This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, classic dish made from scratch. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles. Ideal for a cozy meal, it’s a nourishing bowl that will warm you up, especially on chilly days.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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6 cups chicken broth (or water with chicken bouillon)
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1-2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
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2 cups egg noodles
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Pour in the chicken broth (or water and bouillon), and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
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Add the cooked chicken and egg noodles to the pot. Continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrients (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: ~250
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Total Fat: ~6g
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Saturated Fat: ~1g
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Cholesterol: ~30mg
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Sodium: ~800mg
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Total Carbohydrates: ~25g
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Sugars: ~5g
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Protein: ~18g
A Nourishing and Hearty Meal
One of the key reasons Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is so comforting is its balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and soft, perfectly cooked noodles creates a nourishing meal that satisfies both your stomach and your soul. This soup is packed with nutrients, making it not only delicious but also nourishing. The chicken provides a rich source of protein, while the vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions are packed with vitamins and minerals, contributing to a well-rounded meal.
The addition of egg noodles adds a satisfying texture that complements the other ingredients. Egg noodles are light yet hearty, absorbing the flavorful broth while retaining their structure, making each bite a delicious combination of tender noodles and savory broth. The soup is further enhanced with the depth of flavor from the chicken broth, which ties all the ingredients together with its rich, comforting taste.
The Benefits of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Making chicken noodle soup from scratch offers several advantages over store-bought versions. First and foremost, you have complete control over the ingredients. This means you can adjust the seasoning to your liking, choose high-quality chicken, and opt for fresh vegetables. Store-bought soups often contain added preservatives, sodium, and artificial flavorings, which can detract from the natural goodness of the dish.
Homemade soup also allows you to experiment with flavors and textures. If you prefer a more robust flavor, you can add extra garlic, herbs, or spices to the broth. If you enjoy a thicker soup, you can adjust the ratio of broth to noodles or vegetables to suit your preferences. This flexibility makes homemade chicken noodle soup a great option for tailoring to your tastes.
Another benefit of homemade chicken noodle soup is its ability to be customized to suit dietary needs. You can easily make it gluten-free by swapping the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or using a low-sodium chicken broth if you’re looking to reduce sodium intake. Additionally, you can use lean chicken breast for a lighter version or add extra vegetables for added nutrition.
A Simple Yet Flavorful Recipe
The beauty of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients—chicken, vegetables, broth, and noodles—you can create a flavorful, satisfying dish. The process begins with sautéing the vegetables, which helps to release their natural sweetness and aroma. Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic are the traditional base for this soup, offering a well-rounded flavor profile that is both savory and slightly sweet.
Once the vegetables are softened, the chicken broth is added to create the foundation of the soup. The broth serves as the canvas for the flavors, absorbing the essence of the vegetables and the chicken as they simmer together. The chicken, whether shredded or diced, adds a hearty protein element, and as it cooks in the broth, it imparts additional flavor, enriching the soup even further.
The addition of egg noodles brings the soup to life. As they cook in the broth, the noodles absorb the flavorful liquid, creating a deliciously comforting texture that’s perfect for slurping. This simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients is what makes Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup such a beloved dish.
Perfect for Chilly Days and Comforting Meals
There’s no denying that Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a go-to dish for chilly days. The warm broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles provide a sense of comfort that helps you unwind and feel cozy. On those cold winter nights or rainy days, a hot bowl of chicken noodle soup can do wonders to lift your spirits and keep you nourished.
The dish is also perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather. Chicken noodle soup has long been a remedy for colds, flu, or general malaise due to its soothing properties. The warm broth helps hydrate and calm a sore throat, while the steam from the soup can help relieve congestion. The nutrients from the chicken and vegetables provide much-needed nourishment, while the comforting flavors make you feel cared for.
Whether you’re looking to feed a sick loved one or simply enjoy a cozy meal, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ideal comfort food. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and has a rich history as a go-to remedy for both physical and emotional comfort.
A Versatile Dish for All Ages
Another reason why Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is so popular is its versatility. This dish appeals to people of all ages, making it an excellent option for families. Children love the soft, tender noodles and mild flavor, while adults appreciate the heartiness of the chicken and vegetables. It’s also easy to customize for picky eaters. For instance, you can adjust the level of seasoning or use a different type of pasta to suit your family’s preferences.
The soup is also a great meal prep option. It can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. This makes it an ideal dish for busy weeks when you need a quick and comforting meal ready to go.
How to Make It Your Own
While Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is delicious as-is, it’s also a recipe that lends itself to creativity. You can add a variety of vegetables, such as parsnips, peas, or spinach, to boost the nutritional content and add extra flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added during cooking to infuse the broth with aromatic flavors.
If you prefer a richer soup, consider adding a splash of cream or milk for a creamier texture. Some variations even incorporate a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce to add a touch of acidity or spice. The beauty of this dish is that it’s highly adaptable to your personal tastes and dietary preferences.
Conclusion
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless classic that provides comfort, warmth, and nourishment in every bowl. With its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s the ultimate dish for cold days, cozy evenings, or when you need a comforting meal to lift your spirits. Making it from scratch ensures that you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to create a healthier and more flavorful version of this beloved soup.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or feeding a sick loved one, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a reliable go-to that will always hit the spot. Its versatility, simplicity, and nourishing qualities make it a dish that will continue to be a favorite in households for generations to come. So the next time you’re craving comfort food, look no further than a warm, homemade bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s the perfect remedy for both your body and soul.