Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup: the quintessential comfort food. It’s the remedy for a cold, the answer to a long day, and a hug in a bowl. But who says homemade chicken noodle soup has to be a time-consuming endeavor? This recipe is here to prove that you can have a steaming pot of deliciousness on the table in just 40 minutes.

Whether you’re a seasoned soup-maker or a kitchen newbie, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create this classic dish. We’ll cover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and even explore some tips and tricks for customization and storage. So, grab your pot, gather your family, and let’s get cooking!

A Symphony of Flavors: The Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe is all about simplicity and ease, using readily available ingredients to create a flavorful broth and perfectly cooked elements. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

The Aromatic Base: The journey begins with the vegetables. Diced onions and chopped celery are sauteed in butter until softened and fragrant. This creates the aromatic base that forms the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
The Brothy Goodness: The broth is the heart and soul of any soup, and this chicken noodle soup is no exception. The recipe calls for a combination of chicken broth and vegetable broth. This combination provides a rich and complex flavor profile. However, if you’re short on time or ingredients, feel free to use just one or the other.
The Star of the Show: No chicken noodle soup is complete without the chicken! This recipe uses cooked chicken breasts. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a perfect budget-friendly and time-saving substitute.
The Noodly Perfection: Egg noodles are the traditional choice for chicken noodle soup, and for good reason. They cook quickly, absorb the delicious broth, and add a satisfying textural element. But don’t worry if you don’t have egg noodles on hand. Rotini, fusilli, or any other short pasta will work just fine in a pinch.
The Colorful Addition: Carrots add a vibrant pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the soup. They are typically added towards the end of cooking to ensure they retain a bit of crispness. If you prefer softer carrots, feel free to add them with the onions and celery at the beginning.
The Herbal Touch: Dried basil and oregano bring a warm, earthy depth of flavor to the soup. These are just suggestions, and feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to personalize your soup.

From Pot to Plate: Putting it All Together

Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this delicious soup.

Sautéing the Base: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and chopped celery and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Building the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and vegetable broth. If you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, you can shred the chicken and add it to the pot at this stage. The bones from the rotisserie chicken can also be added for additional flavor, but be sure to remove them before serving.
Bringing it to a Boil: Bring the broth to a boil. This ensures all the flavors meld together and the soup reaches the proper temperature for cooking the noodles.
The Noodle Symphony: Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to simmer and add the egg noodles. Remember, don’t add the noodles too early! Overcooked noodles become mushy and detract from the texture of the soup.
Flavor Boosters: Now is the time to add the sliced carrots, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give the soup a good stir to combine all the flavors.
The Simmering Finish: Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through and the carrots are tender-crisp. If you added leftover rotisserie chicken instead of pre-cooked chicken breasts, you may need to simmer for a few extra minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.
The Grand Finale: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
Serve and Savor: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chopped dill (optional). Enjoy this comforting classic and feel the warmth spread through you!

Customization Tips and Tricks

This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to get creative and make it your own! Here are some ideas to personalize your chicken noodle soup:

Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh jalapeno pepper.
Herb Haven: Explore a world of fresh herbs! Chopped fresh thyme, parsley, or dill can add a wonderful layer of flavor.
Veggie Extravaganza: Don’t be limited to just carrots! Diced zucchini, peas, or chopped mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
Asian Twist: For an Asian-inspired chicken noodle soup, substitute soy sauce for some of the salt, add a tablespoon of grated ginger, and top with chopped scallions.
Leftover Love: This soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables or cooked protein. Shredded leftover ham, turkey, or even tofu can be added in place of, or in addition to, the chicken.
Broth Boost: Want an extra flavorful broth? Roast some chicken breasts or vegetables before adding them to the pot. This adds a deeper, richer flavor.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Soup

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: As mentioned earlier, overcooked noodles become mushy. Add them at the right time and cook according to the package instructions for perfect al dente noodles.
Fresh is Best (But Frozen Works Too): While fresh vegetables are always preferable, frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute. Add them frozen directly to the pot during the simmering stage.
Salting to Taste: It’s always better to under-salt than over-salt. Add a little salt at a time and taste the soup throughout the cooking process. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Leftovers for the Win: This soup reheats beautifully, making it a great meal-prep option. Simply store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Fun: Chicken noodle soup can be frozen for up to 6 months! If you plan on freezing the soup, it’s best to prepare the soup and noodles separately. Frozen noodles can become mushy upon thawing. Let the soup cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own. However, if you’re looking for something extra to complete the experience, here are some classic pairings:

Bread Basket Bonanza: A warm and crusty bread basket is the perfect accompaniment for dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth. Consider crusty baguettes, dinner rolls, or even toasted garlic bread.
Grilled Cheese Delight: There’s a reason why chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese go hand-in-hand. The creamy, melty goodness of a grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food complement to the warm soup.
Simple Salad: A light and refreshing side salad can help to balance out the richness of the soup. Opt for a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
Crackers for the Crunch: For a simple and satisfying addition, serve the soup with a side of saltine crackers.

In Conclusion: A Celebration of Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s warm, comforting, and easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. With this easy-to-follow recipe and handy tips, you can have a pot of this delicious soup simmering on your stove in no time. So next time you’re craving a taste of comfort, grab your ingredients and get cooking!

I hope this comprehensive guide empowers you to create your own perfect pot of chicken noodle soup. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules, so have fun experimenting and make it your own!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

162	Calories
6g	Fat
12g	Carbs
13g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 162
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g	8%
Saturated Fat 2g	11%
Cholesterol 46mg	15%
Sodium 1357mg	59%
Total Carbohydrate 12g	4%
Dietary Fiber 2g	6%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 13g	27%
Vitamin C 2mg	2%
Calcium 31mg	2%
Iron 1mg	6%
Potassium 174mg	4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.