Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! This chicken noodle soup recipe is your ticket to a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a hug. It’s a classic for a reason, blending savory broth, tender chicken, and soft noodles into pure deliciousness. Get ready to create a heartwarming meal that’s surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup
You’ll adore this homemade chicken noodle soup for so many great reasons.
- It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy evenings or weekend projects.
- We use convenient rotisserie chicken, saving you significant prep time.
- This comforting soup is perfect for any season, not just when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Each spoonful delivers a warm, nostalgic flavor that takes you back to childhood.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your cozy bowl of chicken noodle soup:
- 1/2 Tablespoon butter
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3-4 large carrots, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 10 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, or more, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 batch homemade egg noodles, or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-size pasta
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (or more, as needed), or chicken bouillon granules
Notes & Substitutions
For the chicken stock, store-bought low-sodium stock works great, or you can use homemade broth for richer flavor. If you don’t have egg noodles, small pasta shapes like ditalini, alphabet pasta, or even orzo are fantastic alternatives. Feel free to swap dried herbs for fresh ones like parsley or dill, adding them at the end. You can also include other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach. Instead of rotisserie chicken, use any leftover cooked chicken or even quickly poach some chicken breasts.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to make this delightful homemade chicken noodle soup.
- A large stock pot is essential for simmering your ingredients.
- A sharp knife and a cutting board will help you prepare your vegetables safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Finally, a ladle makes serving your warm soup a breeze.
Instructions
Let’s create your perfect bowl of chicken noodle soup! Follow these easy steps for a delicious result.
First, prepare your vegetables. Dice the celery and carrots. Mince the garlic clove. This makes cooking smooth and quick.
Add the butter to a large stock pot and place it over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the diced celery and carrots. Sauté these vegetables for about 3 minutes until they start to soften slightly. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
Pour the 10 cups of chicken stock into the pot. Season the broth with dried rosemary, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Remember to taste the broth before adding more salt, as stock salinity varies. Stir in a spoonful of “Better Than Bouillon” chicken flavor or bouillon granules as needed to enhance the depth of flavor.
Bring the seasoned broth to a boil. Once boiling, add your noodles. If using homemade egg noodles, cook them until they are al dente. If using dry store-bought pasta like egg noodles or farfalle, cook them just until they are barely tender. Be cautious not to overcook them; store-bought noodles can become mushy quickly. Remove the pot from the heat as soon as they reach al dente. The noodles will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat.
Finally, stir in the 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken meat. Taste the broth again and adjust any seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or herbs. Serve your hot chicken noodle soup immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
To ensure your homemade chicken noodle soup is always perfect, keep these tips in mind. First, never overcook your noodles; they will turn mushy. Remove them from the heat when they are just al dente. Always taste your broth before adding more salt; different stocks contain varying sodium levels. Adjust seasonings to your personal preference throughout the cooking process. For the best flavor, always use quality chicken stock or broth.
If your soup tastes bland, add a bit more salt, pepper, or a touch more bouillon. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten flavors. If your noodles accidentally become mushy, consider cooking them separately in boiling water, then adding them to individual bowls of hot soup right before serving. This prevents them from absorbing too much broth and breaking down.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken noodle soup is perfect for many occasions and easy to adapt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your steaming hot chicken noodle soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or crackers for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill just before serving adds a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor. For an extra kick, offer a dash of hot sauce on the side.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 4-5 days, depending on how fresh your rotisserie chicken was. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of extra chicken stock or water if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid.
According to USDA guidelines, leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Add a cup of frozen peas, corn, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Pasta Swap: Experiment with different small pasta shapes like orzo, stars, or even broken spaghetti.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a sliced jalapeño with the garlic.
- Homemade Chicken: If you prefer, cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs instead of rotisserie chicken.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk at the very end for a richer, creamier broth.
Nutrition Information
This homemade chicken noodle soup offers a comforting and nourishing meal. It provides essential protein from the chicken, along with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and broth.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 bowl (approx.) |
| Calories | 280-350 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 8-12g |
| Carbohydrates | 25-35g |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
Note: These are estimated nutritional values per serving (based on 8 servings) and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This information is for general guidance only.
FAQ
Here are answers to common questions about making delicious chicken noodle soup.
Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, you can! Add raw, diced chicken breast or thighs to the simmering broth for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through, before adding noodles. Remove and shred, then return to the pot.
Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
It’s best to freeze the broth and vegetables without the noodles and chicken if possible. Cooked noodles can become mushy when thawed. Add freshly cooked noodles and chicken when reheating for optimal texture.
How do I prevent mushy noodles?
Cook noodles separately to al dente, then add them to individual bowls of hot soup right before serving. Alternatively, cook them in the soup until just al dente, then immediately remove the pot from the heat.
What if my soup is bland?
Taste and adjust! Add more salt, black pepper, a dash of garlic powder, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. A little extra bouillon or a bay leaf simmered in the broth can also deepen the flavor.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap chicken stock for vegetable stock, omit the chicken, and add extra vegetables like chickpeas, potatoes, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian noodle soup.
Conclusion
This ultimate homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is truly a bowl of comfort, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on a quiet evening. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you can create a heartwarming meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly flavorful. Don’t hesitate to make this classic soup your go-to whenever you need a boost. Enjoy the warmth, the flavor, and the pure satisfaction of a perfect homemade meal!
