Oh, darling bakers, there’s something truly magical about a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soups – it’s a warmth that wraps around you like a favorite quilt on a crisp autumn evening. The tender chicken, the perfectly cooked noodles, and that rich, golden broth… it’s pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that whispers sweet stories of hearth and home, and today, we’re going to craft the most flavorful version you’ve ever tasted.
I remember chilly afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, her humming a little tune as she stirred a bubbling pot on the stove. The aroma of simmering herbs and hearty chicken filled the air, promising a meal that would mend any blues. It’s those memories that first sparked my love for creating comforting dishes, showing me how simple ingredients, combined with a sprinkle of love, could nourish both body and soul.
This recipe for hearty homestyle chicken noodle soups is not only wonderfully easy to bring together, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy families, but it’s also incredibly versatile, inviting you to add your own personal touch. My best advice for any home cook is to taste as you go – your palate is your best guide to culinary perfection!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting the perfect chicken noodle soups begins with a few simple, wholesome ingredients. The star, of course, is the succulent chicken, paired with aromatic vegetables like sweet carrots, crisp celery, and pungent garlic that build the foundational flavors. My secret to that wonderfully deep taste? Good quality chicken broth and a medley of dried herbs, which truly elevate this comforting dish. The full list and measurements are waiting for you in the recipe card below!
How to Make chicken noodle soups
Making these hearty chicken noodle soups is a journey of building flavors, starting with perfectly cooked chicken, then gently sautéing your aromatic vegetables until they’re tender. Next, you’ll create that rich, inviting broth, allowing all those lovely ingredients to meld and deepen their character. Finally, you’ll add the comforting egg noodles and the shredded chicken, letting them simmer to perfection before a final seasoning and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to serve.
Hearty Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water (if using). Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and crushed rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring the soup back to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually 7-10 minutes, or until al dente. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot during the last 2-3 minutes of noodle cooking.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This chicken noodle soups
Making chicken noodle soups is an art of patience and love, and I’ve picked up a few little tricks over the years that truly make all the difference for a soul-satisfying bowl.
My Secret Trick: I always start my broth with sautéing the vegetables before adding the liquid. This simple step, called sweating, draws out their natural sweetness and deepens the foundational flavors for a truly rich chicken noodle soups.
When you’re preparing the chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan! Giving the chicken pieces enough space allows them to brown beautifully, adding another layer of savory flavor to your chicken noodle soups instead of just steaming.
For the most tender noodles in your chicken noodle soups, add them in the last few minutes of cooking. Nobody enjoys mushy noodles, do they? They should still have a lovely bite to them, perfectly absorbing the broth’s flavors.
Finally, always let your soup rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and meld even further, creating an even more harmonious and comforting chicken noodle soups experience.
Fun Variations for chicken noodle soups
One of the greatest joys of cooking is making a recipe truly your own, and these chicken noodle soups are wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to play with the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
Herb Twists
My sister always asks me to add a dash of fresh dill along with the parsley right before serving. It brings a lovely, bright herbaceous note that’s just delightful! You could also experiment with a pinch of dried sage for an earthier, more robust flavor profile in your chicken noodle soups.
Veggie Boosts
If you want to sneak in extra goodness, consider adding a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of simmering. A friend loves when I throw in some thinly sliced mushrooms along with the carrots and celery for an umami kick.
Spice it Up!
For those who enjoy a little warmth, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can give your chicken noodle soups a gentle, comforting heat without overpowering the classic flavors.
What to Serve With chicken noodle soups
Ah, a beautiful bowl of chicken noodle soups often feels complete on its own, but sometimes a little something extra just elevates the entire meal! I love to think about what complements the warmth and heartiness of the soup.
I always suggest serving this with a generous slice of crusty bread or some warm, buttery dinner rolls – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, flavorful broth. My mom always pairs it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a fresh, crisp contrast. For a truly comforting experience, especially on a chilly day, a cup of hot herbal tea or even a mug of soothing hot cocoa would be a lovely accompaniment to your hearty chicken noodle soups. And for a quick serving idea, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving is always a winner in my book!
How to Store chicken noodle soups
Keeping your delicious chicken noodle soups fresh means you can enjoy that comforting goodness for days to come! Proper storage ensures that the flavors remain vibrant and the ingredients maintain their lovely texture.
Chilling for Later
To store leftover chicken noodle soups, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like storing soups in glass containers; they don’t stain and keep flavors pure.
Freezing for Freshness
If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze your chicken noodle soups! Once cooled, place individual portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just a note: the noodles might become a little softer upon reheating, but the flavor will still be wonderful.
Reheating Methods
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If it seems a little thick, you can add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. A light dusting of fresh parsley after reheating brings your homemade chicken noodle soups back to life!
Nutritional Benefits
While we cherish the indulgence of desserts here at recipesdessert.net, even savory comforting dishes like chicken noodle soups offer wonderful benefits! Packed with lean protein from the chicken and a medley of vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables, it’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It truly combines wholesome ingredients for a meal that warms from the inside out.
FAQs
Faq 1
To achieve a clear broth for your chicken noodle soups, ensure you don’t over-boil the soup; a gentle simmer is best. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the initial stages of cooking. Using low-sodium chicken broth also helps prevent cloudiness from excess salt.
Faq 2
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic for chicken noodle soups, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, alphabet pasta, or even orzo. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for al dente doneness.
Faq 3
For a creamier chicken noodle soups, you can whisk in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or a splash of milk towards the end of cooking, after removing it from the heat. This adds a lovely richness without overpowering the savory flavors.
Faq 4
Yes, you can absolutely freeze leftover chicken noodle soups! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed.
Conclusion
And there you have it, dear friends — a truly heartfelt recipe for homemade chicken noodle soups, brimming with a rich, flavorful broth that will warm your family’s hearts and bellies. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create those comforting memories that linger long after the last spoonful. So, gather your ingredients, stir with love, and let the magic of homemade chicken noodle soups fill your kitchen with joy. Happy cooking, sweet bakers!