Picture a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup, its savory aroma wafting through your kitchen.
There’s something about this classic comfort food that warms the soul.
Easy to make and deeply satisfying, it’s the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for any day.
As the ingredients meld together, the simple vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful broth transform into a heartwarming dish.
Let’s bring this timeless recipe to life and savor every spoonful.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Best Chicken Noodle Soup, follow the timeline below.
This timeline includes the prep time, cook time, and resting time, as well as additional time for reading through the recipe instructions.
Timeline:
Preparation Stage (Reading and Prep Work)
- 0-5 minutes: Read through the entire recipe and gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.
- 5-15 minutes: Begin prepping ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots and celery, and set aside all prepared ingredients.
Cooking Stage
- 15-20 minutes: Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- 20-25 minutes: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery and cook for another 5 minutes.
- 25-30 minutes: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- 30-35 minutes: Add the chicken breasts to the boiling broth and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- 35-45 minutes: While the chicken is cooking, monitor the pot and prepare to shred the chicken once cooked.
- 45-50 minutes: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using a fork.
- 50-55 minutes: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the egg noodles, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Simmer until the noodles are tender, about 8 minutes.
- 55-60 minutes: Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.
Resting Stage
– 60-70 minutes: Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving. Use this time to clean up your workspace or set the table.
Following this timeline guarantees you complete the soup efficiently while allowing for small breaks and adjustments as needed.
Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup!
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the sliced carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add the chicken breasts and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook the chicken for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with a fork.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add the egg noodles, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the pot.
Simmer until the noodles are tender, about 8 minutes.
Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Green Salad: Pair with a light green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the hearty soup.
- Cheese Toast: Add a slice of cheese toast on the side for an extra comforting touch.
- Pickles: Offer a few pickles to add a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
- Fruit Salad: Complement the savory soup with a fresh fruit salad for a revitalizing finish.
Storage
To store chicken noodle soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Freezing
To freeze chicken noodle soup, let it cool completely.
Then, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat chicken noodle soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat.
Stir occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent mushy noodles.
Alternatively, microwave in intervals. Stir between each.
Final Thoughts
The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is both comforting and easy to make.
With simple ingredients and clear instructions, it’s perfect for a cozy meal.
The addition of fresh parsley brings a burst of flavor, while extra tips offer ways to customize the soup to your liking.
Whether you serve it as a starter or a main dish, this soup is sure to be a hit.
Enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup and savor every spoonful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely, you can substitute rotisserie chicken for chicken breasts. Just shred 1 pound of rotisserie chicken and add it after cooking the vegetables. This saves time and infuses a smoky flavor, enhancing your soup’s depth.
What Can I Substitute for Egg Noodles if I’m Gluten-Free?
You can substitute egg noodles with gluten-free options like rice noodles or quinoa pasta. Make sure you cook them al dente to avoid mushiness. Incorporate them just before serving to maintain their texture and enhance your soup.
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier Without Altering the Main Flavors?
Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the soup during step 9. These will enhance heat without overpowering the primary flavors. Taste and adjust spices gradually to suit your preference.
Is It Possible to Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery first. Then, add everything to the slow cooker, except noodles and parsley. Cook on low for 6 hours, adding noodles and parsley last.
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can substitute frozen vegetables for fresh ones. Add them directly to the simmering broth with the chicken. Adjust cooking time slightly, ensuring vegetables heat through evenly. Frozen veggies may release additional moisture, so monitor consistency.
Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 medium carrots sliced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the sliced carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the chicken breasts and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the chicken for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with a fork.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add the egg noodles, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the pot.
- Simmer until the noodles are tender, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
