This warm chicken soup is perfect for chilly days! Packed with tender chicken, tasty veggies, and flavorful broth, it’s a feel-good meal that warms your heart.
Whenever I make this soup, it feels like a big hug in a bowl. I love adding extra herbs for a pop of flavor—just the ticket to lift your spirits! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives a lovely flavor base, but you can use vegetable oil or butter if preferred. I find butter adds a nice richness!
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is ideal for flavor, but low-sodium store-bought works well. If you want a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable broth to keep it light.
Chicken: I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken, like boiled or sautéed, is good. If you’re veg, consider adding chickpeas instead!
Noodles: Wide egg noodles are classic, but any pasta, like bow ties or fusilli, will work. Gluten-free? Try rice noodles or even zucchini noodles!
Vegetables: Feel free to mix in any veggies you have around—peas or green beans add color and nutrients!
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken Noodle Soup Has the Best Flavor?
To really get the best flavor from your soup, focusing on the sautéing step is key. Before adding the broth, patiently cooking the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil adds depth. This technique is called “sweating” the vegetables, and it helps release their natural sweetness.
- Cook the vegetables until they’re soft but not browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Always add the garlic at the end so it doesn’t burn, as burned garlic can make your soup bitter!
Letting the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes helps all the flavors meld together. Sometimes I let it cook even longer—just keep an eye on the noodles and don’t let them get mushy!
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 2 cups wide egg noodles or any soup noodles
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes for cooking. So, in under an hour, you’ll have a delicious bowl of chicken noodle soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. This will help release their natural flavors!
2. Add Garlic for Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—burned garlic can be bitter!
3. Pour in the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Nothing’s better than that rich aroma filling your kitchen!
4. Add the Chicken:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add in the shredded chicken and stir well. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes to let all the flavors blend together beautifully.
5. Cook the Noodles:
Now, add the egg noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, which usually takes around 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t get mushy!
6. Season and Garnish:
Taste your soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Then, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf! Stir in the fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with additional parsley and fresh chives if you like. Enjoy your comforting homemade chicken noodle soup while it’s hot and fresh!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or boiled chicken is perfect for this soup. Just shred it and toss it in during the simmering step, and it’ll enhance the flavor beautifully!
How Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
You can prep the soup up to the point of adding the noodles ahead of time. Just store the broth and chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, heat it up and add the noodles for a fresh taste!
What If I Want to Freeze Leftover Soup?
To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. However, I recommend freezing it without the noodles, as they can become mushy. Just add fresh noodles when you reheat!
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add any veggies you love or have on hand, such as peas, green beans, or even spinach. Just add them when you add the chicken to ensure they cook through for a lovely, colorful soup.
