Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Warm up your soul with this comforting Best Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, ideal for cozy evenings or when you're feeling under the weather. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory broth that’s both nourishing and delicious. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep, this chicken noodle soup will quickly become a family favorite.
This chicken noodle soup is not just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it's a chilly day or a morning where you need a pick-me-up, this recipe is here to soothe and satisfy.
The Perfect Comfort Food
Chicken noodle soup has long been cherished as a go-to comfort food, especially during chilly months or when you're feeling a bit under the weather. The soothing combination of warm broth, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables provides not only physical nourishment but also emotional comfort. Each spoonful envelops you in warmth, making it a favorite for family gatherings and cozy nights in.
This recipe for Best Chicken Noodle Soup takes the classic dish to new heights by using fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs. The balance of flavors achieved by sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the broth enhances the overall taste, ensuring that every bite is as delightful as the last. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that brings people together at the dinner table.
Versatile and Adaptable
One of the best aspects of chicken noodle soup is its versatility. Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or to include seasonal vegetables. You can easily add peas, corn, or even kale for an additional nutrient boost. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for using up leftover vegetables or pantry staples, allowing you to create a unique soup each time.
Moreover, if you're looking to make it a heartier meal, consider adding beans or using whole grain noodles. Whatever your preferences, this chicken noodle soup recipe serves as a fantastic base that will support various enhancements while still delivering that classic, soul-soothing flavor.
Meal Prep Friendly
This chicken noodle soup is not only delicious but also a fantastic option for meal prep. It can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, so you always have a comforting meal ready to go. Simply double the ingredients, and you'll have plenty to enjoy throughout the week or to share with friends who might need a pick-me-up.
When storing, consider keeping the noodles separate from the soup if you're planning to freeze it. This will help prevent the noodles from becoming mushy when reheating. When you're ready to enjoy, just heat the soup and add fresh noodles for a meal that tastes as good as when it was first made.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Make sure to wash all vegetables thoroughly before use.
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare the soup:
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Chicken
Add minced garlic and shredded chicken to the pot, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Pour in Broth
Pour chicken broth into the pot along with dried thyme. Bring to a boil.
Cook Noodles
Add egg noodles to the boiling soup and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup!
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
To ensure your chicken noodle soup turns out perfectly, make sure to use high-quality chicken broth. Homemade broth is ideal for a richer flavor, but store-bought options can also work well. Pay attention to the sodium levels, as you can adjust the seasoning later in the cooking process.
Additionally, don’t skip the sautéing step for the vegetables. Cooking them first enhances their flavors, resulting in a more robust and aromatic broth. It’s this step that really binds all the ingredients together, creating that irresistible taste that everyone loves.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store your chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to check and stir the soup to ensure even heating.
For longer storage, freeze portions of your soup in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container as liquids expand when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken noodle soup is not only a delicious choice but also a nutritious one. Packed with protein from the chicken and vital vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, it’s a well-rounded meal that can support your health. The broth itself provides hydration, making it particularly beneficial when you're feeling under the weather.
The ingredients in this soup also contribute to a balanced diet, helping you meet your daily vegetable intake while providing comfort food flavors. When made from scratch, as with this recipe, you can control the ingredients to ensure it fits within your dietary preferences or restrictions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with any pasta you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
→ How long does this soup last in the fridge?
This chicken noodle soup can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Warm up your soul with this comforting Best Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, ideal for cozy evenings or when you're feeling under the weather. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory broth that’s both nourishing and delicious. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep, this chicken noodle soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Add minced garlic and shredded chicken to the pot, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Pour chicken broth into the pot along with dried thyme. Bring to a boil.
Add egg noodles to the boiling soup and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g