This cozy chicken noodle soup is perfect for chilly days! It features tender chicken, colorful veggies, and soft egg noodles swimming in a delicious broth.
Whenever I make this soup, it feels like a big warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s so easy! Just toss everything in and let it simmer. Comfort food made simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Both work well for sautéing vegetables. I prefer olive oil for a lighter flavor, but butter adds richness. If you’re dairy-free, stick with olive oil.
Chicken Broth: Use any store-bought or homemade chicken broth. For a lighter version, opt for low-sodium broth. You can substitute vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian version, just skip the chicken.
Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional, but you can swap them for rotini or even gluten-free noodles if needed. Cooking times may vary, so check your package!
Fresh Herbs: I love adding fresh parsley for brightness at the end. If you don’t have parsley, try dill or even some fresh spinach for an extra boost.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing vegetables sets the foundation for flavor in your soup. Here are some tips for perfect sautéing:
- Start with a hot pan. Heat your olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onions first since they take longer to soften. Stir regularly for even cooking.
- After onions are translucent, add sliced celery and carrots. Cook until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Finish with garlic for just a minute to avoid burning.
Remember, don’t rush this step! Properly sautéed veggies make your soup super flavorful.
Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 6 ounces wide egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying your warm bowl of soup in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, and sliced carrots. Sauté the vegetables until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. They should be fragrant and just starting to turn golden!
2. Add the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the broth to a gentle boil by increasing the heat slightly.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender.
5. Add the Egg Noodles:
Next, add the wide egg noodles to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes, until they are al dente.
6. Stir in Chicken:
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the cooked shredded chicken and let it heat through, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. It’s important to taste as you go to ensure the perfect flavor!
8. Add Fresh Parsley:
Finally, stir in the fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. It pairs perfectly with some crusty bread or rolls on the side. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the chicken and add it at the end of cooking to warm it through.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember that the noodles may absorb some broth, so you might want to add a little extra broth when reheating.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a pot on the stove or microwave it, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Vegetables Can I Add to the Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans! Just make sure to add them during the simmering stage so they cook through.