rush this step! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a medium heat; too high will burn your garlic.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for about 5-7 minutes until soft but still bright in color.
- Add garlic last to avoid burning it; just a minute is enough for that great flavor.
Making sure your veggies are well-cooked before adding liquids helps ensure they maintain their texture and flavor in the finished soup.
Comforting Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken breast)
- 2 cups egg noodles or any pasta of choice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting chicken noodle soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 35 minutes before it’s all ready to be served! A quick and satisfying meal on any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and the onion is translucent. This helps build a wonderful base flavor for your soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Pour in the Broth:
Next, add the chicken broth and toss in the bay leaf if you’re using it. Increase the heat to get the broth boiling.
4. Simmer for Flavor:
Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the dried thyme and parsley. Allow everything to simmer for about 10 minutes, which helps the flavors blend beautifully and softens the veggies even more.
5. Add Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot. This makes your soup heartier and delicious!
6. Bring in the Noodles:
Stir in the egg noodles (or your choice of pasta) and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 7-9 minutes. You want them soft but not mushy!
7. Season the Soup:
Once the noodles are ready, season your soup with salt and black pepper to your taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
8. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaf if you added one earlier. Now, ladle the cozy soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your homemade chicken noodle soup hot. It’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a comforting meal. Enjoy!
FAQ for Comforting Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables can be a great time-saver. Just add them to the pot with the broth and reduce the simmering time slightly to ensure they don’t overcook.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version. You can also use water, but the soup may lack a bit of flavor. Consider adding some extra herbs or bouillon for depth if using water!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, and it can last for up to 3 months.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies such as peas, green beans, or potatoes. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly along with the other ingredients.
