Classic Chicken Noodle Soup brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen with its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients. Whether you’re fighting a cold or simply craving a bowl of homemade goodness, this soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty noodles in a savory broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why We Love This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
There’s something about classic chicken noodle soup that instantly transports you back to your childhood. Perhaps it’s the wonderful aroma wafting through your home as it simmers on the stove or the way a bowl of it can cure what ails you. Made with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is versatile, simple, and full of flavor. You can customize it to your liking with various herbs and vegetables, making it a favorite for families and friends alike. Plus, it’s an excellent option for meal prep or can be frozen for later enjoyment.
Ingredients for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups egg noodles (or any small pasta)
How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Next, add the sliced carrots and diced celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. These vegetables not only contribute to flavor but also add sweetness and texture to the dish.
Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the minced garlic, allowing it to sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can give an off taste to your soup.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. As the broth warms, add in the boneless chicken breasts, salt, pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. This is where the magic begins—the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a soothing aroma that fills your kitchen.
Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. If needed, you can check the chicken’s doneness by cutting it in the thickest part; it should be white and no longer pink.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Meanwhile, add the egg noodles to the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until they are al dente.
While the noodles are cooking, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving the soup hot.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
When it comes to serving your chicken noodle soup, a few factors can enhance the experience. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of chicken, vegetables, and noodles. You can garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor.
Pair your soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers to dip in the broth. This adds a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the soup. Additionally, if you enjoy a touch of acidity, consider squeezing fresh lemon juice on top before enjoying. Not only does this brighten up the overall flavor, but it also enhances the nourishing qualities of the soup.
Expert Tips: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
To make the most of your chicken noodle soup, consider these expert tips:
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, making your own chicken broth can elevate the flavor of your soup significantly.
- Custom Veggies: Feel free to add or swap other vegetables based on your preference. Peas, corn, or even leafy greens can be wonderful additions.
- Season Gradually: It’s always best practice to season as you cook. Start with a little salt and pepper, and adjust as needed.
- Shred Chicken After Cooking: This method ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender.
- Control Noodle Texture: To prevent the noodles from getting mushy, add them to the pot only when you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Leftover chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
When freezing, I’d recommend avoiding adding the noodles until you’re ready to eat the soup. When reheating, you can turn soup back into the pot, warm it up slowly, and then add in fresh noodles for the best texture.
Variations of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
While this recipe is a classic, there are many ways to put a spin on it:
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer taste. This creates a comforting, creamy base.
- Vegetable-Loaded Soup: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Version: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your soup.
- Herb-Infused: Experiment with different herbs like dill or cilantro for a fresh twist.
- Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your chicken.
FAQ
What ingredients are necessary for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup?
The essentials for classic chicken noodle soup include olive oil, yellow onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, boneless skinless chicken breasts, egg noodles, dried oregano, fresh thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
How long does it take to make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup?
You can create a delicious classic chicken noodle soup in about 45 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.
Can I make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare classic chicken noodle soup ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and you can freeze it for longer storage.
What type of noodles work best in Classic Chicken Noodle Soup?
While egg noodles are traditional, you can also use any small pasta, such as rotini or ditalini, depending on your preference.
Is Classic Chicken Noodle Soup healthy?
Yes, classic chicken noodle soup can be a healthy and nutritious meal option. It’s loaded with vegetables, lean chicken, and provides comfort food that’s nourishing and filling.
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- 2 cups egg noodles (or any small pasta)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sliced carrots and diced celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the boneless chicken breasts, salt, pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly.
- Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Shred the chicken using two forks or your hands and return it to the pot.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients and taste for seasoning, adjusting if necessary.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving hot.
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