Chicken Noodle Soup Benefits

What is more comforting than a bowl of chicken noodle soup? I mean, think about it. It’s like a warm hug in the bowl. Growing up, whenever I felt even the slightest sniffle coming on, my grandma would whip up a batch. It wasn’t just food, it was magic! It’s way more versatile than just medicine, too. Can you make it as light as you like? What is the best combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese? How do you blow water out of the water? What are the benefits of chicken noodle soup?

What is chicken noodle soup?

What is chicken noodle soup? What is a soup made with chicken broth, tender chicken pieces, vegetables (usually carrots, celery, onions, etc.) and boiled potatoes? Celery, and onion), and noodles. What is more than the sum of its parts? Think of it as liquid gold with chunks of deliciousness. Is comfort in a bowl? Is there a little bit of love? Every family has their own spin on it, too – some add herbs, some like a thicker broth, and others like it as an alternative. I swear by a secret ingredient. In our house, we always toss in bay leaf for extra depth of flavor. It really makes a difference!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What is the best chicken noodle soup recipe? First, the flavor is amazing. What is the difference between a deep, rich chicken flavor and the subtle sweetness of carrots? What is a bite of celery What is it like to make a chocolate cake? Don’t let the homemade aspect intimidate you – it’s mostly simmering and chopping. I promise, even on a busy weeknight, you can pull this together. Third, the cost-efficiency is a major plus. What are some good ways to use leftover chicken, veggies, and noodles? Can you buy a rotisserie chicken from the store? Finally, the versatility! You can add different vegetables, different noodles, or even spices to customize it to your liking. I sometimes toss in some spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients. What I love about this is how adaptable it is. Unlike some recipes that require precision, this one is forgiving and always delivers. What is your take on it?

How do I make chicken noodle soup?

Quick Overview

How do I make homemade chicken noodle soup? What is the best way to cook chicken broth? What should I do if I want to cook everything through, and I’m done? What is the secret to amazing flavor is to use good quality chicken broth and don’t skimp on the simmering time. What is that comforting, delicious taste that we all crave? Is it easy to make?

Ingredients

For the soup base:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken and Noodles: How do you prepare them?
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup egg noodles (or your favorite noodle shape)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

What are the step by

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

What is the best olive oil to use in a Dutch oven? Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. What is the best way to make soup? You want the vegetables to be tender and slightly caramelized, which adds depth to the overall flavor.

Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings

Add the chicken broth and the bay leaf. Pour in the thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. What is the best chicken broth to use? I like to use low sodium broth so I can control the salt level myself.

Step 3: Simmer

Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for at least 15 minutes. Why is chicken noodle soup so good? The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be! I often let mine simmer for up to an hour for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Noodles

Add the cooked chicken and egg noodles to the pot. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and reduce the water. Cook until noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Do not overcook noodles, or they will become mushy!

Step 5: Remove Bay Leaf and Serve

Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh parsley and ladle the soup into bowls. What are some good ways to serve fresh parsley in soup? Is lemon juice a good substitute for lemon?

What should I serve it with?

Chicken noodle soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments! What is your audience?

For a light lunch:What are some good side salads to serve with a vinaigrette dressing? The acidity of dressing cuts through the richness of the soup. What are some good buttered crackers on the side?

What is a cozy dinner?Serve with crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping into the broth. What is a classic pairing that never fails to satisfy?

For a sick day: What should I do?Saltine crackers are easy on the stomach and provide a comforting crunch. If you aren’t feeling well, you want the light blandness of the crackers, and to focus on getting better.

For a Crowd:What’s a good grilled cheese sandwich? My kids will never pass up this combo, no matter how many times I’ve made it! I like to cut the grilled cheese into strips for easy dipping.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite pairings! My family loves to add mashed potatoes to their soup. I always add them to my soup as well.

How do I make chicken noodle soup?

What are some of the best ways to make chicken noodle soup?

Use Good Quality Broth:What is the foundation of soup? Homemade broth is best, but if you’re using store-bought, look for a low-sodium option.

Don’t overcook noodles!Mushy noodles are a big no-no! Add the noodles at the end of the cooking time and cook until just tender.

How do you sauté vegetables? This step builds flavor, so don’t rush it! Cook the vegetables until they are softened and slightly caramelized.

Add Herbs and Spices: Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf add depth and complexity to the soup. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other herbs and spices, such as oregano, parsley, or garlic powder.

Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. It also saves time!

Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the pot towards the end of the cooking time. Stir until the soup thickens.

I have always found that chicken thighs give a much more depth of flavor than breast, feel free to experiment and see what you like the best! This is definitely a recipe that you can make as your own!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Chicken noodle soup should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, which can lead to food poisoning.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating it.

Freezer Instructions: Chicken noodle soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, cool the soup completely and then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. When thawing, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

I have always had good luck with freezing it, as long as you keep the broth separated from the noodles. Then when you want to eat it you can just add it to more boiling broth. I find this helps retain the flavor of the noodles over time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free noodles. There are many great gluten-free noodle options available at most grocery stores. You can also use rice or quinoa instead of noodles.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as potatoes, peas, green beans, or corn. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Add all the ingredients except the noodles to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in water as a substitute. However, the flavor will not be as rich as with chicken broth.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some tofu or tempeh for protein.

Final Thoughts

Chicken noodle soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory, a comfort, and a hug in a bowl. Its incredible flavor, easy preparation, and amazing benefits make it a staple in my home. I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in yours too! It truly is the perfect way to support your immune system and nourish your body from the inside out. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other soup recipes for more comforting and delicious options. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below with your own variations and tips, and don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it. Sharing is caring, so spread the love and share this recipe with your friends and family!

No ratings yet