Homemade Comfort: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, add the chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer until the chicken is fully cooked, about 25-30 minutes.
  5. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  6. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
  7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Add chopped cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
  • Include cooked diced potatoes for added heartiness.
  • Add frozen peas or corn for extra vegetables.
  • Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian option.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
  • Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary for added flavor.
  • Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for a healthier or gluten-free version.

Recipe overview

This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a classic comfort dish, perfect for a chilly day or when you're feeling under the weather. It's packed with fresh vegetables, hearty chicken, and delicious noodles, all simmered in a flavorful, homemade broth. With aromatic herbs and a hint of garlic, this soup is not only satisfying but also filled with nutritious ingredients. The recipe is straightforward and doesn't require any advanced cooking skills. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner, you'll find making this soup to be a simple and rewarding process. Expect a warm, hearty bowl of soup that will fill your home with an enticing aroma and leave your family asking for seconds.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken broth instead of chicken stock? Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of chicken stock in this recipe. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still turn out delicious.
  2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
  3. Can I add vegetables of my choice? Of course! Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables. Just ensure that you chop them into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  4. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
  5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients (except for the noodles) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is essential for cooking the soup and accommodating all the ingredients.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is needed for chopping the vegetables.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for cutting the vegetables and shredding the cooked chicken.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Measuring cups and spoons are helpful for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Soup ladle - A soup ladle makes it easier to serve the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - Soup bowls are needed for serving the chicken noodle soup.
  • Soup spoons - Soup spoons are designed with a deeper bowl shape to help you enjoy the soup.

Origin stories

Chicken noodle soup has been lauded as a comfort food across the globe for centuries. While its precise origins are hard to pin down, it's widely agreed that this soothing soup likely has its roots in Ancient China, where chicken and noodles were staple ingredients. Interestingly, it was in Jewish communities across Eastern Europe where chicken noodle soup gained its reputation as a 'cure-all' for ailments, earning the nickname "Jewish penicillin". The soup crossed the Atlantic with Jewish immigrants and has since become a quintessential dish in American cooking, particularly as a remedy for the common cold. Today, almost every culture has its own take on chicken noodle soup, making it a universal expression of culinary comfort and healing.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.