Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup on a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather. This classic recipe is a timeless comfort food that’s both nourishing and delicious. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles, this soup is perfect for those who crave a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is straightforward, wholesome, and customizable to suit your taste. Ready to bring some cozy vibes to your kitchen? Let’s get started!

Why This Recipe is Perfect for You

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and healthy meal. It’s a one-pot dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Packed with lean protein from chicken breasts, vitamins from fresh vegetables, and the soothing warmth of a homemade broth, this soup is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or whenever you need a comforting bowl of goodness. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate different preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious soup:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 cups chicken broth – Provides a rich, savory base for the soup.
• 4 celery stalks (chopped) – Adds crunch and a subtle, fresh flavor.
• 4 whole carrots (peeled and chopped) – Offers a hint of sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1/2 onion (diced) – Brings a slight sharpness to balance the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves – Enhances the soup with earthy, aromatic notes.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic – Adds depth and a hint of pungency.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – To season and bring out the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper – For a touch of spice.
• 2 bay leaves – Infuses the broth with a subtle, herbal aroma.
• 2 cups egg noodles – For a hearty, filling texture.
• 2 cups water – Helps adjust the consistency and cook the noodles.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you start, gather the following kitchen equipment:

• Large stock pot or Dutch oven
• Chopping board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or a fork for handling chicken
• Ladle for serving
• Medium-sized bowl for shredding chicken

Step-by-Step Preparation of Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the celery, carrots, and onion. Peel the carrots before chopping for a cleaner texture. Dice the onion finely to ensure it dissolves into the soup, adding flavor without large chunks.
2. Season the Chicken Breasts: For an extra burst of flavor, you can lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pot. This step is optional but adds a deeper taste to the soup.
3. Set Up Your Cooking Area: Place all the prepared ingredients and kitchen equipment within reach. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and diced onion to your large stock pot or Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Simmer the Broth: Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer gently. This step ensures that all the flavors meld together perfectly. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
3. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks or tongs to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the broth.
4. Add Seasonings and Noodles: Stir in the thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the soup cook for about 10 minutes or until the egg noodles are tender.
5. Final Touches: Remove the bay leaves from the pot before serving. Bay leaves add a lovely flavor but are not meant to be eaten, so be sure to take them out.

Perfecting the Noodles

To ensure that the egg noodles are perfectly cooked, keep an eye on the soup during the final 10 minutes. The noodles should be tender but not mushy. If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce the cooking time slightly. Alternatively, if you like softer noodles, add a minute or two to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

For a visually appealing presentation, ladle the soup into deep bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure not to overcook the chicken breasts, as they can become dry and tough. Always check the internal temperature for doneness.
• Forgetting to Remove the Bay Leaves: Bay leaves are great for flavor but can be unpleasant to bite into. Remember to remove them before serving.
• Adding Noodles Too Early: If the noodles are added too early, they can become overly soft and lose their texture. Add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free noodles or rice for a gluten-free version of this soup.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Add Greens: Enhance the soup’s nutritional value by adding spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may need to add a little extra water or broth to thin the soup if it has thickened in the fridge.

For freezing, place the soup in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and tenderness to the soup. Just make sure they are cooked through before shredding.

What type of noodles work best?
Egg noodles are a traditional choice, but you can use any pasta you like, such as rotini, fusilli, or even broken spaghetti.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply add all the ingredients except for the noodles to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Simple to make, filled with nutritious ingredients, and bursting with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. So why not try it out today? Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes like this one!

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