Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe is a staple in many households, especially during cold and flu season. It’s hard to resist the soothing aroma and taste of this savory soup that warms you up from the inside out.
Historically, chicken soup has been used as a remedy for colds and other ailments, dating back to ancient times. In the early 20th century, chicken noodle soup became a popular commercial product, often marketed as a remedy for the common cold. To this day, many people swear by the healing powers of this soup.
The recipe typically consists of chicken broth, chicken meat, vegetables, and noodles or dumplings. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, whether you prefer it with carrots, celery, onions, or other vegetables. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in the mood for some comfort food, Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless classic that can satisfy any craving.
Here is why you might love this recipe:
1. It’s comforting and perfect for a cold or rainy day or when feeling under the weather, providing warmth and nourishment.
2. The soup is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, making it a quick and convenient meal option.
3. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty noodles creates a satisfying and delicious taste that will leave you wanting more.
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (453.6 g) chicken breasts
- 8 cups (1.9 kg) chicken broth
- 2 cups (77.1 g) egg noodles
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 carrots peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.2 teaspoon) salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.2 teaspoon) black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Start by preparing the ingredients. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small pieces.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot of broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the egg noodles to the pot and let cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and season the soup with salt and pepper, to taste.
- If desired, top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Ingredients Explained
| Main Ingredients | Description | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | Lean protein cuts that are easy to cook and shred | boneless, skinless chicken thighs or turkey breast |
| Chicken broth | A flavorful liquid base that provides depth of flavor to the soup | vegetable broth, beef broth, or bone broth |
| Egg noodles | A type of pasta that adds texture and heartiness to the soup | any type of small pasta, such as rotini, macaroni or penne |
| Onion | Adds sweet and savory notes to the soup | shallots or leeks are good alternatives |
| Carrots | Provide subtle sweetness and crunch to the soup | parsnips or sweet potatoes work well as substitutes |
| Celery stalks | Add a refreshing, herbal flavor and texture | fennel or bok choy can enhance the flavor |
| Garlic | Brings a pungent and aromatic hint to the soup | ginger, shallots, or scallion can substitute |
| Dried thyme | Supplies a herbaceous, earthy aroma and flavor to the soup | dried rosemary, sage or oregano will also work |
| Bay leaf | Contributes a subtle, woody flavor to the soup | a sprig of fresh thyme, or a pinch of dried rosemary |
| Salt and pepper | Seasoning options that add dimension and enhance the taste of the soup | garlic powder or onion powder, smoked paprika or cayenne pepper |
| Fresh parsley | A bright and fresh herb that brightens the flavors of the soup | fresh cilantro or basil can be used for a different flavor profile |
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that is often consumed when a person is feeling under the weather. It is a nutritious soup that helps boost the immune system and provides nutrients to the body to fight off infections.
The broth of the soup is made from chicken bones, which are rich in minerals and amino acids that aid in strengthening bones, boosting the immune system and fighting inflammation. The chicken meat used in the soup is a good source of lean protein, which helps build and repair tissues in the body.
Noodles used in the soup provide energy to the body as they are a good source of carbohydrates. Vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery used in the soup are rich in vitamins and minerals that promote overall health and wellness. Garlic, another ingredient used in the recipe, is known for its immune-boosting properties and has natural antibiotic properties that help fight infections.
Storage Tips
In general, chicken noodle soup can generally last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
If you want to keep the soup for longer, you can freeze it for up to 6 months.
To freeze it, first, let the soup cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top as liquid expands when frozen. Label the container with the date, and store it in the freezer.
To defrost the soup, you can transfer it to the fridge overnight or place it in a large bowl of warm water until it’s defrosted.
Once defrosted, reheat the soup in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until it’s piping hot.
It’s always important to follow food safety guidelines to avoid foodborne illness, so if the soup has been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it’s best to discard it.
Budgeting Tips
Here are some tips on how to save money while making this recipe:
– Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can save money by using chicken bones from other meals to make broth. Plus, homemade broth is healthier than store-bought because it doesn’t contain any additives.
– Buy chicken breasts in bulk and freeze the extra for later use. Look for sales on chicken or buy from a wholesale store.
– Substitute some of the fresh vegetables with frozen ones. Frozen vegetables are often cheaper and last longer in the freezer.
– Use less chicken and more vegetables. Vegetables can be cheaper than meat and can make the dish more filling and nutritious.
– Use a cheaper variety of pasta or even substitute with rice, which is cheaper and lasts longer.
– Don’t use fresh herbs if you don’t have to. Instead, use dried herbs or skip them altogether.
– Make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for later use. This can save you time and money in the long run.
Time Saving TIps
1. Use pre-cooked chicken: To cut down on cooking time, use pre-cooked chicken instead of cooking raw chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken as a quick and easy option.
2. Use canned broth: If you don’t have homemade broth on hand, use canned chicken broth to save time. Just make sure to choose low sodium options so you can control the final saltiness of the soup.
3. Pre-cut veggies: If you are really pressed for time, consider buying pre-cut vegetables such as carrots and celery. This will save you time on chopping and make the soup easy to assemble.
4. Use quick-cook noodles: Instead of using regular egg noodles, try using quick-cook noodles such as ramen noodles or thin rice noodles. These cook much faster than regular noodles and can shave off a few minutes from the cooking time.
5. Skip the herbs: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can omit them from the recipe to save time. Alternatively, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh ones, but be sure to adjust the quantity accordingly as dried herbs are more potent.
6. Use a pressure cooker: If you have a pressure cooker, this is a great way to speed up the cooking time. Simply follow the recipe as usual, but cook the soup in the pressure cooker for 10-15 minutes.
7. Freeze leftovers: Make a big batch of soup and freeze the leftovers for later. This way, you can have homemade chicken noodle soup whenever you need a quick and easy meal.
Recipe Variations
1. Vegetarian variant: use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add vegetables like carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the soup for flavor. Replace the chicken with tofu, plant-based chicken substitute, or simply omit it altogether.
2. Creamy chicken variant: add some heavy cream or coconut cream to the soup to thicken it up and create a rich flavor. You can also stir in some shredded Parmesan cheese to enhance the creamy texture.
3. Spicy variant: add some heat to your chicken noodle soup by spicing it up with chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. You can also add some diced jalapeño peppers or red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick.
4. Asian variant: give your soup an Asian twist by adding ingredients like bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, ginger, and soy sauce. You can also swap out the egg noodles for soba noodles or rice noodles.
5. Italian variant: add flavors of Italy to your chicken noodle soup by adding ingredients like tomatoes, basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. You can also swap out the egg noodles for pasta like orzo, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
6. Lighter variant: if you want a lighter version of the soup, replace the egg noodles with zucchini noodles, squash noodles, or quinoa. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breast, which is a leaner cut, and reduce the amount of salt or sodium in the soup.
What To Serve With
Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken noodle soup:
1. Crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, for dipping and sopping up the soup.
2. Crackers or croutons, especially if you want some extra crunch.
3. Salad, either a side or a starter, to add some freshness and veggies to the meal.
4. Grilled cheese sandwiches, a classic pairing, for a heartier option.
5. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, or brussels sprouts, for a nutritious side dish.
6. Fruit, such as apples or pears, for a sweet and refreshing contrast to the soup.
7. Cornbread or biscuits, if you’re in the mood for something Southern-inspired.
8. Deviled eggs or potato salad, if you’re feeling nostalgic for a classic deli-style meal.
9. Pesto or herb butter on the bread, to add some extra flavor to the soup.
10. A glass of white wine or light beer, if you’re in the mood for a casual drink with your meal.
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