Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless dish loved for its warmth, flavor, and nourishing qualities. Perfect for cold days, recovering from illness, or simply enjoying a wholesome meal, this soup is as satisfying as it is versatile. Below, you’ll find all the details you need to prepare, cook, and serve this comforting classic.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1½ cups egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation Steps
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the vegetables and mince the garlic. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot and stir in the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Noodles
- Add the egg noodles to the pot and let them cook according to package instructions (typically 6-8 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, ensuring the ingredients don’t clump together and the soup cooks evenly
- Add the Chicken
- Next, stir in the shredded chicken and allow it to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until fully heated through.
- Taste and Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
- Bowls: Ladle the soup into warm bowls to keep it piping hot.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for a touch of freshness.
- Sides: Serve with warm crusty bread, dinner rolls, or crackers for dipping.
- Beverages: Pair with a glass of cold water, iced tea, or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Cooking Tips
- Homemade Chicken Broth: If you have time, simmer a whole chicken or chicken bones with vegetables and herbs for a rich and flavorful broth.
- Noodle Texture: For al dente noodles, cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving.
- Make it Creamy: Add a splash of cream or milk for a richer soup variation.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or peas for extra nutrition.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup without the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
