Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Stove Top Or Crock Pot Recipe

Looking for a versatile, comforting soup that’s both hearty and healthy? This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup can be made on the stovetop or in a crock pot, allowing for flexibility based on your schedule. Bursting with flavor from a combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned broth, this recipe is ideal for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week. Plus, it’s an excellent way to soothe the soul, whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a warm, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This soup is perfect for those who want a simple, yet delicious meal that can be tailored to their cooking method preference. Whether you’re in a hurry and opt for the stovetop version or have time to let it simmer in a crock pot, this recipe is designed for ease and flexibility. The combination of spices, fresh vegetables, and chicken makes it a flavorful and comforting option. Additionally, cooking the noodles separately ensures they stay firm and don’t soak up too much broth, perfect for anyone planning to enjoy leftovers.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup

This recipe uses a mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples:

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon EACH: dried basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, mustard powder: A blend of herbs and spices that provides a robust flavor base.
• ½ teaspoon salt: To enhance all the other flavors in the soup.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle hint of heat.
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric: Offers a mild earthy flavor and a beautiful golden color.

Soup Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the vegetables, adding a rich flavor.
• 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
• ½ cup diced carrots: Provides a slight sweetness and color.
• 2 ribs celery, diced: Adds texture and a hint of earthy flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savory notes of the soup.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth to the broth.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Brings a subtle kick of heat.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens up the soup with a hint of acidity.
• 2 lbs. bone-in chicken breast or chicken thighs: The main protein, offering a tender, juicy bite.
• 8 cups chicken broth: The base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor.
• 2 cups wide egg noodles, uncooked: A classic choice for chicken noodle soup, adding heartiness.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup on the Stovetop

1. Prepare the Seasonings: Measure out all the seasonings (basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and turmeric) into a small bowl. This will make the cooking process quicker and easier.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Seasonings and Chicken: Stir in the pre-measured seasonings, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces (breasts or thighs) and pour in the chicken broth.
4. Cook the Chicken: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, partially cover with a lid, and let the chicken cook slowly over 15-20 minutes. Cooking slowly will keep the chicken tender; a rapid boil can make it tough.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and add the lemon juice. Let the soup simmer while preparing the noodles.
6. Cook the Noodles Separately: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and add them directly to individual serving bowls.
7. Serve: Ladle the hot soup over the noodles in each bowl, ensuring a perfect balance of broth, chicken, and vegetables.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup in a Crock Pot

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the onions, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients (except the lemon juice and egg noodles) into the crock pot. Stir to combine.
3. Cook in the Crock Pot: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the crock pot. Stir in the lemon juice.
5. Prepare the Noodles Separately: Cook the noodles in a pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and add them directly to the serving bowls.
6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup over the noodles and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too fast or too long can result in tough meat. Opt for a gentle simmer on the stovetop or low and slow in the crock pot.
• Cook Noodles Separately: Cooking the noodles separately prevents them from soaking up too much broth and getting mushy, especially if you plan to store leftovers.
• Season to Taste: After the soup is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes a pinch of extra salt or a dash of pepper can make all the difference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Pre-Cooked Noodles: Noodles can absorb a lot of liquid, making your soup dry over time. Cook them fresh and separately to maintain a perfect texture.
• Not Measuring Seasonings Ahead of Time: This can lead to uneven seasoning or forgetting an ingredient, so it’s best to measure them out beforehand.
• Rapid Boiling: Rapid boiling will toughen the chicken. Keep it at a gentle simmer for tender results.

Creative Twists: How to Customize Your Soup

• Make It Spicy: Increase the hot sauce or add some red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Use Different Noodles: Try rice noodles, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a different texture.
• Add Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale at the end for added nutrition.

Essential Tools for Making Chicken Noodle Soup

• Large Soup Pot or Crock Pot: For simmering all the ingredients.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and chicken.
• Ladle: To serve the soup neatly into bowls.

How to Serve and Garnish Chicken Noodle Soup

Serve the soup in deep bowls, making sure to ladle a generous amount of broth, chicken, and vegetables over the noodles. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.

Best Practices for Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, separate the noodles from the broth to prevent them from soaking up too much liquid. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if needed.

FAQs About Chicken Noodle Soup

• Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
  Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but bone-in chicken adds extra flavor to the broth.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time?
  Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the noodles, then store it. Cook the noodles fresh before serving.
• What can I use instead of egg noodles?
  You can use any type of pasta, rice, or even potatoes for a different take on the classic.

conclusion

This versatile Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends. Whether you choose to make it on the stovetop or let it simmer slowly in a crock pot, it’s a meal that’s guaranteed to warm you up and make you feel nourished. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious comfort food recipes!

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