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There’s something truly magical about a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s a culinary hug, a delicious remedy for chilly days. This classic comfort food brings warmth and smiles. My family looks forward to this savory broth. It’s a simple pleasure that never disappoints.
This hearty soup is perfect for busy weeknights. It comes together without much fuss. Plus, it’s guaranteed to lift spirits. Making this wonderful dish is easier than you think. Get ready for some serious comfort!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients
The magic of homemade chicken noodle soup lies in simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create that familiar, comforting flavor we all know and love. Fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and fragrant herbs build the foundation for a truly satisfying bowl of soup.
Core Ingredients
- Olive Oil: The base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion: The classic mirepoix that builds a sweet, savory foundation.
- Garlic: Adds a subtle yet powerful depth of flavor.
- Chicken Broth: The soul of the soup—choose a high-quality broth for the best taste.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs or breasts provide protein and tenderness.
- Bay Leaf and Thyme: Aromatic herbs that infuse the broth with fragrance.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
- Egg Noodles: The hearty star of the dish, soaking up the delicious broth.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness just before serving.
Substitutions and Tips
- For richer flavor: Use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth.
- For more variety: Add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans.
- For a thicker soup: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last few minutes of simmering—it thickens beautifully.
How to Make the Perfect homemade chicken noodle soup
Let’s get cooking! Making this delicious homemade chicken noodle soup is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a comforting bowl.
Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics
Grab a large stockpot. Add olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and chopped onion. Cook them down. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them nice and soft. Then, add the minced garlic. Stir it around for just one more minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Building the Broth Base
Pour in the chicken broth. It’s time to add the chicken pieces. Toss in the bay leaf and thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper. Turn the heat up. Bring the whole soup to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low. Put a lid on the pot. Let it simmer away.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Let the soup simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. This cooks the chicken thoroughly. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s tender. Carefully take the chicken out. Put it on a plate to cool down a bit. This makes shredding much easier.
Step 4: Adding the Noodles
Now for the noodles! Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth. Cook them according to package directions. Aim for al dente, which means still slightly firm. While those cook, shred the chicken. Use two forks for easy shredding. Put the shredded chicken back into the pot.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Remove the bay leaf; it’s done its job. Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste your wonderful soup. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve your amazing homemade chicken noodle soup bubbling hot. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
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homemade chicken noodle soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and comforting homemade chicken noodle soup recipe, perfect for a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the carrots, celery, and onion and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the whole chicken pieces, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Add the egg noodles to the simmering pot and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
- While the noodles cook, shred the chicken using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken stock.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) in the last few minutes of simmering.
How to Store Your Delicious homemade chicken noodle soup
Proper storage is key for keeping your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup tasting its best. Whether you have leftovers or plan to make a big batch, here’s how to store it safely and effectively.
Refrigeration
Once your soup has cooled slightly, transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. This makes it super convenient for quick lunches or dinners later in the week. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Let the soup cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for about 2–3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Remember to remove the bay leaf before freezing if you can!
Tips for Success with Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Great for meal prep: This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.
Choose quality broth: A rich, flavorful broth makes all the difference.
Watch the noodles: Cook them just until tender—overcooking leads to mushy noodles.
Shred chicken while warm: It’s much easier to pull apart when it hasn’t cooled completely.
Season at the end: Taste your soup and adjust with salt and pepper before serving.
Finish with parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness and a clean finish—don’t skip it!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for homemade chicken noodle soup
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven. A big soup pot works too.
- Cutting board and knife. Essential for chopping veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons. For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Forks. Two are handy for shredding chicken.
- Ladle. For serving your delicious soup.
Serving Suggestions for homemade chicken noodle soup
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping. A warm dinner roll is also great.
- Pair with a simple green salad. A light vinaigrette complements the soup.
- Offer crackers or oyster crackers on the side. Kids love them!
- Enjoy with a glass of iced tea or water. Keep it simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make homemade chicken noodle soup ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the soup base without the noodles a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator. Cook the noodles fresh just before serving for the best texture. This makes it a great make-ahead option.
What kind of chicken is best for homemade chicken noodle soup?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for this soup. They stay incredibly moist and tender throughout the cooking process. However, chicken breasts work well too if you prefer a leaner option. Both create a wonderful flavor for our chicken noodle soup.
How can I make my homemade chicken noodle soup richer?
For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock if you have it. You can also add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter at the very end. A small amount of cornstarch slurry can thicken the broth, making it feel richer and more satisfying.
Can I use a different type of noodle in my homemade chicken noodle soup?
Definitely! While egg noodles are classic, feel free to experiment. Wide noodles, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti can work. Just be sure to cook them according to their package directions. Any noodle choice will result in a delicious homemade soup.
