Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Imagine this: a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup, its savory aroma filling the kitchen as it simmers on the stove.

There’s something about the mix of tender chicken, hearty noodles, and fresh vegetables that feels both comforting and revitalizing.

This simple, yet satisfying recipe is a breeze to make, transforming basic ingredients into a bowl of warmth and nourishment.

Let’s bring this dish to life and savor every spoonful.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 cutting board
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 ladle

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Easy Chicken Noodle Soup, follow this timeline:

Preparation and Cooking Timeline:

1. Reading and Understanding Recipe: 5 minutes
   • Take a few minutes to thoroughly read the recipe instructions and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Time: 10 minutes
   • Minute 1-2: Gather and measure all ingredients.
   • Minute 3-4: Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
   • Minute 5-6: Slice the carrots and celery.
   • Minute 7-10: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook Time: 30 minutes
   • Minute 0-2: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Minute 3-5: Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent.
   • Minute 6-10: Add sliced carrots and celery, cook for about 5 minutes.
   • Minute 11-12: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
   • Minute 13-27: Add chicken breast pieces, reduce heat to simmer, and cook for about 15 minutes until fully cooked.
   • Minute 28-35: Stir in egg noodles and continue to simmer for another 7-8 minutes.
   • Minute 36-37: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Resting Time: 5 minutes
   • Minute 38-42: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes.
5. Garnishing and Serving: 3 minutes
   • Minute 43-45: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the soup.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.

Add sliced carrots and celery, cook for about 5 minutes.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Add chicken breast pieces and reduce heat to a simmer.

Cook chicken for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked.

Stir in egg noodles and continue to simmer for another 7-8 minutes.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a invigorating contrast to the warm soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Enjoy alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and hearty meal.
• Crackers: Add a handful of crackers on the side for a crunchy texture.
• Fruit Salad: Complement the savory flavors with a light and sweet fruit salad for dessert.

Storage

Store leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze chicken noodle soup, cool it completely.

Then transfer it to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.

Label with the date and use within 3 months for ideal flavor.

Reheating

To reheat chicken noodle soup, gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat.

Stir occasionally to prevent overcooking the noodles.

Alternatively, microwave on low power, covered, in short intervals.

Final Thoughts

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a go-to recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a warm, hearty meal.

Remember to adjust the seasoning to your taste and feel free to experiment with additional vegetables or a splash of lemon juice.

Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking Raw Chicken Breasts?

Yes, you can substitute rotisserie chicken for raw chicken breasts. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through. This method reduces cooking time and maintains texture.

What Are Some Gluten-Free Noodle Alternatives for This Soup?

For gluten-free noodle alternatives, substitute egg noodles with rice noodles, quinoa pasta, or chickpea pasta. Make certain you monitor cooking times closely as these noodles vary in texture and may require adjustments to maintain ideal consistency in your soup.

How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?

To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit chicken. Use tofu or chickpeas for protein. Make certain egg noodles are replaced with gluten-free or vegan alternatives like rice noodles or zucchini spirals.

Is It Possible to Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Sauté onions and garlic first, then transfer all ingredients except noodles. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add noodles 30 minutes before serving for ideal texture.

Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh Parsley?

You can substitute dried herbs for fresh parsley. Use one-third the amount since dried herbs have a concentrated flavor. Add them during cooking to allow the flavors to release. Adjust to taste based on preference.