Whats In Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Healthy and easy, chicken soup is a delicious and wholesome way to get good food into the bellies of your loved ones! Of course, wed all love to have homemade chicken stock and freshly cooked chicken on hand, but sometimes boxed stock and a store-bought rotisserie chicken is the best we can do, and you know what? Thats okay! No one will be the wiser and your sanity will be spared. Here are all the ingredients youll need to make chicken noodle soup:
- Butter or oil
- Bay leaves
- Chicken stock
- Rotisserie chicken from the store
- Egg noodle
Ingredients Needed To Make This Recipe
We will be using a long list of veggies paired with a bunch of seasonings for a soup full of flavor and heartiness! The veggies are flexible, so feel free to mix and match amounts and types if youre trying to use up what you already have.
- Chicken: Start with 1 whole chicken. It should be around 3.5 to 4 lbs and will contribute to 10 1 cup servings of soup!
- Butter: Next, you will need 2 tbsp of butter. You can use olive oil if preferred.
- Veggies: For the veggies, prepare the following: 1 large onion, 5 stalks of celery, 5 large carrots, and 2 large parsnips. These load up the soup with bulk and flavor!
- Garlic: Season the soup by including 5 cloves of minced garlic. If you dont have fresh cloves, you can use 1 1/4 teaspoons of garlic powder.
- Chicken broth: Bulk up the soup and add liquid with 4 cups of chicken broth.
- Water: Do the same with water, and add 8 cups.
- Seasonings: Seasonings are everything in chicken noodle soup! Add 1/4 cup of fresh, chopped dill, 1/4 cup of fresh, chopped parsley, 2 tsp of celery salt, and 1 tsp of pepper.
- Lemon juice: 2 tsp of lemon juice will add a dash of zingy flavor.
- Salt & pepper: Add extra salt and pepper to taste after simmering. I typically find that another 1/2 tsp or more of each does the trick!
- Egg noodles: As for the noodles, use 10 oz of your favorite egg noodles.
- Corn or peas: Last but not least, include 1 cup of either frozen corn or frozen peas!
The Brief History Of Chicken Noodle Soup
Historians have dated the combination of chicken in broth back to the ancient Greeks whose physicians regularly prescribed chicken soup as a cure-all for a vast number of ailments. In the 1200s countries in Asia were pairing noodles with broth, and by the 1700s noodle soup became popular in Italy and was regularly given to the sick because it was easy to digest and was thought to promote healing. So when was the pairing of chicken + broth + noodles become complete? While Im sure the combination existed prior to the 20th century, it was the 1930s that put chicken noodle soup on the map.
Specifically, it was the year 1934 that the Campbells soup company debuted the very first canned chicken, broth, and noodle combo, setting the stage for what would become a national staple. At first it was titled Noodle with Chicken Soup. While it enjoyed success, the awkwardness of its name hindered it as evidenced by the fact that just five years later, when a radio host slipped and accidentally referred to it as chicken noodle soup, the people eagerly rushed to the grocery stores to try this new soup. Campbells quickly changed its name and its popularity soared from that point on. For better or for worse , Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup has remained a grocery store staple since its origin, being designated among the top 10 shelf-stable grocery items of all time.
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What You Need For Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Its time to ditch canned chicken noodle soup and make it in your own kitchen! The best and most classic way to do so is in a stockpot on the stove. Lets get started!
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that is lower in calories, but high in protein. You can always swap out the breasts for thighs or even omit to make this recipe vegetarian.
Veggies: this chicken noodle soup calls for all the classic chicken soup veggies: carrot, celery, garlic, and onion. Other veggies that would work well in this recipe are potato, sweet potato, parsnip, or squash.
Chicken Broth: while you can make your own homemade chicken broth, were keeping things simple with a storebought chicken broth. An option here is to swap your chicken broth out for vegetable broth or even beef broth if thats what you have.
Try it!
Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
So heres why we think this version is the best homemade soup from scratch
- Its chunky and well balanced, with plenty of protein, and veggies tucked between the noodles.
- We used bone-in chicken with skins and chicken broth, to intensify the chicken flavor. Using both makes a big difference.
- We also enhanced the broth by adding a little bit of turmeric for color, and cornstarch at the end to thicken the broth just a tad. Its not thick, mind you, and its not watery. Its just right!
- We focused on freshness with vegetables, herby essence, and a pop of lemon juice to brighten things up.
- We used dried noodles that feel homemade once they cook.
- And best of all, we did all this while taking out unnecessary steps, so the recipe isnt daunting.
We think its pretty awesome.
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This Chicken Noodle Soup Is Easy
Every time I start to think about this soup, I want to make it. Classic chicken noodle soup is pure comfort food. Thankfully, our recipe is so easy you can even make it tonight! Chicken noodle soup is one of the easiest soups to make. The ingredients are simple and inexpensive. You are looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish for this soup. Not too bad, especially when 20 minutes of that time is hands-off!
For a creamier soup, take a look at our favorite creamy chicken noodle soup recipe .
About The Chicken Stock:
If your questioning whether you should use homemade chicken stock, or store-bought for this recipe, homemade is definitely the way to go! The secret is to use a rotisserie chicken so that you can use the meat in the soup and make chicken broth with the leftover carcass and bones. You wont believe how easy it is and it really takes the soup over top in terms of depth of flavor.
Read Also: How To Make Chicken Jerkey
How To Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup
When it comes to freezing soup, our biggest pointer is to make the noodles later. Thats right, we do NOT recommend freezing noodles because when reheating, they will likely become soggy.
To freeze chicken noodle soup, follow the directions as is, but do not add the noodles. Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer it into a freezer-safe container or gallon-size bag. Then, remove as much air as possible and seal. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw + reheat: remove your frozen soup from the freezer and let it thaw completely on the countertop. Once thawed, transfer it into a large stockpot and reheat over medium/high heat. While the soup is reheating, cook your noodles in a separate pot. Once the noodles are cooked, strain and add them to the soup.
Tutorial
How To Make It
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup really is super easy to make from scratch and you can totally make a big batch to stash in the freezer for chicken soup emergencies.
It comes together quickly, too, if you have leftover chicken to use up like I usually do from my Homemade Rotisserie Chicken.
You start by sautéing your veggies until soft. Then, add your cooked chicken and pour in the stock.
Once it comes to a boil, add the noodles and cook until al dente. Its ready in about 10-15 minutes total and freezes beautifully for quick weeknight dinners.if you dont have the patience to wait 10-15 minutes for your homemade chicken noodle soup.
I like to serve the best Chicken Noodle Soup with a hearty salad packed with fruit and nuts. A lighter green saladwould be nice too but when youve been starving for two weeks straightsometimes you need a little substance. Or just a big fudgie brownie.
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Storing Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup
We love making a big pot of chicken soup and enjoying it throughout the week. Keep in mind, if the soup is stored too long, the noodles will turn mushy. If storing longer than 1-2 days, its best to store the soup and the noodles separately and recombine right before serving.
- Refrigerated: Cool the soup completely and store covered in the refrigerator. Once noodles are in, the soup should be enjoyed within 2 days. The soup will keep up to a week if you store the noodles separately and combine when reheated.
- To Freeze: If you plan to freeze the soup, wait to add the noodles when you reheat the soup. Chicken soup can be frozen up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Recombine noodles and soup in a pot or microwave-safe bowl and heat to the desired temperature on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using uncooked noodles, reheat on the stove until the mixture boils and noodles are tender.
The Best Soup For A Cold
Everyone knows that when youre struck down with Man Flu*, the only thing that will nurse you back to health is Chicken soup.
While its questionable whether its been conclusively scientifically proven that Chicken soup is even better than medicine, heres 3 reasons why Chicken soup is a great remedy for a cold:
- Hydration from the natural salt in chicken
- Warm non-creamy soup broth and steam helps clear nasal and throat passageways and
- Immune boosting antioxidants and nutrition from carrots, celery, onion and garlic.
From a practical perspective, its light so its easy to stomach, doesnt require much effort to chew or the effort of a knife and fork. And even when youre sick, you can still appreciate the tastiness of a beautiful Chicken Noodle soup!* Man Flu official definition according to Dictionary.com: a case of the common cold as suffered man, implying that he is exaggerating the debilitating effects of the illness Just saying..
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Save Time And Use Rotisserie Chicken Or Leftover Chicken
For the easiest chicken noodle soup, if you have a rotisserie or leftover chicken, instead of adding chicken thighs to the pot, add two to three cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken to the soup at the same time as adding the dried noodles.
Since there is no need to cook the chicken thighs anymore, reduce the simmer time by 10 minutes. We use this method whenever weve roasted a whole chicken the night before.
For even more tips, you can also take a read through our article for How to Make the Best Leftover Chicken Soup.
Spiraled Zucchini Chicken Noodle Soup Jars
Your chicken zoodle soup, in meal prep form! Make these mason jars up in advance and store then in the fridge for up to four days. When ready to eat, just add boiling water.
Its like homemade Cup-O-Soup!
Mmmm thirty cozy and comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes recipes for you to cook. Skip the canned, its so much better homemade!
Save or pin this collection of great recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to to GypsyPlate, were always cooking up new easy recipes for you!
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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Sometimes I am in the mood for homemade chicken noodle soup, but I simply dont always have the time to make it. However, you really can have homemade chicken noodle soup recipe in 20 minutes or less.
All you need is the chicken already cooked. Now you can just shred up a rotisserie chicken or you can make your own.
Not only does it save time and money but it tastes amazing. We love tips like this because they make dinner so easy!
Chicken Noodle Soup Faqs
Can I use chicken breast to make Chicken Noodle Soup?
You can make chicken noodle soup using 4 chicken breasts. It is amazing this way, too!
What are the best noodles for Chicken Noodle Soup?
I love using egg noodles or spiral noodles. They are both perfect for making this soup.
For more tips on cooking the best chicken recipes, check out my Chicken Temperature Chart complete with a cooking guide!
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The Benefits Of Homemade Broth
Homemade Chicken Broth adds a richness of flavor to any soup that cannot be beaten. Our Chicken Bone Broth is nutrient-dense and can help to improve overall health. When you cook the homemade broth in an instant pot you can have this liquid gold in about 2 hours. It also makes all the difference in how good your soup tastes.
How To Ensure Your Soup Broth Is Clear
One of the things we all love about a great chicken noodle soup is how clear the broth is. Transparent yet full of flavour! Theres a few tricks to the clear broth:
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Simmer the chicken really gently. Harder boil gets the chicken jiggling around = murkier broth
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Scoop the scum off the surface
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Let the broth settle . Youll find that the bottom of the broth becomes darker as stuff settles on the base of the pot. Then gently pour the broth into the soup pot, leaving behind the darker broth that settled to the bottom of the pot
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Dont brown the sautéed onion, carrots and celery. Brown veggies = brown broth!
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Dont stir the pasta while it boils. That activates the starch in the pasta, making the broth cloudier.
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Is Chicken Noodle Soup Healthy
Yes, homemade chicken noodle soup is healthy, and much healthier than store-bought soups which are usually loaded with sodium and other artificial flavors and preservatives. Chicken broth or stock are loaded with vitamins and minerals, and soothing for the body. Even if you use store bought chicken broth and noodles, its still healthier in every way!
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
While our chicken noodle soup can be made with just water, for the absolute best flavor were doubling up on that chicken flavor by swapping the water out with high quality chicken broth. Is using chicken broth necessary? No. Does it maximize the flavor of the soup? 100% yes.
Gather up the ingredients and lets get started!
In a Dutch oven or stock pot heat the oil over medium high heat and brown the chicken pieces in batches on all sides until dark golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and leek.
Cook the vegetables until softened, 4-5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Return the chicken pieces to the pot.
Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Add the broth. Again, this is optional but we highly recommend it for the BEST flavor.
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After you add the broth bring the soup to a boil and scrape off any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 50-60 minutes.
Remove the chicken and let it sit until cool enough to handle. Remove and discard the skin. Remove and dice the chicken meat. Discard the bones. If desired, spoon off the top layer of oil on the soup.
Add the noodles.
Cook for 8-10 minutes or until done. Discard the bay leaves.
Return the diced chicken to the pot.
Stir in the lemon juice and parsley and heat through. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Can This Soup Be Frozen
Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer safe, air tight container. Again, I would wait to add the noodles if you are going to freeze this soup as they will soak up the broth.
When ready to serve, defrost the soup out in the refrigerator, reheat on the stovetop and add in the dried noodles to cook to your preference.
The Best Chicken Noodle Soup
This is literally the BEST chicken noodle soup recipe EVER! The flavoring is absolutely incredible, and the ingredients are simple. Colder days are here and still ahead of us, and you know a good chicken noodle soup is going to be needed to get you through. This soup is perfect because its so hearty and filled with chunks of chicken, thick slices of vegetables, and all the flavor you can imagine with simple and easy ingredients.
Chicken noodle soup is made for those days when you are sick and just need some comfort food to fill you up and warm your core. When I make this soup, my entire family loves it, and I know that yours will too! Pair this soup with some homemade bread or rolls, and you will be all set! Trust me when I say that you will want to double this recipe to have more often than not this winter season.
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How To Make Chicken Soup
We start this soup with a simple Soffritto . Also know as the holy trinity of cooking. A simple combination of three aromatics:
The three are sautéed together to provide the flavour base for this soup.
For a hearty and flavourful soup, Chicken Thighs or Legs are ideal. The darker meats along with the bones provide a stronger taste compared to white meat , creating a richer broth with plenty of flavour. Add them in along with your broth after your soffritto is done.
Crushed Bouillon is an optional add in and go in along with your broth providing a lot of flavour. If you dont have access to bouillon, use regular stock powder or omit!
Simmer until the chicken is falling off the bone and cooked through, then shred chicken with forks and throw the meat back into the soup.