When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. This classic dish is not only delicious, but it also has the power to soothe and heal. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply in need of some nourishing and satisfying comfort, this comforting chicken noodle soup recipe is the perfect choice.
With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty noodles, this recipe checks all the boxes for a truly comforting experience. And the best part? It can be made from scratch in under 40 minutes, making it a quick and convenient meal option.
So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to making the best homemade chicken noodle soup that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.
Key Takeaways:
- Chicken noodle soup is one of the most comforting and widely loved soup recipes in the world.
- This homemade recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Using chicken thighs in the soup adds a rich and savory taste.
- The combination of vegetables and herbs enhances the taste and fragrance of the soup.
- You can customize your soup with additional ingredients to suit your preferences.
Why Chicken Thighs are the Secret Ingredient
The secret to creating the most flavorful and delicious chicken noodle soup lies in the use of chicken thighs. Not only do they add depth and richness to the broth, but they also result in juicy and tender chicken that will melt in your mouth.
When chicken thighs are cooked in the homemade chicken stock or broth, they release their natural fat and collagen, which creates a flavorful and comforting base for the soup. The result is a broth that is rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
Unlike chicken breasts, which can sometimes become dry and bland when cooked for an extended period of time, chicken thighs stay moist and succulent throughout the cooking process. They have a higher fat content, which contributes to the overall juiciness and tenderness of the chicken.
If you’re short on time or don’t have the resources to make homemade chicken stock or broth, boxed bone broth can be a convenient substitute. While it may not have the same depth of flavor as homemade, it can still enhance the taste of your chicken noodle soup.
The combination of chicken thighs and flavorful broth is truly what sets this soup apart. It creates a comforting and hearty dish that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.
Benefits of Chicken Thighs
Here are some key reasons why chicken thighs are an excellent choice for chicken noodle soup:
- Flavorful: The higher fat content in chicken thighs adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup.
- Juicy and Tender: Unlike chicken breasts, chicken thighs retain their moisture and remain tender when cooked.
- Homemade Chicken Stock or Broth: When paired with homemade chicken stock or broth, chicken thighs create a robust and savory base for the soup.
- Boxed Bone Broth: If homemade stock or broth is not available, boxed bone broth can still provide a convenient alternative.
With chicken thighs as the secret ingredient, you can elevate your chicken noodle soup to new levels of deliciousness and comfort.
The Perfect Combination of Veggies and Herbs
This comforting chicken noodle soup recipe brings together a perfect combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. It’s a delightful balance that adds depth and flavor to every spoonful. Starting with the base, you’ll sweat onion, celery, carrots, and garlic in a generous amount of butter. This initial step allows the vegetables to release their natural sweetness and infuse the soup with rich flavors.
When it comes to herbs, thyme, bay leaves, and parsley are the classics for chicken soup. The fragrant thyme leaves bring an earthy and slightly sweet essence to the soup, while the bay leaves lend a subtle herbal note. Finally, the addition of fresh parsley adds brightness and a touch of freshness to the overall flavor profile.
Together, these vegetables and herbs create a delightful harmony of tastes and aromas that make this chicken noodle soup recipe truly exceptional.
Vegetables and Herbs in Chicken Noodle Soup
| Vegetables | Herbs |
|---|---|
| Onion | Thyme |
| Celery | Bay leaves |
| Carrots | Parsley |
| Garlic |
Customize Your Soup with Additional Ingredients
This chicken noodle soup recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add additional ingredients for extra flavor and variation. Let’s explore some creative ways to enhance your soup:
1. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
For a creamy twist, add 2 to 4 tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half to make a rich and indulgent creamy chicken noodle soup. The added creaminess will elevate the overall taste and texture of the soup.
2. Lemony Chicken Soup
To give your soup a refreshing and tangy taste, add lemon slices during cooking. The zest and juice of the lemon will infuse the soup with a burst of citrusy flavor, similar to a lemony chicken soup.
3. Mexican-Inspired Soup
Create a Mexican-inspired twist by adding lime slices instead of lemon. Consider using rice instead of noodles for a heartier soup. Swap parsley for fresh cilantro to infuse the soup with a vibrant and aromatic taste. You can also add diced tomatoes and cubed avocado to complete the Mexican flavor profile.
4. Umami-Packed Soup
To add an umami flavor to your soup, try incorporating toasted sesame oil, mushroom powder, or a few dashes of fish sauce. These ingredients will enhance the savory notes of the broth and take your soup to the next level of deliciousness.
5. More Veggies, Please!
If you prefer a vegetable-heavy soup, consider adding fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. These leafy greens will add vibrant color and a nutritional boost to your soup, making it even more satisfying.
6. Noodle Substitutes
If you want to switch things up, you can substitute the traditional egg noodles with other ingredients. Try using potatoes, winter squash, rice, quinoa, or grains as alternatives. Another tasty option is to use tortellini, which adds a delicious twist to the classic chicken noodle soup.
By experimenting with these additional ingredients, you can create your own unique and flavorful variations of chicken noodle soup, ensuring there’s a version for every taste preference.
Make Ahead and Storage Options
If you’re looking for a convenient meal option, this comforting chicken noodle soup can be made ahead of time. The recipe allows you to prepare the soup without adding the noodles, which ensures they stay fresh and retain their texture when reheated.
To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions up until the point where the noodles are added. Once the soup is cooked and cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup for 3 to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Note: If you plan to refrigerate the soup, it is recommended to add a splash of extra broth or water when reheating to account for the noodles soaking up the broth as the soup sits.
When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you made it ahead and refrigerated it, you can add the noodles during the reheating process for the best texture.
Here’s a summary of the make ahead and storage options for chicken noodle soup:
| Option | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerating | 3 to 4 days | – Leave out the noodles when storing – Add a splash of extra broth or water when reheating |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | – Leave out the noodles when storing – Add the noodles during the reheating process |
Whether you’re preparing a batch for the week or stocking up your freezer for later, these make ahead and storage options make it easy to enjoy delicious and comforting chicken noodle soup whenever you need it.
Ultra-Satisfying Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal to warm you up? This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is just what you need. Made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, it provides tender and flavorful meat that adds depth to the soup. The recipe also includes egg noodles, butter, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. With a combination of delicious ingredients, this soup is a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Start by poaching the chicken thighs in the flavorful broth. This method keeps the meat juicy and tender. Once cooked, shred the chicken and add it back to the soup along with the egg noodles and fresh parsley. The result is a comforting and delicious bowl of chicken noodle soup that can be made in just a relatively short amount of time.
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
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Enjoy this ultra-satisfying chicken noodle soup on a chilly day or whenever you’re in need of some comfort and nourishment. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your preferences. Add extra vegetables, herbs, or seasonings to customize it to your liking. So, grab a bowl and savor the deliciousness of this homemade chicken noodle soup. Your taste buds will thank you!
For more inspiration, check out this creamy chicken noodle soup recipe on Saving Dessert.
Traditional Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This traditional homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is a classic comfort food. It features noodles, flavorful broth, chicken thighs, vegetables like onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and aromatic herbs such as thyme, bay leaves, and parsley.
To start, sauté the vegetables in butter to bring out their flavors. Then, add the broth and let the soup simmer, allowing the seasoning to infuse into the broth. The chicken thighs are gently poached in the broth for 20 minutes, becoming tender and juicy.
Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the broth and shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken and noodles back to the soup, adding a touch of freshness with chopped parsley. The result is a simple and delicious soup with a homemade taste that’s perfect for warming you up on a chilly day.
See the recipe below for a detailed step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Submerge the chicken thighs in the broth and let them cook for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the broth and shred the meat using two forks.
- Add the egg noodles to the broth and cook according to package instructions.
- Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Remove the bay leaves and discard.
- Serve the homemade chicken noodle soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
This traditional homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy it on a cozy evening or whenever you need a comforting bowl of soup.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This creamy chicken noodle soup recipe is a delightful variation of the classic. It includes a potato, thyme, dried oregano, butter, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, flour, salt, pepper, chicken broth, chicken, half-and-half or whole milk, and wide egg noodles.
The recipe starts by cooking down the onion, carrots, and celery in butter until they are softened. Then, flour, thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper are added to create a thick base for the soup, enhancing the flavors.
Next, chicken broth and potato are added to the pot and simmered until the potatoes are soft and tender. This helps to infuse the broth with additional flavors and creates a hearty texture.
After the potato is cooked, shredded chicken, either from leftover cooked chicken or cooked separately, is added to the soup along with half-and-half or whole milk. The addition of dairy gives the soup a rich and creamy consistency.
Finally, wide egg noodles are added to the pot and cooked until they are tender. The result is a warm and comforting soup with creamy broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles.
Whether you’re craving a cozy meal on a chilly day or in need of a comforting dish, this creamy chicken noodle soup is sure to satisfy. The combination of flavors and textures creates a bowl of soup that is both comforting and delicious.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is a comforting and satisfying option for a delicious meal. The versatility of the recipe allows for customization and adaptation based on personal preferences. Whether you prefer a classic version, a creamy twist, or want to add various ingredients for extra flavor, this recipe has you covered. The homemade chicken noodle soup is the perfect dish for cold weather, as well as for providing comfort and nourishment.
This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to fit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. From adding extra vegetables to swapping out the noodles for a different starch, the possibilities are endless.
With its comforting and satisfying qualities, this homemade chicken noodle soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe is the perfect go-to option. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the warmth and goodness of homemade chicken noodle soup!
