Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Winter’s chill or feeling sick? A warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup is just what you need. This recipe turns leftover rotisserie chicken into a cozy meal that warms you up.
Picture stepping into a kitchen where homemade chicken noodle soup fills the air. In just 40 minutes, you can make a comforting dish that feeds both your body and soul.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare a delicious soup in under 40 minutes
- Perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken
- Packed with fresh vegetables and nutritious broth
- Versatile recipe with multiple seasoning options
- Budget-friendly meal that serves 6 people
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Equipment for Homemade Soup
Making tasty easy soup recipes begins with the right ingredients and tools. Chicken soup is a classic that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With the right kitchen tools, making this comforting dish is simple.
- Fresh vegetables: carrots, celery, yellow onions
- Protein: boneless skinless chicken thighs or leftover chicken
- Broth: reduced sodium chicken broth (about 9 cups)
- Seasonings: salt, black pepper, garlic cloves, dried herbs
- Noodles: egg noodles (12 oz recommended)
Having the right kitchen equipment is also key for perfect chicken noodle soup:
- Large cooking pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
“The secret to an amazing chicken soup is using fresh ingredients and taking time to develop layers of flavor.” – Christy Denney
For a better one-pot meal, try using Better Than Bouillon Chicken paste. It can make your chicken soup taste like it’s from a restaurant. It will impress your family and friends.
With these ingredients and tools, you’re set to make a hearty, tasty chicken soup. It serves about 12 cups and is ready in under 45 minutes.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
Making healthy soup recipes is simple. This meal is great for cold winter days. It brings comfort to your family. Let’s make a delicious chicken noodle soup together.
Best Noodles For Chicken Noodle Soup
The right noodles are key. For the best taste, try these:
- Egg noodles (traditional choice, recommended 50% of the bag)
- Rotini
- Fusilli
- Whole wheat pasta for added nutrition
Customize to Taste
Make your soup special with herbs and spices. Pro tip: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for a better flavor.
Improvise With Ingredients You Already Have
Don’t stress if you’re missing something. Chicken noodle soup is flexible. Use what you have in the kitchen.
| Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Turkey, rotisserie chicken, canned chicken |
| Vegetables | Carrots, celery, frozen mixed vegetables |
| Noodles | Any pasta shape available |
What Goes With Chicken Noodle Soup?
Enjoy your meal with these sides:
- Warm garlic bread
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Buttery biscuits
- Simple green salad
“A good soup is the foundation of happiness!” – Unknown Chef
Patience is key for perfect soup. Simmer for 15 minutes for rich flavors. You can keep it in the fridge for 5 days or freeze for 5 months. It’s perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
Making a quick and easy chicken noodle soup starts with the right ingredients. This homemade soup combines flavors and nutrition. It will warm your heart and fill your belly.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (approximately 1 pound)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 6 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Fresh herbs add a special flavor to your soup:
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
“The secret to a great homemade chicken noodle soup is using fresh, quality ingredients and letting the flavors simmer together.” – Chef’s Tip
Nutrition at a glance for this comforting soup:
| Nutritional Value | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 |
| Protein | 26.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 13.5g |
| Total Fat | 6.5g |
Pro tip: This recipe yields 6-8 servings, making it perfect for family meals or meal prep.
Directions
Making delicious weeknight dinners like chicken noodle soup is easy. These one-pot meals are great for busy homes. They offer quick and healthy solutions.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat
- Sauté diced onions, celery, and carrots until tender (about 4-5 minutes)
- Add minced garlic and your favorite seasonings
- Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil
Now, let’s turn your ingredients into a tasty soup:
- Reduce heat to a simmer
- Add pasta, frozen vegetables, and pre-cooked chicken
- Cook for about 7 minutes until pasta is tender
- Stir in fresh herbs like dill or parsley
- Finish with a splash of lemon juice for brightness
“A great soup is about balance and letting each ingredient shine!”
Pro tip: For more flavor, add turmeric or ginger to your soup.
| Cooking Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 minutes |
| Cooking | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Your easy soup recipe is ready – enjoy a warm, comforting meal any evening!
How to serve Chicken Noodle Soup?
Your homemade chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food. It’s perfect for warming up on cold winter nights. To serve it well, you need to pay attention to the details.
- Ladle the hot soup into individual ceramic bowls
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color
- Offer crusty bread or crackers on the side
- Consider a small side salad for added nutrition
Stock and Protein Components
The key to a great chicken noodle soup is its stock and protein. Use 12 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth and 1 1/2 pounds of chicken breasts. This makes the soup rich and satisfying.
“A great soup is like a warm hug for your taste buds” – Home Cook Wisdom
Storage and Reheating Tips
This recipe can be made ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Pro tip: When reheating, add a bit of broth to keep it smooth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture
- Top with additional fresh herbs like thyme
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness
Your chicken noodle soup is more than just a meal. It’s a way to bring families together, especially in the cold winter or when someone needs comfort.
Conclusion
This quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe turns a simple meal into a nourishing treat. By learning to make homemade chicken noodle soup, you can create a dish that pleases your family and warms your heart. You can also adjust the recipe to use what you have in your kitchen.
Storing your soup is easy: just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Each serving is packed with protein, veggies, and minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Using whole chicken or rotisserie chicken makes your soup better than any store-bought version.
Remember, making this homemade chicken noodle soup gets better with practice. Try different veggies, change cooking times, and find your favorite way to make it. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.
Your cooking skills will really show when you make a soup that’s more than just a meal. It’s a heartwarming experience that brings comfort and nutrition to your table. Enjoy every spoonful of your homemade soup.
