Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Authentic: This recipe offers a straightforward approach to a beloved classic, utilizing bone-in chicken breasts and store-bought broth to achieve rich flavors without extensive preparation.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences, you can switch up the vegetables, use different types of noodles, or even add a creamy element to suit your taste.
- Nutritious and Comforting: Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this soup provides nourishment while delivering the cozy comfort that makes it a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 bone-in, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 ounces wide egg noodles (or your preferred noodle variety)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Add Chicken: Place the bone-in chicken breasts into the pot. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove and Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a cutting board. Allow them to cool slightly, then shred the meat, discarding the bones.
- Cook Noodles: While the chicken is cooling, bring the soup back to a boil and add the egg noodles. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Return Chicken to Soup: Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Serve: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or peas to enhance the flavor and nutritional profile.
- Noodle Alternatives: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free noodles, whole wheat pasta, or even rice for a different texture and taste.
- Herb Substitutions: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or dill to impart unique flavors to the soup.
- Protein Options: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier meat, or incorporate leftover roasted chicken to save time.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. It’s advisable to freeze the soup without the noodles, as they can become mushy upon reheating. When ready to serve, cook fresh noodles separately and add them to the reheated soup.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
FAQs
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Additionally, ensure that the chicken broth used is certified gluten-free.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a convenient option. Simply add the shredded cooked chicken to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
You can substitute egg noodles with other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even broken spaghetti. For a low-carb alternative, consider using zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
How do I prevent the
Print
Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Warm up with a bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup, a classic comfort food packed with tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather, this easy, nutritious recipe offers customizable options to suit your tastes and needs.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 bone-in, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 oz wide egg noodles (or preferred noodle variety)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add Garlic and Broth:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and add thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
Add Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts into the pot and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Shred Chicken:
- Remove chicken breasts from the pot and allow them to cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding the bones.
Cook Noodles:
- Bring the soup back to a boil and add egg noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Combine and Serve:
- Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for added freshness.
Notes
- Storage Tip: Freeze the soup without noodles for best results, as noodles can become mushy when reheated. Cook fresh noodles and add them when serving.
- Flavor Boost: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the broth’s flavor.
- Make It Your Own: Swap in different veggies, noodles, or herbs to customize the soup to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American