This chicken noodle soup is warm and cozy, featuring tender chicken, colorful veggies, and hearty egg noodles that soak up all the flavors. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
I love making this soup on chilly days. It’s so easy; just toss everything into a pot and let it simmer. Trust me, you’ll want seconds—maybe even thirds! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth, as it gives you control over the salt content. If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth can also work well for a lighter option.
Egg Noodles: Traditional for this soup, egg noodles add a nice texture. You can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if needed. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Vegetables: Onions, celery, and carrots are key for flavor and color. You can swap in any veggies you have—like peas or corn—for a fun twist. Frozen mixed veggies are also a great choice!
Herbs: Dried thyme and parsley are favorites of mine. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to swap them in for even more flavor! Just use about 3 times more fresh herbs than dried.
How Do I Ensure My Vegetables Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the right texture in your soup’s vegetables is key! Start by sautéing the onion, celery, and carrots together first. Cooking them for 5-7 minutes allows them to soften without losing their crunch.
- Use medium heat for even cooking and prevent burning.
- When you add minced garlic, just sauté it briefly (1 minute) so it doesn’t turn bitter.
- Let the soup simmer after adding broth and ingredients. It should be bubbling gently for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend perfectly!
With these tips, you’ll create a delicious Chicken Noodle Soup that warms your soul!
Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
For The Soup:
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus more fresh parsley for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 bay leaf
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 20 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weekday dinner or a comforting weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, sliced celery, and sliced carrots. Sauté these veggies together for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. This is where your soup begins to develop its delicious flavor!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. You’ll smell a lovely aroma—this means your garlic is just right!
3. Pour in the Broth:
Now it’s time to add the chicken broth along with the dried thyme, dried parsley, and the bay leaf if you’re using it. Bring the pot to a boil, letting all those scrumptious flavors combine.
4. Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 10 minutes to help the vegetables become even more tender and the flavors to come together nicely.
5. Cook the Noodles:
It’s time to add the egg noodles! Toss them into the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 6-8 minutes. They should be tender but not mushy.
6. Add Chicken:
Finally, stir in the cooked chicken pieces and let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
7. Season and Serve:
Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf before serving! Taste your soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Scoop the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles! It’s sure to warm you up and fill you with comfort. 🌟
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the amount you need and add it during the final step of the recipe to warm it through.
What’s a Good Substitute for Egg Noodles?
If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use whole wheat noodles, gluten-free pasta, or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure they’re tender!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just allow it to cool fully before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and it can last for about 2-3 months!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra veggies or even some tofu for protein to keep it hearty and filling!