Thick Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s something truly special about a bowl of hearty, homemade chicken soup. My Thick Chicken Noodle Soup is absolutely a labor of love, right? But this version? Well, it’s pure comfort. The broth is rich and wonderfully thick. Tender chicken chunks and soft vegetables hug those satisfying wide egg noodles. It’s a hug in a bowl.

I find myself making this recipe on the dreariest days. It’s also perfect after a long week. Friends rave about its comforting taste every time. It just feels like home, doesn’t it?

This Thick Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a favorite for so many reasons!

• Speedy Simmering: It comes together surprisingly fast. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Flavorful Depth: The thick, savory broth is incredibly satisfying. It’s pure comfort food.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults adores this classic dish. It’s always a hit.
• Versatile Goodness: Easily adaptable with extra veggies or different herbs.

The Ingredients Behind My Beloved Thick Chicken Noodle Soup

Bringing this comforting Thick Chicken Noodle Soup to life starts with simple, wholesome ingredients. They work together beautifully. This blend creates that deeply satisfying flavor and wonderful texture we all crave.

Let’s explore what makes this soup so special:

• Olive Oil: Forms the flavorful base for sautéing our veggies.
• Yellow Onion, Celery, and Carrots: These aromatics build a savory foundation. They add depth and a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent punch. It ramps up the overall flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: The soul of our soup. It provides the essential liquid and chicken essence.
• Cooked Chicken: Adds tender, protein-rich bites. You can use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
• Dried Thyme: Offers a subtle, earthy herb note. It complements the chicken perfectly.
• Black Pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and spice.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses the broth with a hint of fragrant complexity.
• Wide Egg Noodles: These soak up the savory broth wonderfully. They give our soup its classic noodle soup feel.
• All-Purpose Flour and Cold Water: Our secret weapon for that signature thick broth! This creates a smooth slurry.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors. So crucial!

Substitutions and Tips

• Broth Boost: For an even richer taste, use homemade chicken stock. It really makes a difference!
• Veggie Variety: Feel free to toss in other favorite vegetables. Peas, corn, or green beans are lovely additions.
• Herbal Hugs: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can be added at the end for brightness. Dried rosemary also works well.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Absolutely! Swap wide rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Thicken with cornstarch mixed with water instead of flour.
• Chicken Prep: Leftover roasted chicken is ideal. Simply shred or dice it.

You’ll find exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

How to Make Thick Chicken Noodle Soup

Let’s make some amazing chicken soup! Prepare for a wonderfully comforting meal.

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat olive oil over medium heat. This warms things up nicely. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté them for about 7 to 10 minutes. You want them to get nice and soft. This step builds a great flavor base.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Broth

Now, add the minced garlic. Cook it for just one more minute. Be careful not to burn it! Pour in the chicken broth. This is the heart of your soup. Add the cooked chicken, dried thyme, and black pepper. Toss in the bay leaf too. Give it a gentle stir. Bring the whole mixture to a friendly simmer.

Step 3: Create the Thickener

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cold water. Blend them until completely smooth. This is called a slurry. It’s our secret to a thick, luscious broth. No lumps allowed!

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

Slowly whisk the flour slurry into the simmering soup. Keep whisking as you pour. This helps prevent clumps from forming. Return the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir often. Watch as the broth wonderfully thickens to your liking. This makes it a true Thick Chicken Noodle Soup.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Add the wide egg noodles to the pot. Cook them according to the package directions. This usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes. You want the noodles to be perfectly tender. They should soak up that delicious broth.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaf from the soup. It has done its job. Taste the soup carefully. Add salt and more pepper if needed. Adjust seasonings until it tastes just right. This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is almost ready!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot, Thick Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately. Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful!

How to Store Thick Chicken Noodle Soup

Properly storing your delicious soup is key. Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Use an airtight container. Your Thick Chicken Noodle Soup stays good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freezing works wonders. Let the soup cool completely first. Then freeze in freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver on busy days!

Tips for Success

• Always sauté your vegetables first. This builds a deep flavor base.
• Whisk the flour slurry well. Ensure it is perfectly smooth.
• Add noodles near the end. Overcooked noodles get mushy.
• Taste and adjust seasonings. Salt is crucial for flavor.
• Use good quality chicken broth. Store-bought or homemade works.
• Fresh parsley adds a lovely brightness. Don’t skip the garnish!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools makes cooking a breeze. Here’s what you’ll want for a perfect Thick Chicken Noodle Soup:

• Large pot or Dutch oven (a stockpot works too)
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for the slurry
• Whisk
• Ladle

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve this creamy chicken soup with crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping!
• A simple side salad adds a fresh contrast.
• Offer a glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine.
• Presentation is key! Garnish bowls with extra parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Thick Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the soup base and cook the chicken. Cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving. This prevents them from getting too mushy. It’s a great way to have this comforting soup ready faster.

Can I use a different kind of noodle in this chicken soup?

Definitely! While wide egg noodles are classic, feel free to use other pasta shapes. Small shells, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti work well. Just be sure to cook them in the soup until tender, following package directions.

How can I make my chicken noodle soup extra thick?

The flour and water slurry is key for thickening. Whisk it smoothly! You can also add a bit more slurry if you like it even thicker. Another option is to cook the noodles, then remove a cup of the broth, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch, and add it back. This makes a truly rich Thick Chicken Noodle Soup.

Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It’s already cooked and flavorful. Just shred or dice the meat and add it to the pot. It saves so much time and still makes a delicious homemade chicken noodle soup.

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