This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and cozy noodles, it warms you right up on chilly days.
Whenever I’m feeling under the weather or just need a hug in a bowl, this soup does the trick. I love slurping up those noodles and savoring each spoonful! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing. You can use vegetable oil or butter instead if you prefer a different flavor. I love using coconut oil for a unique twist!
Onion: A medium yellow onion adds good flavor to the soup. If you’re in a rush, shallots can work well, too. Red onions can also be used, but they might change the color slightly.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium broth is best so you can control the saltiness. If you don’t have broth, water with some added seasonings works in a pinch!
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a favorite of mine for its convenience. If you have leftover chicken, that works perfectly too! For a lighter option, use shredded turkey.
Egg Noodles: Classic choice! However, you can swap for whole wheat noodles, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a healthier version.
How Do You Get the Most Flavor from Your Vegetables?
The key to making your soup truly flavorful is in how you cook the vegetables. Start by sautéing the onions until they’re soft and slightly golden—this releases their natural sweetness. Follow this by adding garlic before the other veggies to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Cook the onions on medium heat for around 4-5 minutes until they are translucent.
- Add the garlic for just a minute to avoid burning.
- Then, stir in the carrots and celery; cooking them for 5-7 minutes allows them to start softening while releasing their tasty juices.
These steps help build a solid flavor base for your soup, making each bowl a delight!
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles or any preferred noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken noodle soup will take about 20 minutes for preparation and another 20-30 minutes for cooking, giving you a total time of around 40-50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a wonderful way to spend some time in the kitchen while creating a comfy bowl of goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté it for about 4-5 minutes or until it’s translucent and slightly soft. Add in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant, making your kitchen smell amazing!
2. Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook these for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to start softening but still have a slight crunch. This adds great texture to your soup!
3. Pour in the Broth:
Now, it’s time to add the chicken broth. Pour it into the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil. This is where the magic begins as all those flavors start to blend!
4. Simmer with Chicken and Herbs:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, and optional rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully together.
5. Cook the Noodles:
While your soup is simmering, cook the noodles separately according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them and set aside.
6. Combine and Serve:
Just before you’re ready to serve, add the cooked noodles into the soup pot. Stir well to combine everything and warm the noodles through. Take a moment to taste your soup and adjust seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper!
7. Enjoy Your Cozy Bowl:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color, and enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade chicken noodle soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken first. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Cooked chicken also works well, so feel free to use leftovers!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cook the noodles separately, then add them when you’re ready to serve to prevent them from getting mushy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, or microwave until heated through. If the noodles absorb too much broth, feel free to add a little extra broth or water when reheating!
Can I Substitute the Noodles?
Definitely! If you’re looking for alternatives to egg noodles, feel free to use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free noodles, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a healthier twist. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary!
