Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup, look no further than this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need something cozy to warm you up, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make and full of flavor that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This chicken noodle soup is a classic, and here’s why it’s so special:
Comforting and Hearty: It’s the ultimate comfort food! Full of chicken, noodles, and vegetables in a savory broth, it’s the perfect bowl to cozy up with.
Packed with Flavor: The homemade broth, seasoned just right, brings out the best flavors in the chicken and vegetables.
Healthy and Nutritious: This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the chicken and veggies. It’s perfect for keeping you feeling good and energized.
Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a soup that feels like it’s been simmering all day long.
Ingredients
To make this hearty homemade chicken noodle soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can even use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut!
Noodles: Egg noodles are the classic choice, but any type of pasta will work in a pinch.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions give the soup great flavor and texture.
Broth: Chicken broth is the base of the soup. You can use store-bought or homemade broth.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme bring out the best flavor in the soup. Fresh herbs like parsley are great for garnish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how you can make this delicious chicken noodle soup:
Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, cook the chicken breasts or thighs until fully cooked through. You can cook them in the broth to infuse extra flavor, or simply poach them in water.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, chop the carrots, celery, and onions. These will add a great texture and flavor to the soup.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the chopped vegetables in a little olive oil or butter until softened.
Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Add the Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and let them cook in the broth until tender. The noodles will absorb all that delicious flavor!
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add it to the soup.
Season the Soup: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme. Add any other herbs you like at this stage.
Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is cooked and seasoned to your liking, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350 kcal (this can vary based on ingredients used)
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup is perfect on its own, but here are some great options to serve alongside it:
Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or buttery rolls for dipping.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this comforting soup.
Crackers: Add a little crunch with some saltines or any other favorite crackers.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make your homemade chicken noodle soup even better:
Use Homemade Broth: If you have time, make your own chicken broth for a richer, more flavorful base. It’s easy to make and can be stored for future use!
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the soup after it’s been simmering for a while.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, like peas, corn, or potatoes, to customize your soup.
Store Leftovers: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or rice if you prefer a gluten-free version of this soup.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken works well too! Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta can be used, though egg noodles are traditional for chicken noodle soup.
3. How long does homemade chicken noodle soup last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last about 3 days. You can freeze it for longer storage.
4. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used! Just remove the bones once the chicken is cooked through.
5. Can I make the soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together.
6. Can I make chicken noodle soup in the slow cooker?
Yes! Simply add all your ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
7. Can I make chicken noodle soup without noodles?
Yes, you can make this a chicken vegetable soup by skipping the noodles and adding more veggies or rice.
8. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, chicken noodle soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
9. How can I make this soup spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give it a little extra kick!
10. Can I add herbs like rosemary or bay leaves?
Absolutely! Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, bay leaves, or sage can add extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something warm and hearty, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious homemade soup that’s much better than anything from a can. Enjoy the warmth and flavor in every spoonful!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade chicken noodle soup is warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to make! Perfect for chilly days, this soup is rich, creamy, and full of tender shredded chicken and egg noodles. Ready in just a few hours with minimal effort, it’s a budget-friendly meal your family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 frozen chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed)
- 1 family-size can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 bag (12 oz) dry egg noodles
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, butter, poultry seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on high for 4 hours.
- Remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return them to the slow cooker.
- Add the dry egg noodles and cook for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the noodles are tender.
- Adjust consistency by adding more broth if needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
