There’s just something so incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chasing away chills or just making an ordinary Tuesday feel a little bit special. Hi, I’m Anna, and I’m absolutely passionate about food! My kitchen is my happy place, and sharing simple, flavorful chicken recipes that make everyday cooking easier and more joyful is what I love to do. Today, I’m so excited to share what I truly believe is the best chicken noodle soup recipe out there. Forget the canned stuff; this homemade version is surprisingly easy to whip up and tastes a million times better. Get ready to make your new favorite go-to soup!
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Why You’ll Love This Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Seriously, this soup is a game-changer! It’s packed with all those cozy, comforting flavors you crave, but the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. You get that delicious, homemade taste without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, and honestly, it just makes you feel good. My passion is making great food accessible, and this recipe totally delivers on that!
Quick and Easy Homemade Soup Recipe
You won’t believe how fast this comes together! This truly is an easy soup recipe that proves you don’t need a lot of time to make something incredibly delicious from scratch. It’s the best way to get that authentic homemade flavor!
Flavorful and Wholesome Ingredients
We’re using simple, fresh ingredients that really shine. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and perfect seasonings creates a soup that’s not just tasty, but also wonderfully wholesome. It’s a meal you can feel great about serving!
Gathering Your Ingredients for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row – or rather, our ingredients! Having everything prepped makes this whole process a breeze. Trust me, when you’re making this best chicken noodle soup recipe from scratch, a little prep goes a long way. We’re going to gather everything we need to build those amazing layers of flavor for our comforting homemade soup recipe. Don’t worry if you don’t have *exactly* the same thing; home cooking is all about making it work for you! Here’s what you’ll need:
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | 1 medium yellow onion, diced |
| 1 cup sliced carrots | 1 cup diced celery |
| 2 tablespoons minced garlic | 8 cups chicken broth or stock |
| 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper |
| 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt | 1 teaspoon dried oregano |
| 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme | 2 bay leaves |
| 6 oz egg noodles or your favorite small pasta noodles |
Core Components for Homemade Soup
So, what makes this homemade soup recipe taste so darn good? It all starts with the basics! We’ve got our yummy aromatics – that’s the onion, carrots, and celery – which we’ll soften up first to release their sweetness. Then, the garlic joins the party for that essential punch of flavor. And of course, the star of the show, good quality chicken broth or stock, forms the delicious liquid base for our soup.
Noodles and Seasonings
Now for the fun stuff! We’re using classic egg noodles here because they’re just perfect for soaking up all that amazing broth. You can totally swap them for other small pasta shapes if you like! And for the flavor magic? We’ve got salt and pepper, of course, but also fragrant oregano, earthy thyme, and those essential bay leaves. They all work together to give our soup that deep, comforting taste that just screams “homemade.”
How to Prepare the Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Step-by-Step
Okay, let’s get cooking! Making the best chicken noodle soup recipe from scratch is actually way easier than you might think. It’s all about building those flavors layer by layer. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of pure comfort ready in no time. I promise, your kitchen will smell amazing!
Building the Flavor Base
First things first, grab a big, sturdy pot – a Dutch oven is perfect for this. We’re going to start by warming up that olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering a bit, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Let them sauté for about 4 minutes. You want them to start softening up and getting a little fragrant, not browned. This step is crucial for our chicken soup recipes homemade because it unlocks all that delicious sweetness from the veggies. Then, add your minced garlic and give it another minute, just until you can smell its amazing aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Simmering and Shredding the Chicken
Now, pour in your chicken broth or stock. Next, add those beautiful chicken breasts or thighs, along with the salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and those all-important bay leaves. Give it a good stir. Bring the whole pot up to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Once it’s just starting to bubble, pop the lid on, but leave it slightly askew. This lets just a little steam escape. Let it simmer away for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and super tender. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily shred it with two forks right in the pot. This is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken in your chicken noodle soup recipe homemade.
Adding Noodles and Finishing Touches
With the chicken all shredded and back in the pot, it’s time for the noodles! Bring the soup back up to a low boil, then add your egg noodles (or whatever pasta you’re using). Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes, or until they’re perfectly al dente – that means tender but with a slight bite. You don’t want mushy noodles! Ladle that gorgeous soup into bowls. I love topping mine with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. And don’t forget your favorite bread or crackers for dipping! This really makes it a complete, satisfying meal, perfect for anyone looking for easy soup recipes.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Chicken Soup
Alright, let’s talk about making this soup absolutely *perfect* every single time. It’s all about those little touches that elevate a good soup to a truly amazing one. My goal is always to make cooking joyful and accessible, and these tips will help you nail this homemade chicken soup. We want that rich flavor and comforting texture that only comes from a soup made with love and a few smart tricks!
Achieving the Best Noodle Texture
The biggest enemy of a great noodle soup? Mushy noodles! My trick is simple: add your noodles to the pot right at the end, when the soup is at a low boil. Cook them for just the time specified, until they’re *al dente* – tender but with a slight chew. This way, they finish cooking as you serve them, and they won’t turn into sad, soggy blobs. It’s a game-changer for any noodle soup recipe!
Flavor Enhancements for Homemade Chicken Soup
Want to take your soup to the next level? If you have some homemade chicken stock lying around, absolutely use it! It adds an unparalleled depth of flavor. Another little secret I love? A tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the very end, just before serving. It brightens everything up and makes all those savory flavors pop! It’s a simple trick for fantastic chicken soup recipes homemade.
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Your Homemade Chicken Soup
This soup is fantastic for leftovers, which makes it a weeknight warrior! Having a pot of this deliciousness ready to go is such a lifesaver. Here’s how to keep it tasting great!
Storing Leftovers Safely
Once your soup has cooled down a bit, pack any extra into an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it should stay wonderfully fresh for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for grabbing a quick lunch or another cozy dinner!
Reheating and Freezing Tips
When you’re ready to reheat, you can do it on the stovetop over low heat or pop a bowl in the microwave. If it seems a little thick, just stir in a splash more chicken broth. For freezing, it’s best to leave the noodles out. Freeze the soup base for up to 3 months, and then just cook fresh noodles right in the soup when you reheat it. It makes all the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Got questions about whipping up this bowl of comfort? I’ve got answers! Making the best chicken noodle soup recipe from scratch is so rewarding, and I want to make sure it’s a breeze for you.
Can I make this chicken noodle soup recipe homemade ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! This chicken noodle soup recipe homemade is fantastic for meal prep. I actually prefer to cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving if I’m making it ahead. This stops them from getting too soft in the broth. Store the soup and noodles separately in the fridge!
What are good substitutes for egg noodles in this homemade chicken soup?
No egg noodles? No problem! This homemade chicken soup is super flexible. Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even elbow macaroni work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package directions. You want them tender but still with a little bite!
How can I make this chicken soup recipes homemade spicier?
If you like a little kick, you’re in luck! For these chicken soup recipes homemade, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings when you first start cooking. Or, a dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred in right before serving adds a lovely warmth!
Nutritional Information for Homemade Chicken Soup
This homemade chicken soup is not only delicious and comforting, but it also packs a good nutritional punch! While exact values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and portion sizes, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving. I always aim to make my recipes balanced and wholesome, and this classic soup fits the bill perfectly!
Estimated Nutritional Breakdown
| Serving Size | 1.5 cups |
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 11g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Cholesterol | 100mg |
| Sodium | 1200mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.
Share Your Delicious Homemade Soup Creation!
Have you tried making this amazing homemade soup? I’d absolutely love to hear all about it! Please share your experience in the comments below, or even better, give the recipe a star rating! Knowing that you’re enjoying these simple, flavorful recipes makes my day. Happy cooking!
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Cozy Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, 100 Guaranteed
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This is the best chicken noodle soup recipe, a quick and easy soup recipe perfect for dinner. Anna, a passionate food lover, shares this simple and flavorful chicken recipe to make everyday cooking easier and more joyful.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 8 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 oz egg noodles or your favorite small pasta noodles
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven, over medium heat, add olive oil. Stir in the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté an additional minute. Then stir in the broth, chicken breast, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Once simmering, cover the pot with the lid slightly askew and cook until the chicken is tender and easily shredded, about 15 minutes. Using 2 forks shred the chicken into the broth.
- Bring the soup to a low boil and add the egg noodles. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Serve warm with fresh chopped parsley and your favorite bread or crackers on the side.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on stovetop or microwave, adding extra broth if needed.
- Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months; add fresh noodles when reheating.
- Great for meal prep; add noodles just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
