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When making classic chicken noodle soup, fresh and quality ingredients shine. Here’s what you need: - Chicken: Use 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender base. - Vegetables: Gather 2 medium carrots, sliced, 2 celery stalks, diced, and 1 medium onion, chopped. These add great flavor and texture. - Herbs and spices: Grab 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 bay leaf. These herbs bring warmth to the soup. - Broth and noodles: You will need 8 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of egg noodles. They create the heart of the dish. - Additional seasonings: Keep salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil on hand. They enhance the taste. - Garnish options: Fresh parsley or dill adds a nice touch once the soup is served. With these ingredients, you can create a soup that comforts and warms. Each item plays a vital role in making this dish special. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing vegetables and aromatics Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook these for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften but not brown. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for another 2 minutes. The smell will be amazing! 2. Adding chicken and broth Now, it's time to add the star of the show! Place 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot. Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth along with 1 bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil. 3. Shredding the chicken Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This lets the flavors blend. After that, take out the chicken and shred it using two forks. It should be tender and easy to pull apart. Put the shredded chicken back into the pot. 4. Cooking noodles Add 2 cups of egg noodles to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes. This cooks the noodles until they are tender. Make sure to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before you serve! - Importance of simmering time Simmering is key to making rich soup. It allows the flavors to meld perfectly. If you rush this step, you might lose depth in taste. - How to ensure chicken is cooked properly The chicken should be cooked through and easy to shred. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for best results! Using homemade chicken broth boosts the soup's taste. It adds depth and richness. You can make broth by simmering chicken bones, veggies, and herbs. It takes time, but the flavor is worth it. You can also use store-bought broth in a pinch. Consider adding more herbs and spices for extra flavor. Fresh thyme or dill can brighten the soup. You might also try a pinch of paprika for warmth. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a nice zing. Experiment to find what you like best. To make the soup kid-friendly, adjust the flavors. Kids often prefer milder tastes. Reduce the garlic and herbs if needed. You can also add some sweet corn for a fun twist. For noodles, consider using fun shapes like stars or hearts. Kids enjoy these playful options. Egg noodles are great, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles too. Just ensure the noodles are tender, so they are easy to eat. Pro Tips Use Homemade Broth: For an even richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. It enhances the overall taste and nutrition of the soup. Adjust Noodle Cooking Time: If you prefer firmer noodles, add them to the pot later in the cooking process. This prevents them from becoming too soft. Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or dill instead of dried. Fresh herbs can provide a more vibrant flavor. Leftover Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to enjoy later. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other meats. Turkey works great if you want a change. If you prefer pork, use tender pork loin. For something different, try shrimp. They cook fast and add a nice flavor. For a vegetarian or vegan option, use chickpeas or lentils. They give protein and texture. You can also use tofu, which absorbs flavors well. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a tasty base. You can choose whole wheat noodles for more fiber. They add a hearty touch to the soup. If you need a gluten-free choice, look for rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. They work fine and keep the soup light. Making your own noodles can be fun. Mix flour and eggs to create fresh egg noodles. Roll and cut them to your liking. Homemade noodles add a special touch to your dish. They soak up the flavors nicely, making each bite delightful. To keep chicken noodle soup fresh, follow these tips. First, let the soup cool down before storing. Pour it into airtight containers. Store it in the fridge if you plan to eat it soon. Chicken noodle soup stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. This space allows for expansion as it freezes. Chicken noodle soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it’s time to eat, reheating soup is easy. You can use a pot or microwave. If you use the stove, heat it over medium heat. Stir it often to ensure even heating. When reheating in the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway to warm it evenly. Be careful with the noodles. They can get mushy if they cook too long. Add the noodles when you first make the soup. If you freeze it, cook the noodles separately when you reheat. Then mix them in to keep them firm. Enjoy your warm soup! You can keep chicken noodle soup in the fridge for about three to four days. Store it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup. When frozen, it can last for about two to three months. Make sure to let it cool before freezing. Yes, rotisserie chicken is great for this soup. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred the chicken and add it when you would normally add the raw chicken. This will cut down on cooking time. You can add many vegetables to chicken noodle soup. Here are some tasty options: - Peas - Corn - Green beans - Spinach - Mushrooms Feel free to mix and match based on your taste and what you have on hand. Absolutely! Making chicken noodle soup ahead of time is a great idea. The flavors blend together and taste even better the next day. Just remember to cook the noodles separately if you plan to store leftovers. This way, they won’t get mushy when you reheat the soup. This post covered all you need for delicious chicken noodle soup. We discussed key ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful cooking tips. You learned some tricks to boost flavor and ways to make it kid-friendly. We explored variations using different proteins and noodles, along with storage advice. In summary, with simple steps and choices, you can create a warm bowl of comfort. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing this classic dish. It's a meal that brings smiles and warmth to any table.

Heartwarming Chicken Noodle Soup

A comforting and delicious chicken noodle soup perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 piece bay leaf
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley or dill

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and oregano, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  • Add the egg noodles and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  • Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or dill.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or spices to your taste.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, noodle, soup