Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish with tender chicken, pasta noodles, and vegetables in a warm, clear broth. It’s perfect for cold days or when you need a quick, homemade meal.
I like to add extra thyme or a squeeze of lemon for freshness. Sometimes I sneak in a pinch of pepper just to spice it up—I never get tired of this classic.
When serving, I like to top it with a little chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cheese. It makes the soup look pretty and even tastier!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs stay juicier and are forgiving if slightly overcooked. For a different flavor, try turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional for their soft texture, but rice noodles work well too if you want gluten-free. If you don’t have noodles, cooked rice or even vermicelli can be good substitutes.
Broth: Use chicken broth for rich flavor, but vegetable broth is a great alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. Look for low-sodium broth to control salt levels easily.
Vegetables: Classic choices are carrots, celery, and onions. Feel free to add peas, corn, or spinach. Fresh is best, but frozen vegetables save time and work just as well in most recipes.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme add depth. Fresh garlic and herbs boost flavor fresh, but dried versions are convenient and store well for quick meals.
How do I make sure the chicken stays tender without overcooking?
First, bring your broth to a simmer. Add chicken and cook gently over low heat until just cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Check doneness by slicing into the thickest part, then remove to avoid drying out. Rest before shredding or chopping.
- Use gentle, not rolling, simmering to keep the chicken moist.
- Cook in small pieces or whole pieces, then shred for even cooking.
- Remove the chicken early and let it rest before adding back to keep it tender.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Broth and Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Protein and Noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup egg noodles
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes. Total: 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the vegetables
Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add broth and vegetables
Pour in chicken broth. Add carrots and celery. Bring to a boil and cook 10 minutes.
4. Add chicken and noodles
Stir in shredded chicken and noodles. Cook for 8-10 minutes until noodles are tender.
5. Season and serve
Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!
