Cozy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

$To make a warm bowl of homestyle chicken noodle soup, gather these key items: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 2 cups egg noodles - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients form the base of the soup. Each one adds its own special flavor, making the dish cozy and comforting. You can spice up your soup with these optional ingredients: - A splash of lemon juice for brightness - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like dill or thyme for added aroma - Corn or peas for a touch of sweetness Adding any of these can elevate your soup. Each option brings a new twist to the classic recipe. Don't have an ingredient? No problem! Here are some easy swaps: - Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for richer flavor. - Replace egg noodles with rice or gluten-free noodles if needed. - If you lack fresh herbs, dried herbs work just fine. These substitutions ensure you can still enjoy a delicious bowl of soup. Adjust to your taste and what you have on hand! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 2 cups egg noodles - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) First, wash and chop the vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. This step is key for flavor. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften but not brown. Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute until you can smell the garlic. It makes the soup smell amazing. Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. This part is important; you want a good rolling boil. Once boiling, add the shredded chicken and egg noodles. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until the noodles are tender and perfect. After cooking, taste the soup. Add salt and pepper to fit your taste. Remember to take out the bay leaf before serving; it's not meant to be eaten. Serve the soup hot, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. Enjoy your cozy bowl of chicken noodle soup! To boost flavor, use low-sodium chicken broth. It lets you control salt levels. Fresh herbs like thyme add depth. You can also try adding a squeeze of lemon. It brightens the taste. For a richer flavor, sauté the veggies longer. This caramelizes their natural sugars. Try adding a splash of soy sauce for umami. It works well with the chicken. Avoid boiling the noodles too long. This can make them mushy. Always add them near the end of cooking. Watch the heat level when cooking. Too high can make the broth cloudy. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. It’s not pleasant to eat. Lastly, taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. This ensures a balanced flavor. You need a large pot for making the soup. A good knife helps with chopping veggies. A cutting board is essential for safety. Use measuring cups for accurate amounts. A ladle makes serving easy. If you have one, a timer helps keep track of cooking times. Having these tools makes the process smoother. Enjoy making your cozy soup! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your soup significantly. Try adding fresh thyme or parsley just before serving for a vibrant taste. Chicken Choices: For a richer flavor, use rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken. The added seasoning will enhance the overall taste of your soup. Customize Your Noodles: Feel free to experiment with different types of noodles. Whole wheat or gluten-free options can be a healthier alternative to classic egg noodles. Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat and add a splash of broth to bring it back to life! {{image_2}} You can easily make a tasty vegetarian version of chicken noodle soup. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Use cooked chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken for protein. Add more veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. This way, you keep the cozy feel while fitting a vegetarian diet. For a gluten-free soup, choose gluten-free egg noodles or rice noodles. You can also use quinoa as a great alternative. Check that your broth is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. This keeps the soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities while still being comforting. Get creative with your soup by adding fun ingredients. Try adding peas or corn for a pop of sweetness. You can also stir in fresh spinach or kale for extra health benefits. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. These small changes can turn a simple soup into something special. To keep your soup fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to store it. Label the container with the date. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when it freezes. Portion the soup into smaller servings. This way, you can thaw only what you need. Chicken noodle soup can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat your soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Heat it in a pot over medium heat. Stir the soup often to avoid sticking. If it seems thick, add a bit of water or broth. Taste and adjust your seasoning before serving. Enjoy your cozy soup like it’s fresh! Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and add it to the pot. This makes your soup ready in a flash! You can store homemade chicken noodle soup in the fridge for about three days. Keep it in a sealed container. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Egg noodles work best for chicken noodle soup. They cook quickly and soak up the broth well. You can also try other types like wide noodles or even whole wheat noodles if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. In this post, we explored how to make delicious homestyle chicken noodle soup. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and clever tips to enhance flavor. You can also try variations like vegetarian options and gluten-free adaptations. Remember to store leftovers properly for later use. Now, you can create a warm, tasty soup for any occasion. Use these tips to make your soup special. Enjoy every bite, knowing you made it yourself!$

Cozy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

A warm and comforting chicken noodle soup perfect for chilly days.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 units carrots, sliced
2 units celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 leaf bay leaf
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
2 cups egg noodles
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Continue cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, add the shredded chicken and egg noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, noodle, soup