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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of noodles in this soup?

Yes, you can use various types of noodles, such as egg noodles, pasta, or rice, based on your preference.

Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What’s the best way to prepare the chicken for this soup?

You can use pre-cooked or leftover chicken, or you can cook fresh chicken breasts.

Simply season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it until it’s no longer pink in the middle, usually about 15-20 minutes.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

You can also add more vegetables or plant-based protein sources like tofu.

Are there any other herbs I can use besides rosemary?

If you don’t have rosemary, you can substitute with herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley, depending on your flavor preference.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove or in the microwave until it’s heated to your liking.

Add a bit of extra water or broth if the soup thickens upon reheating.