This cozy Chicken Noodle Soup is just like Grandma used to make! It’s filled with tender chicken, soft noodles, and lots of veggies, all simmered in a tasty broth.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Both options work well for sautéing vegetables. I often use butter for a richer flavor, but olive oil is a great healthier choice! If you’re dairy-free, stick to olive oil.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is the best, but store-bought low sodium is convenient. You can even use vegetable broth for a lighter taste or if you’re vegetarian. Just keep in mind it will change the soup’s flavor.
Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional, but you can swap them for whole wheat noodles or even gluten-free options like rice noodles. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for quick meals. If you don’t have it, leftover chicken or shredded turkey work well. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch!
Herbs: Dried thyme and parsley add nice flavor, but if you have fresh herbs, use those! Fresh thyme and parsley can enhance the taste. You can skip the dill if it’s not your favorite.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Soup?
The secret to a flavorful soup starts with layering ingredients during cooking. Begin by sautéing the onions, celery, and carrots until soft. This helps draw out their natural sweetness. Don’t skip the garlic – it adds a lovely aroma and taste!
- Heat oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, and carrots, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, then add broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil before simmering.
- When you add chicken and herbs, taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
Finally, remember to remove bay leaves before serving. This method ensures every spoonful is packed with flavor! Enjoy your heartwarming soup!
Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken breast)
- 4 cups wide egg noodles or broken up large egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus fresh parsley for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried dill for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This warm and cozy chicken noodle soup will take approximately 10-15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook, making a total of around 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s a perfect recipe for a quick dinner or for when you need a little pick-me-up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Your Vegetables:
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add in your diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook these until they are softened but not browned, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes. This builds the base of flavor for your soup.
2. Add Garlic for Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until you can smell that lovely aroma. Garlic adds a delicious kick!
3. Bring the Broth to Life:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and toss in the bay leaves. Bring the soup to a boil. This will help to extract all the flavors from the ingredients.
4. Simmer to Blend Flavors:
Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Add in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, and the optional dill if you’re using it. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Cook the Noodles:
After simmering, add in the egg noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook and turn mushy!
6. Final Touches:
Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. This final seasoning step makes all the difference!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm soup hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy it alongside some crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comforting meal.
This classic homemade chicken noodle soup is perfect for comfort and healing, featuring tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it first. The best way to do this is to place it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw.
What Can I Substitute for Egg Noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles, you can substitute them with whole wheat noodles, gluten-free noodles, or even brown rice. Just adjust cooking times according to the type you choose, as they may differ from egg noodles.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add more veggies or even some plant-based protein for a hearty dish!
