This comforting chicken noodle soup is a cozy bowl of goodness, just like Grandma used to make! With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and fresh veggies, it’s perfect for chilly days.
I love how this soup warms me from the inside out. Plus, it’s easy to make! Just toss everything in a pot and let the magic happen. You’ll feel all the love in every spoonful! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Both can add great flavor, but I often go for olive oil for a lighter taste. If you prefer butter, it adds a nice richness!
Onion: A medium onion gives a good base flavor. If you’re sensitive to onions, you can use shallots or even a sprinkle of onion powder instead.
Carrots: Fresh carrots bring sweetness and color. If you’re in a hurry, pre-cut or frozen carrots work too!
Celery: While optional, celery adds extra flavor. If you’re not a fan, just skip it or replace it with parsley for a fresh taste.
Chicken Broth: I prefer low-sodium broth to control the salt. You can also make your own broth with chicken bones for deep flavor if you have the time.
Cooked Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect here. If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can poach raw chicken breasts in the broth before adding noodles.
Egg Noodles: The classic choice! If you’re gluten-free, you can use rice noodles or chickpea pasta instead. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Parsley: Fresh parsley at the end brightens the soup. Dried parsley works too, but fresh is always a favorite!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Noodle Soup is Full of Flavor?
Building flavor is key when making this soup! Start by sautéing the onions and carrots until they soften; this creates a flavorful base. Don’t rush it! Proper sautéing enhances the overall taste.
- Heat oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add veggies and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Include garlic for just a minute to keep its flavor bright.
Next, bring the broth to a boil, then let it simmer. This allows flavors to develop! Add the chicken and noodles only when the broth is hot; this keeps everything balanced. For an extra touch, taste and adjust the seasonings towards the end!
Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 3 cups egg noodles or wide egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken noodle soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. In under an hour, you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery (if using). Sauté until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Pour in the Broth:
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Fresh, homemade broth gives it the best flavor, but store-bought works too!
4. Simmer the Veggies:
Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook until the carrots are tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to come together nicely.
5. Add Chicken and Noodles:
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and the egg noodles. Let this cook according to the package instructions (typically 7-9 minutes) until the noodles are just tender.
6. Season and Garnish:
After the noodles are cooked, add the dried parsley, thyme (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
7. Serve:
Remove the soup from the heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for garnish. Serve hot with your favorite crackers or crusty bread on the side. Enjoy every bite of this heartwarming soup!
This simple yet hearty chicken noodle soup perfectly captures the essence of comfort food, offering a clear golden broth filled with tender chicken, wide noodles, and colorful sliced carrots. Enjoy the homemade touch with every spoonful! 😊
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred the amount you need and add it to the soup when you add the broth. It will save you time and add great flavor!
How Do I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this soup gluten-free by substituting egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure they’re cooked properly.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze any leftover soup! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What Vegetables Can I Add to the Soup?
Feel free to customize your soup with other vegetables! Peas, corn, or green beans are great additions. Just add them in with the chicken so they cook through by the time your noodles are done.
