There is something truly special about a warm bowl of soup. It feels like a hug from the inside, right? When I think of comfort food, my mind immediately goes to a classic Chicken Noodle Soup.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. It is simple, filled with wholesome ingredients, and carries that familiar flavor we all love. It is one of those fantastic Noodle Soup Recipes you will want to make again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow. You do not need any fancy kitchen gadgets or complicated techniques. It is all done in one pot, which means less cleanup later. Who does not love that?
It is also packed with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion. These ingredients create a beautiful, aromatic base that makes the entire soup taste amazing. It feels good to eat something so nourishing.
This version uses quinoa instead of traditional noodles. This adds a lovely texture and a bit of extra protein. It is a small change that makes this Chicken Noodle Soup feel modern and fresh.
It is a wonderful meal for a busy weeknight. It comes together pretty quickly, and the leftovers are just as good the next day. It is a reliable recipe that never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced diagonally
- 2 celery ribs, sliced diagonally
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cups quinoa, rinsed well
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- salt and pepper, to taste
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté The Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Let them cook for about five minutes.
You want the vegetables to become just a little bit soft. Stir them every so often so they cook evenly. This step builds the first layer of flavor for your delicious Chicken Noodle Soup.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, add the minced garlic, the bay leaf, and the dried thyme. Stir everything together and let it cook for about another minute. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely wonderful at this point!
Cooking the garlic and herbs for a short time helps release their fragrance. This is a key part of making flavorful Soup Noodle Recipes.
Step 3: Simmer The Soup
Now it is time to pour in the chicken broth. Add the rinsed quinoa as well. Turn the heat up and bring the mixture to a boil. It should not take too long.
Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the quinoa enough time to cook through and become tender.
Step 4: Add The Chicken
Finally, stir in your cooked and shredded chicken. Let it cook for just a few more minutes. You just want to make sure the chicken is heated all the way through.
Give the soup a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Everyone’s preference is a little different, so season it just how you like it. Remember to remove the bay leaf before you serve it!
How To Store Leftovers
Storing leftover Chicken Noodle Soup is very simple. First, let the soup cool down completely at room temperature. You should not put a hot pot directly into the fridge.
Once it has cooled, transfer the soup into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about three to four days. This makes it a great option for meal prepping lunches for the week.
When you are ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium low heat. You can also warm it up in the microwave. Just be sure to stir it occasionally so it heats evenly.
Tips
Want to save some time? Use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. It is already cooked and seasoned, so all you have to do is shred the meat. It is a great shortcut for busy days.
Feel free to get creative with the vegetables. If you have some mushrooms or spinach on hand, they would be a great addition. You could even turn this into a Chicken And Broccoli Soup by adding some broccoli florets.
If you prefer traditional noodles, you can absolutely use them. Cook them separately according to the package directions. Add them to each individual bowl before serving to prevent them from getting mushy in the pot.
For a bit of freshness, squeeze a little lemon juice into the soup right before serving. It really brightens up all the flavors. A sprinkle of fresh parsley is also a nice touch.
Conclusion
This Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a meal. It is a bowl of pure comfort. It is simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to make you feel good.
Whether you are feeling under the weather or just need a simple dinner, this recipe is a wonderful choice. It is one of those classic Noodle Soup Recipes that brings a little warmth and happiness to your kitchen. I hope you enjoy it!
FAQ
Can I Use Noodles Instead Of Quinoa?
Yes, absolutely! If you want a more traditional Chicken Noodle Soup, feel free to use your favorite egg noodles. Just cook them on the side and add them to your bowl right before eating.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead Of Time?
This soup is great for making ahead. It stores well in the fridge for a few days. The flavors actually get even better over time as they meld together. It is a convenient option for meal prep.
What Kind Of Chicken Is Best For This Soup?
You can use any cooked chicken you have. Leftover roasted chicken is great. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient choice. You can also boil a couple of chicken breasts and shred them yourself.
Are There Other Vegetables I Can Add?
Definitely. This is one of the most flexible Soup Noodle Recipes. You could add peas, corn, green beans, or even potatoes. A version like Chicken And Broccoli Soup is also a tasty variation.
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup
This classic Chicken Noodle Soup is simple, nourishing, and packed with fresh vegetables. Using quinoa instead of traditional noodles adds a lovely texture and extra protein, making it a comforting meal for any weeknight.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Let them cook for about five minutes. You want the vegetables to become just a little bit soft. Stir them every so often so they cook evenly. This step builds the first layer of flavor for your delicious Chicken Noodle Soup.
- Next, add the minced garlic, the bay leaf, and the dried thyme. Stir everything together and let it cook for about another minute. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely wonderful at this point! Cooking the garlic and herbs for a short time helps release their fragrance. This is a key part of making flavorful Soup Noodle Recipes.
- Now it is time to pour in the chicken broth. Add the rinsed quinoa as well. Turn the heat up and bring the mixture to a boil. It should not take too long. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the quinoa enough time to cook through and become tender.
- Finally, stir in your cooked and shredded chicken. Let it cook for just a few more minutes. You just want to make sure the chicken is heated all the way through. Give the soup a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Everyone’s preference is a little different, so season it just how you like it. Remember to remove the bay leaf before you serve it!
Notes
Want to save some time? Use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. It is already cooked and seasoned, so all you have to do is shred the meat. It is a great shortcut for busy days.
Feel free to get creative with the vegetables. If you have some mushrooms or spinach on hand, they would be a great addition. You could even turn this into a Chicken And Broccoli Soup by adding some broccoli florets.
If you prefer traditional noodles, you can absolutely use them. Cook them separately according to the package directions. Add them to each individual bowl before serving to prevent them from getting mushy in the pot.
For a bit of freshness, squeeze a little lemon juice into the soup right before serving. It really brightens up all the flavors. A sprinkle of fresh parsley is also a nice touch.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
