The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup is made from scratch, ensuring you enjoy fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles, it’s a delightful meal suitable for any occasion—from family dinners to cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Flavor: Fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs create a deliciously rich broth that will make you come back for seconds.
• Versatile Meal: Customize your soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your palate.
• Healthy Comfort Food: With lean chicken and plenty of veggies, this recipe offers a nutritious option that satisfies cravings without guilt.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to help you along the way. These tools will ensure quick preparation and easy cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all ingredients evenly while providing enough room for simmering the broth.
• Sharp knife: This makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving time during preparation.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup:

Vegetables

• 1 medium yellow onion ($0.99)
• 3 garlic cloves ($0.12)
• 4 carrots ($0.65)
• 2 ribs celery ($0.70)
• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley ($0.08)

Seasonings and Oils

• 2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.38)
• 1 tsp dried basil ($0.25)
• ½ tsp dried thyme ($0.24)
• 1 bay leaf ($0.12)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked) ($0.02)
• 1-3 tsp salt (divided) ($0.02)

Protein and Broth

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) ($6.21*)
• 8 cups chicken broth ($0.72**)

Noodles

• 6 oz. egg noodles (uncooked) ($0.61)

How to Make The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Begin by collecting all your ingredients listed above. This will help streamline your cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables

Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and dice the carrots, dice the celery, and mince the fresh parsley. Set the parsley aside as you’ll use it later.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add olive oil, diced onion, carrots, and celery to a large soup pot over medium heat. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Stir in minced garlic, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaf, freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt into the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Chicken Breasts and Broth

Place the chicken breasts into the pot and cover them with chicken broth.

Step 6: Simmer

Cover with a lid, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat to simmer for one hour. Ensure it continues to simmer throughout this period so that the chicken can be easily shredded.

Step 7: Shred Chicken

After an hour of simmering, remove the chicken from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Shred it using two forks once it’s cool enough to handle. Taste the broth; add more salt if needed.

Step 8: Cook Noodles

Add uncooked egg noodles to the boiling broth in the pot. Cook until tender—about 7 minutes—then return shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 9: Serve

Finish with fresh parsley on top before serving hot!

Enjoy a bowl of The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup that brings comfort and warmth to any table!

How to Serve The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving your homemade chicken noodle soup can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with parsley: Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the flavor and enhances the visual appeal.
• Add thyme leaves: Fresh thyme can add an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s flavor profile.

Accompanied by Bread

• Serve with crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Try garlic breadsticks: These can add a savory twist and are great for adding texture to your meal.

In a Bowl

• Use rustic bowls: Serving in rustic-style bowls adds charm and warmth, making the meal feel more inviting.
• Top with cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese can add creaminess and depth to each spoonful.

How to Perfect The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Perfecting your chicken noodle soup can make all the difference. Here are some tips to enhance your recipe.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will provide more vibrant flavors compared to dried or frozen ones.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning. Start with less salt and add more as needed.
• Shred chicken properly: Allow the chicken to cool slightly before shredding it with forks for an even texture in your soup.
• Cook noodles separately if preferred: If you want firmer noodles, cook them separately and add them just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing side dishes with your chicken noodle soup can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness and crunch.
2. Crackers or Breadsticks: Offering a variety creates options for dipping into the rich broth.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies complement the soup’s flavors and provide added nutrients.
4. Cheese Toasts: Toasted bread topped with melted cheese adds a savory element that pairs well with the soup.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer a filling side that works wonderfully alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, a few common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Using Low-Quality Broth – A flavorful broth is essential for great soup. Always use high-quality chicken broth or a homemade version for the best taste.
• Overcooking the Chicken – Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Remove it from the pot as soon as it’s cooked through and shred it immediately.
• Not Seasoning Enough – Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste your broth before serving and adjust the salt as needed.
• Skipping Fresh Herbs – Fresh herbs add vibrancy and flavor. Always finish your soup with fresh parsley or other herbs for an extra layer of taste.
• Adding Noodles Too Early – Adding noodles too soon can make them mushy. Wait until just before serving to cook them, ensuring they stay tender.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.
• Can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in one-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup special?

This recipe uses fresh ingredients and homemade broth, creating a comforting and nourishing dish that rivals any store-bought version.

Can I customize The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas or corn, or switch out the chicken for turkey for a different flavor profile.

How do I ensure my noodles don’t get mushy?

Add noodles only during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them tender and prevent overcooking.

Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?

Yes! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time while still enjoying delicious soup.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is not just easy; it’s also versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or proteins based on your preference. Its comforting nature makes it perfect for any occasion, so be sure to give it a try!