Chicken noodle soup is a comforting and versatile dish enjoyed around the world.
It typically consists of chicken, vegetables, and noodles simmered in a flavorful broth.
While there are many variations, the classic version includes ingredients like carrots, celery, onions, and a mix of herbs such as thyme and parsley.
Known for its soothing qualities, chicken noodle soup is often associated with home-cooked meals and is commonly served as a remedy for colds or when one needs a warm, hearty meal.
The balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates makes it a nourishing choice.
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups egg noodles
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into small pieces if using breasts, or leave whole or cut into smaller pieces if using thighs.
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same saucepan, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and water.
Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Prepare the Noodles: While the soup is simmering, cook the egg noodles separately according to the package instructions.
Once cooked, rinse and set aside.
Return Chicken to Pot: After simmering for 20 minutes, return the cooked chicken to the pot.
Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Combine Noodles and Soup: Discard the bay leaf from the soup.
Add the cooked egg noodles to the pot and stir to combine with the broth and chicken.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Savor the Comfort: With its hearty broth, tender chicken, and wholesome vegetables, this classic chicken noodle.
Variations of Chicken Noodle Soup:
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a touch of cream or milk to the broth for a richer, velvety texture. You can also incorporate some flour or cornstarch to thicken it.
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a kick of heat, add ingredients like chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños. A dash of sriracha or hot sauce can also elevate the spice level.
Asian-Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup: Use rice noodles or egg noodles and replace traditional herbs with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil. Add toppings like green onions, cilantro, or boiled eggs for extra flavor.
Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup: Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest to the broth for a refreshing citrus twist. This version pairs well with herbs like dill or parsley.
Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup: Substitute chicken with plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup: Make the process easier by cooking the ingredients in a slow cooker. Add all ingredients except the noodles, let it simmer for hours, and add the noodles towards the end to avoid sogginess.
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup:
Use Homemade Broth: A homemade broth adds depth and richness to the soup. Simmering a whole chicken with bones or using a rotisserie chicken carcass can significantly boost the flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: To avoid mushy noodles, cook them separately or add them to the soup in the last few minutes of cooking.
Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary can add a bright and aromatic element to the soup.
Shred the Chicken: Instead of cutting the chicken into chunks, shredding it makes for a more tender texture that absorbs the broth’s flavor.
Add Vegetables for Texture: Adding vegetables like celery, carrots, or peas not only increases nutrition but also adds a satisfying crunch to the soup.
Boost Umami: Adding a splash of soy sauce, a dash of fish sauce, or even a small amount of miso can provide an extra layer of savory flavor.
How to Store Chicken Noodle Soup:
Cool the Soup First: Before storing, allow the soup to cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess or bacterial growth.
Separate the Noodles: If you plan to store the soup for more than a day or two, it’s best to store the noodles separately from the broth.
This prevents them from becoming mushy as they continue to absorb liquid over time.
Use Airtight Containers: Store the soup in airtight containers or glass jars to keep it fresh. Make sure there’s a small gap at the top for expansion if you’re freezing the soup.
Refrigeration: Chicken noodle soup can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to label the container with the date.
Freezing: To store for longer periods, freeze the soup (without the noodles) in freezer-safe containers. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. You can cook fresh noodles when reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating: When reheating refrigerated or frozen soup, do so on the stovetop over medium heat. If frozen, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
You may need to add a little water or broth, as it might thicken over time.
Nutritional Information for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
(Per 1 cup serving, values may vary based on recipe and ingredients used):
Calories: 150-200 kcal
Protein: 10-15 g
Carbohydrates: 15-25 g
Sugars: 2-4 g
Fiber: 1-3 g
Fat: 5-7 g
Saturated Fat: 1-2 g
Cholesterol: 30-50 mg
Sodium: 700-1000 mg (varies with broth/salt content)
Vitamins:
Vitamin A: 60-90% of the daily recommended intake (due to carrots)
Vitamin C: 5-10% (varies with added vegetables like celery or parsley)
Minerals:
Iron: 5-8%
Calcium: 2-4%
Potassium: 150-300 mg
Nutritional Benefits:
High in Protein: Chicken provides lean protein, important for muscle repair and immune function.
Rich in Vitamins: The vegetables (carrots, celery, onions) are high in vitamins, particularly Vitamin A, which supports vision and immune health.
Low in Calories: Chicken noodle soup is relatively low in calories, making it a light yet filling meal.
Hydration: The broth helps maintain hydration, especially beneficial when recovering from illness.
Considerations:
Sodium Content: Commercial soups or broths can be high in sodium. Opt for low-sodium broth or make your own to reduce salt intake.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to make it more nutrient-dense by adding vegetables, whole-grain noodles, or using bone broth for extra minerals.