Your entire family will love this easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or when someone needs a little extra care. Its rich, savory broth and tender chicken come together in just 20 minutes, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or noodles for a personal touch.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Protein
- Broth Base
- Vegetables
- Seasonings
- Noodles
- How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
- Step 2: Bring to a Boil
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Step 4: Shred the Chicken
- Step 5: Add Seasonings and Noodles
- Step 6: Cook Until Noodles are Tender
- Step 7: Remove Bay Leaves
- Step 8: Serve Warm
- How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- With Fresh Herbs
- Accompanied by Bread
- As Part of a Meal
- In a Bowl
- How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup special?
- Can I customize my Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
- How can I make my Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup healthier?
- How do I prevent my noodles from getting mushy?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for a last-minute meal.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Loaded with protein and vegetables, it’s a nourishing choice that warms the soul.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in seasonal veggies or different types of noodles to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this classic dish, making it great for family dinners.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and equipment to ensure a smooth experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the soup evenly and allowing all flavors to meld together.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and effortless, saving you time in preparation.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Broth Base
- 8 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 4 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 whole carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 onion (diced)
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 Bay Leaves
Noodles
- 2 cups Egg noodles
- 2 cup water
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions to a large stock pot or Dutch oven.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through (it should be completely white inside) and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Shred it using two forks or your hands before stirring it back into the soup.
Step 5: Add Seasonings and Noodles
Stir in thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water into the soup mixture.
Step 6: Cook Until Noodles are Tender
Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until the egg noodles are tender.
Step 7: Remove Bay Leaves
After cooking, remember to remove the bay leaves from your soup before serving.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this delightful Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving homemade chicken noodle soup is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this classic dish.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Thyme Sprigs: Adding a sprig of thyme enhances the soup’s aroma.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of warm baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread adds a savory touch that complements the soup.
As Part of a Meal
- Salad: Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic combo that kids (and adults!) love.
In a Bowl
- Bread Bowl: For a fun twist, serve the soup in an edible bread bowl.
- Mason Jar: For a unique presentation, try serving individual portions in mason jars.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your homemade chicken noodle soup truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth for better control over flavors.
- Fresh Vegetables Matter: Fresh celery and carrots enhance the taste and texture.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in increments to avoid over-seasoning.
- Cook Noodles Separately: If you want to store leftovers, cook noodles separately to prevent sogginess.
- Add Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors beautifully.
- Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving; it lets the flavors meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Pairing side dishes with your homemade chicken noodle soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with romaine, croutons, and parmesan cheese pairs well with the soup’s warmth.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw contrasts nicely with the soft noodles in the soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful balance to the savory flavors of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and ground meat make for a hearty side.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide an irresistible crunch alongside your comforting soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making homemade chicken noodle soup, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Chicken: If you cook the chicken for too long, it can become dry and tough. Keep an eye on the cooking time and ensure it reaches 165 degrees F.
- Not Using Enough Broth: Skimping on broth can result in a bland soup. Always use enough broth to give your soup rich flavor.
- Skipping Aromatics: Neglecting ingredients like onions or garlic can lessen the taste. These aromatics are key to building a flavorful base.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to a dull meal. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Using the Wrong Noodles: Not all noodles hold up well in soup. Stick with egg noodles for the best texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover homemade chicken noodle soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the soup in a covered oven-safe dish, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about homemade chicken noodle soup that might help you out.
What makes this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup special?
This recipe uses fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create comforting flavors that everyone will love.
Can I customize my Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas, or substitute different types of noodles based on your preference.
How can I make my Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup healthier?
You can use low-sodium broth and add more vegetables while reducing the amount of noodles for a lighter version.
How do I prevent my noodles from getting mushy?
Add noodles towards the end of cooking time so they cook just enough without becoming overdone.
Final Thoughts
Homemade chicken noodle soup is an easy and delightful recipe that brings comfort to any table. You can customize it with various veggies or spices according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; your family will appreciate the warmth and flavors!
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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms both the body and soul. This delightful dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth with vibrant vegetables and hearty egg noodles. Ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a quick, nourishing meal, this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. The best part? You can easily customize it by adding your favorite seasonal vegetables or adjusting the noodles to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it at family gatherings or preparing it for a cozy night in, this soup is sure to be a hit with everyone. Dive into this wholesome recipe and enjoy a bowl of heartwarming goodness!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 whole carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook chicken until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F), about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in thyme leaves, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water.
- Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
