When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade stove top chicken noodle soup. It's a simple dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft egg noodles to create a warm hug in a bowl. You'll find it easy to make and even easier to customize. Curious about how to whip up this classic comfort food? Let's explore the steps to create your perfect pot of soup.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use a whole chicken or shredded chicken for a rich, flavorful base in your soup.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil to enhance the soup's aroma and taste.
- Add chicken broth, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper for a savory broth.
- Incorporate egg noodles towards the end of cooking for tender, hearty noodles.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for added freshness and visual appeal before serving.
How To Make It – Recipe
Homemade chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that warms the heart and soul. This delightful dish is perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather, providing both nourishment and a sense of home. With its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft noodles, each bowl is a hug in a mug. The best part? Making it from scratch allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to your taste, ensuring a personalized touch in every serving.
The process of making chicken noodle soup is straightforward and rewarding. You'll begin by simmering chicken in a flavorful broth, allowing it to become tender and infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Once the chicken is cooked, it's shredded and combined with fresh vegetables and noodles, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that's sure to please any palate. This recipe yields a comforting soup that can be enjoyed by the whole family, making it a staple dish in many households. Additionally, slow cooker chicken noodle soup is an excellent option for those who prefer a hands-off cooking method.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-6 pounds) or 4 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of egg noodles
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
To make the soup, start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery, sautéing until they're tender, about 4-7 minutes.
If using a whole chicken, add it to the pot along with the chicken broth, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Once the chicken is finished cooking, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Stir in the egg noodles and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the noodles are tender. Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
When making chicken noodle soup, feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as peas or green beans for added nutrition and flavor. If you prefer a richer broth, consider adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice for enhanced depth.
Additionally, this soup can be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for convenience; just adjust the cooking times accordingly. Finally, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for later enjoyment. Enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup!
Substitution Suggestions
You can easily swap out vegetables like carrots and celery for vegetable alternatives such as spinach or bell peppers, adding a fresh twist. If you're out of chicken broth, consider using vegetable or beef broth options for a different flavor profile that still complements your noodles. For a heartier soup, toss in some canned tomatoes or white beans. Don't hesitate to mix and match according to what you have on hand; your creativity can lead to delicious surprises in every bowl! Additionally, easy chicken soup recipes typically allow for a variety of ingredients, ensuring you can tailor the dish to your taste and pantry.
Serving Suggestions
As you prepare to serve your delicious chicken noodle soup, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to enhance its vibrant flavors.
You might also sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra kick.
For side dishes, crusty bread or a light salad makes the perfect accompaniment, balancing the warmth of the soup.
A side of garlic bread can elevate the experience, too, inviting you to soak up every drop.
Incorporating lemon juice into your soup not only adds brightness but also complements the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
With these garnishing options and side dishes, your meal becomes a comforting, delightful event that everyone will love.
Make-Ahead and Storage
If you want to enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup later, making it ahead of time is a fantastic option.
Meal prep is easy when you batch-cook your soup. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
For freezer tips, portion the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. This way, you can thaw only what you need!
Your soup will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a cozy, comforting meal any time. Chicken soup is not only delicious but also a great source of hydration and nutrients.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
To guarantee your leftover chicken noodle soup stays delicious, proper storage and reheating techniques are key.
For ideal leftover storage, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps preserve flavor and freshness. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer enjoyment. Additionally, freezing soup allows you to enjoy it even beyond the three-day window.
When you're ready for a warm bowl, use gentle soup reheating methods. Heat it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Enjoy the comforting taste of homemade soup, just as good as the first day!
Nutrition Facts(per serving)
When you savor a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, you're not just enjoying a comforting meal; you're also nourishing your body with a variety of essential nutrients.
Each serving typically contains around 200-300 calories, making it a satisfying yet light choice. The chicken serves as a fantastic protein source, delivering about 20 grams per bowl, essential for muscle repair and growth.
The vegetables add vitamins and minerals, enhancing the soup's nutritional profile. Plus, the noodles provide carbohydrates, giving you the energy to tackle your day. Additionally, this dish can be customized with healthy ingredients to further boost its nutritional value.
This hearty dish truly balances flavor and nutrition, making it a wholesome option for any meal.
Final Thoughts
Homemade chicken noodle soup isn't just a meal; it's an experience that warms both the body and soul.
This comforting dish brings families together, creating cherished moments around the dinner table. As you savor each slurp, you'll feel the love and care infused into every ingredient.
It's the perfect remedy for chilly days or when someone needs a little extra TLC. Not only does it serve as a delicious comfort food, but it also nourishes connections with loved ones. Additionally, using rotisserie chicken makes the preparation quick and effortless, ensuring you can enjoy this heartwarming soup even on busy nights.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
"Don't put all your eggs in one basket," but yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just remember to adjust cooking times, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature for delicious, tender results. Enjoy your meal!
How Long Does Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Last in the Fridge?
Homemade chicken noodle soup typically lasts about three to four days in the fridge. For ideal freshness, store it in an airtight container. Follow these storage tips to maximize its shelf life and flavor.
Is It Possible to Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely, you can whip this up in a slow cooker! Just remember to follow some slow cooker tips for perfect soup consistency. Add ingredients in stages for ideal flavor, and let it cook low and slow.
What Type of Noodles Work Best for Chicken Noodle Soup?
For chicken noodle soup, egg noodles are classic, offering a soft, chewy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully. Alternatively, rice noodles provide a gluten-free option, adding a unique twist with their delicate, light consistency. You'll love both!
Can I Add Vegetables to Boost Nutrition?
Think of vegetables as vibrant jewels in your dish. Adding options like carrots, spinach, or peas not only enhances flavor but also packs in incredible nutritional benefits, boosting your meal's health quotient considerably.
