Delish Chicken Noodle Soup

This Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty classic that’s perfect for any time of year. Using tender leftover chicken and fresh vegetables, it’s simmered with savory broth and a splash of tomato juice for extra depth. The addition of egg noodles makes it a satisfying, soul-warming meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying throughout the week. Enjoy a bowl of this homemade goodness and savor the flavors of a timeless favorite.

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

Leftover chicken (bones, skin, and meat)

2 large carrots, diced

4 stalks celery, diced

1/2 large sweet onion, diced

4 cups water

1 cup V8 tomato juice

1 can chicken broth (14.5 oz)

1 tablespoon “Better Than Bouillon” roasted chicken base

Salt, to taste

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

2 cups egg noodles

Instructions:

Prepare the Broth: Place the leftover chicken (bones, skin, and meat) into a large pot and cover with 4 cups of water. Simmer until the meat falls off the bones. Remove the chicken, shred the meat, and set aside. Discard bones and skin.

Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot with the broth. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Add Flavor: Stir in the V8 tomato juice, chicken broth, and “Better Than Bouillon” roasted chicken base. Season with salt and parsley flakes. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Return Chicken and Add Noodles: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the egg noodles and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.

Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup!

Notes for Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Chicken Preparation: If you have leftover cooked chicken without bones, you can skip simmering the chicken with bones. Just add diced or shredded cooked chicken directly to the soup.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.

Tomato Juice: V8 adds a rich, tangy flavor, but you can use regular tomato juice or omit it if preferred. Adjust the seasoning if you reduce or eliminate the tomato juice.

Broth Base: Adjust the amount of “Better Than Bouillon” to your taste. It’s concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

Noodle Cooking: To avoid overcooked noodles, add them towards the end of cooking. If storing leftovers, cook noodles separately and add to individual servings to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and spices as needed. Homemade broth can vary in saltiness.

Storage: Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup without noodles. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the vegetables.

Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can be added for extra flavor. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking.

Adjusting Acidity: If the soup tastes too acidic from the tomato juice, balance it with a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great option. Just shred or dice the chicken and add it to the soup.

You can skip simmering with bones and skin if using rotisserie chicken.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free egg noodles or other gluten-free pasta options.

Ensure all other ingredients, like the chicken broth and bouillon, are gluten-free.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Add all ingredients except the noodles to the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What if I don’t have V8 juice?

You can substitute with regular tomato juice or omit it entirely.

Adjust the seasoning to taste if you skip the V8 juice.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used.

Add them towards the end of cooking, as they cook faster than fresh vegetables.

How can I make this soup richer or creamier?

Stir in a splash of cream or a tablespoon of sour cream just before serving.

You can also use half-and-half or milk for a creamier texture.

What should I do if the soup is too salty?

To balance the saltiness, you can add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar, or add extra water to dilute the soup.

Taste and adjust as needed.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat before serving.

How should I store leftover soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the soup without noodles, then cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.

Can I add other types of pasta or grains to the soup?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta like penne or farfalle, or even add cooked rice or quinoa.

Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta or grains are properly cooked.