How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days, when you’re feeling under the weather, or when you simply want something hearty and delicious. Today, we’ll walk step-by-step through how to make classic chicken noodle soup. Don’t worry—this recipe is simple, easy to follow, and uses basic ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
Let’s get started!
Why Make Chicken Noodle Soup at Home?
Homemade chicken noodle soup is far better than the canned version you find in stores. It’s fresher, tastier, and customizable. Plus, when you make it yourself, you can control the ingredients, which makes it a healthier option. Whether you want to adjust the seasoning, add extra veggies, or use whole-grain noodles, the choice is yours!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need for this simple recipe:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth or stock (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or lemon juice for flavor
You can adjust the measurements based on your preferences. For example, if you love carrots, add a little extra! This recipe is flexible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s helpful to have everything ready. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and shred your cooked chicken. This way, the cooking process will go smoothly.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften just a bit. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two. You’ll start smelling that delicious aroma—this is the base of your soup!
Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasoning
Pour 8 cups of chicken broth or stock into the pot with the vegetables. Add 1 teaspoon of thyme (or oregano) and drop in a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but don’t overdo it—remember you can always add more seasoning at the end if needed.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the broth to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together and creates that signature richness in chicken noodle soup.
Step 5: Add the Noodles and Chicken
After simmering, add your 2 cups of uncooked egg noodles to the pot. Let them cook for about 6-8 minutes (or follow the cooking time suggested on the pasta package). Stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together.
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Since the chicken is already cooked, it only needs to heat up in the soup, which will take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Take a taste of your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you think it needs a little more salt, pepper, or herbs, add them at this stage. If you’d like to brighten the flavor, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice into the soup—it’s a great finishing touch!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve it with warm bread or crackers on the side, and you’ve got a comforting meal ready to enjoy.
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use homemade broth for added flavor: If you have time, making chicken stock from scratch adds extra richness to the soup.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Keep an eye on them as they cook so they stay tender and don’t turn mushy.
- Use fresh herbs: While dried herbs work great, fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill can take your soup to the next level.
- Customize veggies and noodles: Feel free to add extra vegetables like peas, spinach, or zucchini, or use different pasta shapes for variety.
Conclusion
Making classic chicken noodle soup at home is so much easier than you might think. With simple, fresh ingredients and clear steps, you can whip up a comforting bowl for yourself and your loved ones in no time. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a remedy for a cold, this soup will always hit the spot.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll never go back to canned soups again. Plus, the wonderful aroma in your kitchen while you cook is an added bonus! So grab your pot and ingredients, and create your own batch of this classic comfort food.
Happy cooking!
