Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s something truly magical about a bowl of hearty chicken noodle soup. This recipe delivers that classic comfort with a rich, savory broth, tender chicken, soft vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, or a loving embrace when you need a little extra TLC. I’ve found this version strikes just the right balance of simple and satisfying.

This soup is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It comes together so easily, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is simply divine. Plus, leftovers are fantastic, making it a great option for meal prep. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always brings smiles around the table.

Why I Love This Recipe

This hearty chicken noodle soup recipe is a go-to for so many reasons!

• Incredibly Quick: It’s ready in under an hour, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious FAST.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or easily found at the grocery store.
• Pure Comfort: The flavor is so wonderfully rich and satisfying – it truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
• So Versatile: Easily adaptable to what you have on hand, making it a truly forgiving soup recipe.

Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients

The magic of this hearty chicken noodle soup truly lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, creating a symphony of comforting flavors and textures that make this soup a year-round favorite.

• Olive Oil: A little bit of healthy fat to start building our flavor base.
• Carrots, Celery, and Yellow Onion: This classic trio, often called mirepoix, forms the aromatic foundation, adding sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: For that pungent, savory kick that elevates all the other flavors.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid heart of the soup, providing a rich, savory essence. Using a good quality broth makes a huge difference!
• Cooked Chicken: The star protein, ensuring each spoonful is satisfying and hearty.
• Wide Egg Noodles: These soak up the delicious broth beautifully, adding that classic noodle soup texture.
• Dried Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs bring an earthy, aromatic complexity that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
• Bay Leaf: A subtle enhancer that adds a whisper of fragrance and depth.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for waking up all the flavors and bringing the soup into perfect balance.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A pop of color and fresh, herbaceous brightness to finish.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t have fresh parsley? Dried parsley works too, or you can simply omit it. Feel free to swap out the dried herbs for fresh ones; just use more — about three times the amount. If you’re a fan of richer broths, homemade chicken stock is a wonderful choice here. For a vegetarian twist, substitute vegetable broth and add extra protein like white beans or lentils. Exact measurements for all ingredients can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To whip up this comforting bowl of hearty chicken noodle soup, you’ll need a few trusty kitchen companions:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Your main vessel for simmering all the goodness. A heavy-bottomed pot works best!
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping those fresh veggies.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
• Ladle: For serving up generous portions of pure comfort.

How to Make Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

Creating this hearty chicken noodle soup is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious homemade soup. We’ll build layers of flavor from the very start.

Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This initial step is crucial. Add your chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté these for about five to seven minutes. You want them to start softening and releasing their natural sweetness. This process builds the essential flavor base for our soup. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for just one more minute until you can smell its wonderful fragrance. Be careful not to burn it, as that can make the soup taste bitter.

Simmer and Meld Flavors

Now, pour in the chicken broth. This is where our soup really begins to take shape. Add the cooked chicken, whether it’s shredded or diced. Next, stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. These herbs add a wonderful, earthy aroma. Don’t forget the bay leaf; it lends a subtle depth. Bring the entire mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about ten minutes. This simmering time allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.

Cook the Noodles

After the simmer, it’s time for the noodles! Increase the heat slightly. You want the soup to return to a gentle simmer. Add the wide egg noodles directly to the pot. Cook them according to the package directions. Usually, this takes about five to seven minutes. The key here is to cook them until they are ‘al dente’. This means they should be tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and ruin the texture of your hearty chicken noodle soup.

Season and Finish

Your delicious soup is almost ready! Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaf. It has done its job of infusing flavor. Now, it’s time to taste and season. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. You might need more salt if your chicken broth was low-sodium. Taste as you go. Adjusting the seasoning at the end ensures your hearty chicken noodle soup is perfectly balanced and utterly delicious. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

How to Store Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

Leftovers of this hearty chicken noodle soup are a treasure! Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It tastes even better the next day! For longer storage, freeze the soup (without noodles, if possible, to prevent them from getting too soft) in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding fresh noodles if needed.

Tips for Success

Make your hearty chicken noodle soup even better with these simple tips:

• Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot when sautéing vegetables.
• Cook noodles “al dente” to prevent them from getting mushy.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Shredding cooked chicken yourself offers more control over texture.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty chicken noodle soup is a meal in itself, but here are a few ideas to round it out:

• Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a lighter meal.
• Offer a glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine.
• Garnish with extra fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.

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