Chicken Noodle Soup : It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re battling a cold, warming up on a chilly evening, or just craving something simple and satisfying, chicken noodle soup is a timeless classic that never disappoints.
Why Chicken Noodle Soup Is So Special
Chicken noodle soup isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. It has a reputation for being the ultimate comfort food, and it’s loaded with health benefits. A nourishing broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles come together to create a balanced meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
- Homemade Broth is Key: While store-bought broth works in a pinch, homemade chicken broth adds an extra layer of richness. If you have the time, simmer a whole chicken with vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for a few hours to make your broth.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: To avoid soggy noodles, cook them separately and add them to individual bowls before pouring the hot soup over. Alternatively, undercook the noodles slightly if adding them directly to the pot.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Cooking chicken with the bones adds flavor to the broth and gives the soup that extra nourishing quality. Bone-in thighs or even a whole chicken works wonders.
- Enhance the Flavor with Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and dill can elevate the flavor of your chicken noodle soup. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving adds brightness.
Variations of Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s no one way to make chicken noodle soup. Here are a few variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup:
For a creamier texture, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. You can also add a tablespoon of flour to the sautéed vegetables to thicken the broth slightly.
Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup:
Swap out traditional egg noodles for gluten-free noodles like rice noodles, or use spiralized vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato for a grain-free version.
Low-Carb Chicken Soup:
Instead of noodles, use cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage to make this soup keto-friendly. It’s just as hearty but cuts down on the carbs.
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup:
If you’re short on time, try making this soup in an Instant Pot. Simply sauté the vegetables, add the chicken and broth, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally, shred the chicken, and stir in your noodles.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for dunking into the savory broth.
- A Light Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the hearty nature of the soup.
- Crackers: Classic oyster crackers or saltines are great for adding a little crunch to each bite.
You can also garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or even a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Noodle Soup
Storage:
Chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan on storing it longer, keep the noodles separate to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Freezing:
This soup freezes well! Freeze the soup (without the noodles) in individual portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Cook the noodles fresh and add them before serving.
Reheating:
To reheat chicken noodle soup, warm it over medium heat on the stove until hot. If you froze the soup, thaw it first. Add fresh noodles or warm up the soup and noodles separately to avoid mushiness.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup after the vegetables and broth have simmered.
What type of noodles work best in chicken noodle soup?
Egg noodles are the traditional choice, but you can use any noodle you prefer. Wide egg noodles, spiral pasta, or even broken-up spaghetti all work well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the type of noodle you use.
How do I prevent my chicken from drying out?
To avoid dry chicken, don’t overcook it. Bone-in chicken thighs or a whole chicken will retain more moisture than chicken breasts. If using chicken breasts, be sure to remove them from the soup as soon as they are cooked through and shred them immediately.
Can I make chicken noodle soup ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, chicken noodle soup often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. If making ahead, just store the noodles separately and add them when reheating.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup : It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in comfort with every spoonful. Whether you're battling a cold, warming up on a chilly evening, or just craving something simple and satisfying, chicken noodle soup is a timeless classic that never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs (4-5 thighs)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 5 oz egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter, chicken fat, or olive oil
- 1 heaped tbsp minced garlic (4 cloves)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth (homemade is even better!)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt your butter (or oil) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften.
- Stir in the garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Let everything cook for about a minute, stirring to release the fragrant flavors.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Depending on your stock, you might need to add a bit more salt (start with a teaspoon and adjust as needed).
- Submerge the chicken thighs in the simmering broth, ensuring they’re covered. Partially cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked.
If the soup seems to be running low on liquid, add a bit more stock or water to maintain a hearty broth. - Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and set it aside on a plate. Stir the noodles into the pot and cook until they’re tender, about 6-10 minutes depending on your pasta choice.
- While the noodles cook, shred the chicken into strips or cubes. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in the fresh parsley, and you're ready to serve!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 241Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 1008mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 26g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a comforting meal, chicken noodle soup is always the answer. With these tips, variations, and FAQs in mind, you’ll be able to craft the perfect bowl that suits your tastes. Plus, the added bonus of making extra for the freezer means you’ll have a bowl of homemade goodness whenever you need it.
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