Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a warm, wholesome meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful herbs in a savory broth, all complemented by comforting egg noodles.
With its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, this soup is sure to satisfy and warm you from the inside out.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a soothing remedy, this Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic choice that delivers both taste and comfort in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Comforting and Filling: This soup is packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and wide egg noodles, making it the perfect cozy meal for a chilly day or when you need some comfort food.
Homemade Goodness: With fresh ingredients like garlic, rosemary, and a splash of lemon juice, this soup has a depth of flavor that store-bought versions can’t match. The lemon juice adds a fresh, bright zing that balances the richness of the broth.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you prefer carrots, celery, peas, or green beans, you can easily adjust the vegetables to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Plus, the choice of herbs allows for personal touches—go with rosemary for a more earthy flavor, or use an Italian herb blend for a different twist.
Easy to Make: This soup is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. You can have a warm, nourishing bowl of soup ready in under an hour.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy lunch, or feeding someone under the weather, this hearty chicken noodle soup will always hit the spot.
Key Ingredients:
Egg Noodles: Extra-wide or Amish dumpling noodles are used for a hearty, satisfying texture.
Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken (about 2 medium breasts) gives the soup its protein base and comforting flavor.
Butter & Olive Oil: These fats help sauté the aromatics (onion, garlic, carrots, and celery) to develop rich flavors.
Vegetables: Onion, celery, carrots, and peas (or green beans) add color, texture, and nutritional value to the soup.
Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, providing a savory, rich flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables.
Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty kick that balances the richness of the broth.
Herbs & Seasonings: Fresh rosemary (or Italian herb blend), garlic, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor profile of the soup.
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
12 ounces extra wide egg noodles, I used amish dumpling noodles
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 cups diced or shredded chicken about 2 medium chicken breasts
2 tablespoons butter
1 white or yellow onion diced
3 teaspoons minced garlic
3 stalks of celery chopped
3 large carrots peeled and chopped
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
juice of 1 lemon
1-2 teaspoons salt to taste
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper or to taste
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon Herbs de Provence or Italian herb blend
1 cup frozen peas, I used green beans
Instructions
Step 1:
Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
Add noodles, boil til tender.
Drain and rinse with cold water, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
Step 2:
In a large stock pot, melt butter.
Stir in garlic, onions, celery, and carrots.
Saute for 3-4 minutes.
Step 3:
Add chicken broth, water, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
Bring to a boil and cook for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4:
Stir in chicken, peas, and noodles and cook 3-5 minutes longer.
Step 5:
Taste, add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve.
Notes:
Ingredient Variations: You can customize the vegetables based on availability or preference. For instance, you might substitute green beans for peas or add additional vegetables like spinach or diced potatoes for added texture and flavor.
Chicken Preparation: Using diced or shredded chicken breasts ensures quick cooking and tender meat. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Broth Flavor: The combination of chicken broth, lemon juice, and herbs (like rosemary or Herbs de Provence) creates a flavorful base. Adjusting the amount of salt and pepper allows you to tailor the soup to your taste preferences.
Noodle Handling: Boiling the noodles separately helps control their texture and prevents them from becoming mushy when added to the soup. Tossing them with olive oil after cooking prevents them from sticking together.
Cooking Techniques: Sauteing the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots before adding the liquid enhances their flavors and ensures they are tender in the finished soup. This step also helps develop a richer broth.
Adjusting Consistency: If the soup seems too thick after adding the noodles and chicken, you can adjust the consistency by adding more water or broth until it reaches your desired thickness.
Garnishing and Serving: Fresh herbs add a burst of color and freshness to the soup. Garnish with parsley, thyme, or chives for a finishing touch. Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or crackers for a comforting meal.
Storage and Reheating: This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. The flavors often deepen after sitting, making it a great make-ahead dish for busy weekdays.
Health Benefits: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber from vegetables, and the comfort of homemade broth, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
Variety in Flavors: Experiment with different herbs or spices to personalize the soup to your taste. Adding a dash of paprika or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can offer additional depth of flavor.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 20 g | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Dietary Fiber: 4 g | Sugars: 4 g | Total Fat: 10 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 60 mg | Sodium: 800 mg | Vitamin C: 15 mg | Iron: 2 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! While extra-wide egg noodles are traditional for chicken noodle soup, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as rotini, bowtie, or even spaghetti.
Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodle you use.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup when it’s time to incorporate the noodles.
This can save you time while still giving you that delicious, tender chicken in your soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time and store it?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Just note that the noodles may soak up some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Can I freeze this soup for later?
Yes, this soup freezes well. However, I recommend freezing it without the noodles.
The noodles can become mushy once frozen and reheated.
Instead, freeze the soup base (broth, chicken, veggies) and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
What can I use as a substitute for fresh rosemary?
If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary, or an Italian herb blend like oregano, thyme, and basil.
Adjust the amount to your taste, as dried herbs tend to be more potent than fresh ones.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy in the soup?
To avoid mushy noodles, cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving.
If you add them too early, they can absorb too much liquid and become soft.
Cooking the noodles al dente and rinsing them before tossing with olive oil also helps keep them from soaking up too much broth.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but you’ll need to cook them longer and shred the meat after it’s cooked.
If using bone-in, cook the chicken in the broth to infuse it with flavor, then remove the bones and shred the chicken before adding it back into the soup.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! You can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like corn, parsnips, green beans, or even potatoes.
Just make sure to adjust the cooking times so that the vegetables become tender without overcooking.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.
There are many great gluten-free pasta options available, such as rice noodles or gluten-free egg noodles, that will work just as well in this soup.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like your soup with a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables.
For a richer flavor, you could also add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to taste!