Introduction
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something cozy, this classic dish has been a go-to remedy for generations.
Looking for more comfort food ideas? Check out our Nutritious Red Lentil Soup or Homemade Tomato Soup for more heartwarming meal options.
1. Why You Should Make Chicken Noodle Soup from Scratch
Homemade chicken noodle soup has several advantages over canned versions:
- Better Nutrition – Fresh vegetables and real chicken provide vital vitamins and minerals.
- Customizable Ingredients – Adjust sodium levels, choose your favorite noodles, and add more veggies.
- Health Benefits – According to Cleveland Clinic, chicken soup can help reduce inflammation and relieve congestion during colds.
- Richer Flavor – Slow-cooked broth and fresh herbs enhance taste and depth.
- No Preservatives – Store-bought soups contain additives that homemade versions avoid.
- Boosts Immunity – Chicken broth is known to support a strong immune system.
- Cost-Effective – Making soup at home saves money while yielding more servings.
For more comfort meal inspiration, consider pairing this soup with our Sourdough Focaccia or Savory Potato and Bacon Quiche for a complete meal.
2. Ingredients for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Essential Ingredients:
- Chicken – Bone-in thighs for a richer flavor (or use rotisserie chicken for convenience).
- Broth/Stock – Homemade chicken broth is best, but high-quality store-bought works too.
- Vegetables – Onion, carrots, celery (classic mirepoix); optional: garlic, leeks, parsnips.
- Herbs & Spices – Thyme, parsley, bay leaves, black pepper, and a pinch of marjoram.
- Noodles – Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use gluten-free or whole-wheat options.
- Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and balance to the flavors.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to make the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Preparing the Ingredients
- Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces.
- Mince the garlic and set aside.
- If using bone-in chicken, remove excess skin for a cleaner broth.
2. Making the Broth
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Place chicken in the pot and pour in enough water or chicken broth to cover.
- Add bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper.
- Simmer on low for 45-60 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the top.
3. Cooking the Noodles
- Cook noodles separately according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
4. Combining Everything
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Discard bones and skin, then return shredded chicken to the soup.
- Stir in cooked noodles.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
For another hearty meal, try our Baked Parmesan Chicken or Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan Cheese for a delicious side dish.
4. Variations and Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Here are some creative twists on chicken noodle soup:
- Low-Carb Option – Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of egg noodles.
- Spicy Kick – Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy Version – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer soup.
- Asian-Inspired – Swap thyme for ginger and add soy sauce for a delicious twist.
- Dairy-Free Alternative – Use coconut milk instead of cream for a unique taste.
- Extra Protein – Add beans or lentils for more nutrition.
- Vegetarian Version – Replace chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep noodles separate to prevent them from absorbing all the broth.
- Freezing: Freeze broth and solids separately for better texture upon reheating. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding fresh herbs to refresh flavors.
Looking for more soups to batch-cook and store? Try our Butternut Squash Recipes or Seafood Gumbo.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken? Yes! Add pre-cooked chicken in the final 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- How can I make the soup gluten-free? Use gluten-free noodles or swap them for rice or quinoa.
- What if my broth lacks flavor? Simmer longer, add a splash of soy sauce, or use a high-quality chicken broth like Kettle & Fire.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Add all ingredients except noodles and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add noodles in the last 30 minutes.
- How can I thicken my soup? Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering soup.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Try adding spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- What’s the best way to serve this soup? Pair it with warm crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
7. Final Thoughts
With this easy and delicious chicken noodle soup recipe, you can enjoy a comforting meal anytime. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, a cold remedy, or meal prep, this homemade version beats anything from a can.
Looking for more comfort food classics? Don’t miss our Classic Peach Cobbler or Sweet Potato Casserole.
Try it today and experience the magic of homemade chicken noodle soup!