There is something truly special about a steaming bowl of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. It is more than just food; it is a warm hug on a chilly day, a comforting friend when you are feeling down, and a simple taste of home. It brings back memories and creates new ones all at once.
This recipe is all about getting that classic flavor without any fuss. We are using simple ingredients to create a soup that tastes like it has been simmering for hours. It is one of my favorite Noodle Soup Recipes to have on hand for busy weeknights. Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to adore this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, and here is why. First off, it is incredibly easy to make. You do not need any fancy kitchen gadgets or complicated techniques. It is a straightforward recipe that delivers amazing results every single time.
It is also packed with flavor. We use bone in chicken, which creates a much richer and more delicious broth. The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs makes every spoonful a delight. It is a complete meal in one pot, full of protein, veggies, and carbs.
This recipe is also very forgiving. You can easily customize it to your liking. Have some extra vegetables in the fridge? Toss them in! It’s a great way to use up what you have. It makes it one of the most versatile Soup Noodle Recipes you can find.
Ingredients
The beauty of a classic Chicken Noodle Soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Everything here is easy to find at your local grocery store. Nothing fancy, just good old fashioned ingredients for a fantastic soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 6 bone in, skinless chicken thighs or 8 legs
- 2 quarts chicken stock or broth
- 1 to 2 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
- 7 ounces green beans, chopped in thirds
- 3/4 cup corn kernels
- 4 ounces baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 quart water as needed
- 6 ounces vermicelli, egg noodles, or angel hair pasta
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch cracked pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s walk through this together. Making this soup is a relaxing process, so put on some music and enjoy it. Just follow along, and you will have a beautiful pot of soup ready in no time.
Step 1: Build The Flavor Base
First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat your olive oil over medium heat. Once it is warm, add your diced onion and let it cook for about two minutes. You want it to soften up a bit and become fragrant.
Next, toss in the minced garlic, chopped celery, and chopped carrots. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for another five minutes. This step is so important. It builds the aromatic foundation of your Chicken Noodle Soup.
Step 2: Add The Chicken And Broth
Now it is time for the star of the show. Carefully place the chicken thighs into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure it covers the chicken and vegetables. Add the crushed bouillon cubes, the chopped green beans, and the corn kernels.
If the liquid does not cover all the ingredients, go ahead and add some water until everything is submerged. This ensures everything cooks evenly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Simmer To Perfection
Turn the heat up and bring the soup to a boil. This should only take about four minutes. As soon as it is boiling, reduce the heat to low. You want a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
Partially cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for about twenty minutes. This gives the chicken time to cook through completely and become super tender. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing right about now.
Step 4: Shred The Chicken
After twenty minutes, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot. Place them on a plate or cutting board and let them cool just enough so you can handle them. The meat should be falling off the bone.
Using two forks, shred the chicken meat. It should come apart very easily. Be sure to discard the bones. Nobody wants a bone in their soup! This is a key step for all great Soup Noodle Recipes.
Step 5: Cook The Noodles
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Now, add your noodles. Whether you are using vermicelli, egg noodles, or angel hair, they will cook right in the broth. This infuses them with so much flavor.
Cover the pot and let the noodles cook for about six to eight minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles do not stick together. This is when the soup really starts to come together and look like the classic Chicken Noodle Soup we all love.
Step 6: Add The Greens
Once the noodles are tender, it is time for the final touches. Stir in the fresh baby spinach leaves. They will look like a lot at first, but they wilt down very quickly. Use your spoon to gently press them into the hot liquid.
This should only take about three minutes. The spinach adds a lovely color and a boost of nutrients. Finally, mix in the finely chopped fresh parsley. It adds a wonderful freshness to the finished soup.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Give the soup a final taste. Season it with salt and cracked pepper as needed. Everyone’s preference is different, so adjust it until it tastes just right to you. Serve your delicious homemade Chicken Noodle Soup warm and enjoy every spoonful!
How To Store Leftovers
Storing leftover Chicken Noodle Soup is easy. Let the soup cool down to room temperature first. Then, pour it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days.
One thing to remember is that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid as they sit. They might become a bit soft. If you prefer, you can cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl as you serve it. This keeps them from getting mushy in the leftovers.
For longer storage, you can also freeze the soup. It freezes beautifully for up to three months. I recommend freezing it without the noodles, then adding fresh noodles when you reheat it for the best texture.
Tips
Want to add even more flavor? Feel free to toss in some fresh or dried herbs while the chicken is simmering. Thyme, basil, oregano, or a bay leaf would all be wonderful additions. Just remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.
If you like a little bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes. It gives the soup a gentle warmth that is really pleasant. Also, for an extra rich broth, you can brown the chicken thighs in the pot for a few minutes before adding the vegetables.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables. This recipe would be amazing as a Chicken And Broccoli Soup. Just add some broccoli florets along with the green beans. Mushrooms or peas would also be great additions.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious recipe for homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. It is proof that you do not need a lot of complicated steps to create a truly satisfying meal. It’s one of those Noodle Soup Recipes that feels good for the soul.
I hope you and your family enjoy this soup as much as mine does. It is a recipe that is meant to be shared. So, gather around the table, serve up a warm bowl, and make some wonderful memories. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead Of Thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook a little faster, so check for doneness around the 15 minute mark. Just know that chicken thighs tend to be more tender and add a bit more flavor to the broth.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
This soup is very flexible. Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy. Peas, corn, mushrooms, potatoes, or even broccoli would be great. For a Chicken And Broccoli Soup variation, add chopped broccoli florets about 10 minutes before the soup is done simmering.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! This is a great recipe to make ahead. You can make the entire soup, or you can prepare the broth and chicken mixture and store it. Then, when you are ready to eat, simply reheat it and cook the noodles right before serving for the best texture.
What Are The Best Noodles For This Soup?
Wide egg noodles are the classic choice for Chicken Noodle Soup. However, you can use almost any pasta. Vermicelli, angel hair, or small shells also work really well. It really comes down to personal preference. Use what you love!
Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This easy homemade chicken noodle soup is a comforting, flavorful meal packed with fresh vegetables and tender chicken. Simple to make with wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and feels like a warm hug.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat your olive oil over medium heat. Once it is warm, add your diced onion and let it cook for about two minutes. You want it to soften up a bit and become fragrant.
- Next, toss in the minced garlic, chopped celery, and chopped carrots. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for another five minutes. This step is so important. It builds the aromatic foundation of your Chicken Noodle Soup.
- Now it is time for the star of the show. Carefully place the chicken thighs into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure it covers the chicken and vegetables. Add the crushed bouillon cubes, the chopped green beans, and the corn kernels.
- If the liquid does not cover all the ingredients, go ahead and add some water until everything is submerged. This ensures everything cooks evenly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Turn the heat up and bring the soup to a boil. This should only take about four minutes. As soon as it is boiling, reduce the heat to low. You want a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
- Partially cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for about twenty minutes. This gives the chicken time to cook through completely and become super tender. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing right about now.
- After twenty minutes, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot. Place them on a plate or cutting board and let them cool just enough so you can handle them. The meat should be falling off the bone.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken meat. It should come apart very easily. Be sure to discard the bones. Nobody wants a bone in their soup! This is a key step for all great Soup Noodle Recipes.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Now, add your noodles. Whether you are using vermicelli, egg noodles, or angel hair, they will cook right in the broth. This infuses them with so much flavor.
- Cover the pot and let the noodles cook for about six to eight minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles do not stick together. This is when the soup really starts to come together and look like the classic Chicken Noodle Soup we all love.
- Once the noodles are tender, it is time for the final touches. Stir in the fresh baby spinach leaves. They will look like a lot at first, but they wilt down very quickly. Use your spoon to gently press them into the hot liquid.
- This should only take about three minutes. The spinach adds a lovely color and a boost of nutrients. Finally, mix in the finely chopped fresh parsley. It adds a wonderful freshness to the finished soup.
- Give the soup a final taste. Season it with salt and cracked pepper as needed. Everyone’s preference is different, so adjust it until it tastes just right to you. Serve your delicious homemade Chicken Noodle Soup warm and enjoy every spoonful!
Notes
Want to add even more flavor? Feel free to toss in some fresh or dried herbs while the chicken is simmering. Thyme, basil, oregano, or a bay leaf would all be wonderful additions. Just remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.
If you like a little bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes. It gives the soup a gentle warmth that is really pleasant. Also, for an extra rich broth, you can brown the chicken thighs in the pot for a few minutes before adding the vegetables.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables. This recipe would be amazing as a Chicken And Broccoli Soup. Just add some broccoli florets along with the green beans. Mushrooms or peas would also be great additions.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
