Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

When the weather cools down or you’re feeling under the weather, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. This classic recipe is not only delicious and comforting, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make from scratch. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and wholesome vegetables, this soup is perfect for the whole family. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make this satisfying soup that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Cold Days, Easy to Make, and Family-Friendly
This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is a must-have for many reasons:

• Comforting and Nutritious: It’s packed with protein-rich chicken, vibrant vegetables, and soothing broth, making it both hearty and wholesome.
• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect even for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Here is everything you need to make this delicious homemade chicken noodle soup:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 500g)
• 8 cups chicken broth (about 1.9 liters)
• 4 celery stalks, chopped (around 150g)
• 4 whole carrots, peeled and chopped (approximately 200g)
• 1/2 medium onion, diced (about 75g)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (approximately 2 cloves)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups egg noodles (around 200g)
• 2 cups water (about 475ml)

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To prepare this recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Large stock pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving
• Tongs or fork for shredding chicken

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Preparing the Ingredients

Begin by gathering and preparing all your ingredients. Chop the celery, carrots, and onion into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Mince the garlic if you haven’t already.

Tip: For a richer flavor, use fresh vegetables, and be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, chopped celery, carrots, and diced onion. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

Tip: Keep an eye on the soup to avoid overflowing. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. This step allows the chicken to cook slowly, absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the broth and vegetables.

3. Simmer Until Chicken is Cooked

Let the soup simmer until the chicken is fully cooked. This should take about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is completely white throughout.

Use tongs or a fork to remove the chicken from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.

Cooking the Soup

4. Add Seasonings and Noodles

Once the chicken is shredded and back in the pot, add the thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and egg noodles. Pour in 2 cups of water to balance the broth’s concentration.

Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and fully cooked.

Tip: Stir occasionally to ensure that the noodles cook evenly and do not stick to the bottom of the pot.

5. Final Adjustments and Remove Bay Leaves

Once the noodles are cooked through, remove the bay leaves from the pot. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it simmers. Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry.
• Adding Noodles Too Early: Add the noodles towards the end of cooking to avoid them becoming mushy.
• Not Removing Bay Leaves: Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving; they add great flavor but aren’t pleasant to eat.

Serving Suggestions

Best Ways to Serve and Present Your Chicken Noodle Soup
Serve your homemade chicken noodle soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Leftovers

How to Store, Reheat, and Repurpose Leftover Soup
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. If the noodles have absorbed too much broth, add a splash of water or chicken broth to adjust the consistency.

Freezing Tips: This soup also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles instead of egg noodles.
• Low-Sodium Version: Choose low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the added salt.
• Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach for a nutrient boost.
• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken. Simply skip the step of cooking the chicken in the broth, and add the shredded leftover chicken when adding the seasonings and noodles.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add all ingredients except the noodles to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then add the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How do I prevent my noodles from getting mushy?
To keep noodles from getting mushy, cook them separately and add them to each serving bowl just before eating.

Conclusion

This homemade chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days, quick dinners, or when you need a little warmth. With its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth, it’s a recipe that everyone will love. Try it out, share it with friends, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

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