Ever have those evenings when you just want something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious, but the thought of a complicated meal makes you want to order takeout? You’re not alone! We’ve all been there, staring into the fridge, wishing for a magic solution. Well, guess what? We’ve got one of the best easy recipes dinner options for you today: a classic chicken noodle soup that hits all the right notes without any fuss.
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, a true weeknight hero, and frankly, one of those easy meal recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Forget spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is all about simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and maximum flavor. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy dinner ideas, proving that wholesome food can also be incredibly convenient.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good, hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup? But what makes this version particularly special? For starters, it’s incredibly forgiving. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, you’ll find this recipe a breeze. It truly embodies what easy recipes dinner should be: minimal stress, maximum reward.
It’s also a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget. Using simple, affordable ingredients, you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and goodness, making it one of our go to healthy dinner ideas. You know, sometimes we just need those comforting flavors that remind us of home, and this soup delivers every single time.
Another big win? This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need quick dinner ideas. From start to finish, you’re looking at a relatively short cooking time, meaning you can get a wholesome, homemade meal on the table in a flash. No more scrambling for last minute meals. This is an easy supper recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to any great meal, and for this comforting soup, everything you need is probably already in your pantry or easily found at your local grocery store. We’re talking about basic, wholesome items that come together to create something truly magical. This simple list is why it’s one of the best easy recipes dinner options out there.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 package (20 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in 3/4 inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped carrot
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 carton (32 oz) chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked medium egg noodles (3 oz)
- Chopped fresh parsley, if desired
- Garlic flavored croutons, if desired
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business! This is where the magic happens. Don’t let the idea of cooking intimidate you; these instructions are super clear and easy to follow. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this amazing easy recipes dinner.
Step 1: Brown the Chicken to Perfection
First things first, grab your 5 quart Dutch oven. Heat the vegetable oil over medium high heat. While that’s warming up, season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the pot. Cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring just once, until it’s beautifully browned on the outside. This step adds so much depth to our easy meal recipes!
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the browned chicken to a bowl. Make sure to cover it to keep it warm. Those delicious drippings left in the Dutch oven? Don’t toss ’em! They’re packed with flavor and we’ll use them in the next step.
Step 2: Soften Those Veggies
Now, add your chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the oil and drippings already in the Dutch oven. Keep the heat at medium high. Cook these aromatic veggies for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to soften up. This is where the foundation of our comforting soup really begins to develop. It’s a key part of any good easy supper recipe.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Time to add the chicken broth! Pour it into the Dutch oven with the softened vegetables and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, stir in your medium egg noodles and the browned chicken you set aside earlier. Bring it back to a boil.
Once it’s boiling again, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until those noodles are perfectly tender. You’ll see the soup transforming into that hearty, delicious dish you’ve been craving. This is truly one of the best quick dinner ideas around.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
And just like that, you’re ready to serve! Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. If you’re feeling fancy, or just want to add an extra layer of flavor and texture, top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and some garlic flavored croutons. Enjoy your homemade, wholesome, and truly satisfying easy recipes dinner!
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about making a big batch of soup, especially an easy recipes dinner like this one, is having leftovers for lunch the next day or for another quick meal. To store your delicious chicken noodle soup, first let it cool down completely at room temperature. This is important for food safety.
Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s piping hot. If the noodles have soaked up a lot of broth, you might want to add a splash more chicken broth or water when reheating to get that perfect consistency back. It’s a fantastic easy meal recipe even on day two!
Tips
Want to make this already amazing easy recipes dinner even better? Or perhaps you’re looking for ways to customize it to your taste? Here are a few handy tips to elevate your chicken noodle soup experience. We’re all about making cooking fun and flexible!
- Boost the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or spinach during the last few minutes of simmering. This makes it an even more robust and colorful healthy dinner idea.
- Herb Power: A dash of dried thyme or bay leaf added with the broth can deepen the flavor profile. Just remember to remove the bay leaf before serving. Fresh dill or chives also make wonderful garnishes, adding a fresh, vibrant note.
- Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re cooking the vegetables. It’s a simple tweak for those who love a bit of heat in their easy supper recipe.
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: If you’re really short on time, use pre cooked rotisserie chicken. Shred it and add it with the noodles. This turns an already quick meal into one of the ultimate quick dinner ideas. Just adjust the initial cooking time for the chicken accordingly.
- Homemade Broth: If you have homemade chicken broth on hand, by all means, use it! It will take this soup to an entirely new level of deliciousness. But honestly, store bought works perfectly fine for an easy meal recipe.
- Noodle Alternatives: Not a fan of egg noodles? Try small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even broken spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they might vary.
Conclusion
So there you have it! A comforting, flavorful, and incredibly simple chicken noodle soup that’s perfect for any night of the week. This recipe truly embodies what we mean by easy recipes dinner: it’s approachable, delicious, and leaves you feeling satisfied without all the fuss. It’s a testament to the idea that amazing homemade food doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming.
Whether you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas, craving quick dinner ideas, or simply need an easy supper recipe to get you through a busy evening, this chicken noodle soup has got your back. Go ahead, give it a try. Your taste buds, and your family, will thank you. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries about making this wonderful easy recipes dinner.
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten free, simply swap out the regular egg noodles for your favorite gluten free pasta. There are many great options available these days that work wonderfully in soup. Just follow the package directions for cooking time, as gluten free pasta can sometimes cook a bit differently. This ensures your easy meal recipe suits everyone!
What If I Don’t Have A Dutch Oven?
No problem at all! A large, heavy bottomed pot or stockpot will work just fine. The key is to use a pot that’s big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably and that distributes heat evenly. Don’t let specialized equipment stop you from making this fantastic easy recipes dinner.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes, you certainly can! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be a delicious alternative. They tend to stay very moist and add a rich flavor to the soup. The cooking time for browning them would be similar. This small change keeps it an easy supper recipe while offering a different texture.
How Can I Make This Soup Creamier?
For a creamier texture, you can stir in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half and half during the last minute of simmering. Just be sure not to boil the soup vigorously after adding dairy, as it can curdle. This makes for a richer, more indulgent quick dinner idea.
Easy Weeknight Chicken Noodle Soup
This classic chicken noodle soup is a hug in a bowl! A no-fuss, comforting, and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and a family favorite.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a 5 quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the egg noodles and the cooked chicken. Return to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and croutons if desired.
Notes
For a shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Shred it and add it to the soup along with the noodles.
Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or peas during the last few minutes of simmering for extra nutrition.
A bay leaf or a dash of dried thyme added with the broth will deepen the soup’s flavor. Just be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
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