Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Are you craving a warm and comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup? Look no further! In this ultimate guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making the best easy chicken noodle soup from scratch.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. We will share expert tips on selecting the perfect ingredients, from tender chicken to flavorful vegetables and aromatic spices.

You’ll learn how to create a rich and flavorful broth that will be the foundation of your soup, and we’ll guide you on choosing the right type of noodles for that perfect texture.

So, grab your apron and get ready to dive into the world of homemade chicken noodle soup. Get ready to tantalize your senses and warm your soul with this comforting classic. Let’s get cooking!

Benefits Of Making Chicken Noodle Soup From Scratch

There are numerous benefits to making chicken noodle soup from scratch. First and foremost, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that your soup is as healthy and nutritious as possible. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can avoid any additives or preservatives that may be present in store-bought options.

Additionally, making your own soup allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking, adjusting the seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Lastly, preparing chicken noodle soup from scratch can be a therapeutic experience. The process of chopping vegetables, simmering the broth, and adding the noodles can be a calming and rewarding activity that brings a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

How to make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

If this is your first time making soup let alone chicken noodle soup take a deep breathe, you got this. And it is a lot easier than it looks. It is called Easy Chicken Noodle Soup for a reason, it really is easy.

I will give you a few tips bellow to give you options and to make the process quick and easy for you.

Ingredient List

I know that it is popular to cook every bit of a meal from scratch. But that is not always possible for every cook, or every persons lifestyle.

Because of this fact I choose to use as many pre-made ingredients as possible.

Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken breast or shredded cooked rotisserie chicken is best.

Chicken Broth: This composes the liquid in this soup and add to the comforting taste and experience that chicken noodle soup is famous for.

Egg Noodles: I have seen many types of noodles used to make this soup, but my preference is egg noodles.

Butter: It is truly my belief that Butter makes everything better. A few tablespoons added to this soup make it richer and more flavorful.

Vegetables: Chopped Onion, Chopped Celery, and Chopped Carrots are the traditional vegetables added to a chicken noodle soup. I like to stick to these basics but you can omit them if you want to.

Seasonings: Minced Garlic Cloves, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Dried Parsley, Garlic Salt, and Freshly Ground Pepper all work together to help bring the flavor to this recipe. I prefer to go light on seasonings so as to avoid them competing for flavor. A balanced dish is always my preference, but lean towards what you like and make this dish your own.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces. If using a whole chicken, cut it into pieces and remove any excess fat. If using precooked chicken breasts cut into cubes. Gather your herbs and spices, and measure out the noodles.

2. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. This step helps to develop the flavor of the soup.

3. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Return the chicken to the pot and add enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 1 hour. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful broth.

5. After the soup has simmered, remove the chicken pieces from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

6. At this point, you can add the noodles to the pot and cook until they are tender, following the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.

7. Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add salt, pepper, or any additional spices to suit your taste preferences.

8. Serve your homemade chicken noodle soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy the comforting and delicious flavors!

Tips for enhancing the flavor of your chicken noodle soup

Remember, this is a recipe for easy chicken noodle soup, so lets keep it as easy as possible. I have a few simple ways to elevate the flavor of you soup. To take your chicken noodle soup to the next level, consider incorporating some of these flavor-enhancing tips:

1. Use homemade chicken stock instead of water for a richer, more flavorful broth.

2. Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

3. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite flavor profile.

4. Consider adding a touch of cream or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

5. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

I prefer to cook my soup in a large stock pan that has a lid. This allows there to be enough room for all of the ingredients. And it helps to keep the soup from splattering out when it comes to a boil.

Variations And Additions To Try In Your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

While the easy chicken noodle soup is delicious on its own, you can always get creative and add some additional ingredients for a unique twist. Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Asian-inspired: Add ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.

2. Mexican flair: Spice things up with some diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and a squeeze of lime juice.

3. Creamy indulgence: Stir in a can of cream of chicken soup or some heavy cream for a creamy and comforting soup.

4. Veggie-packed: Add extra vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and texture.

How To Store This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

If you have leftovers, you can store your homemade chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply transfer the desired amount of soup to a pot and heat it over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin out the soup as it thickens when refrigerated.

I have to share with you my favorite secret to storing soup, stew, or chili in the freezer.

When the dish has completely cooled I place the ingredients into a gallon ziploc freezer bag. I like to pre-label them with the contents and date.

Why would I do this instead of a plastic dish? They are easy for me to label with the date and contents. That way as time goes by I know exactly what was made and when.

When it comes to storing the soup it is able to lie relatively flat once frozen. And when I want to cook the soup I just have to take the frozen contents out of the freezer. I then place the soup into a pan with a small amount of water to reheat it.

I have to say that this is my favorite way to reheat this dish. And it definitely puts the ease into this easy chicken noodle soup recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Chicken Noodle Soup

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

A: While chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breasts cook faster.

Q: Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?

A: Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove.

Q: Can I make chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker?

A: Absolutely! To make chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker, follow the same steps but cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

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