There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup to wrap you in a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s that magical dish, isn’t it? The tender chicken, the perfectly cooked noodles, and that velvety broth all come together to create a symphony of comfort that touches the heart and soul. It’s a classic for a reason, promising a taste of home in every spoonful, and making it from scratch fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
I remember countless afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, watching her stir a pot of something wonderful, the steam swirling around her kind face. While she was a pie and cookie master, the essence of her cooking – simple ingredients, made with love – is exactly what I bring to every recipe. This creamy chicken noodle soup carries that same spirit; it’s food that nourishes not just the body, but the memories we hold dear.
This recipe is incredibly easy to bake and wonderfully family-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. My top tip for any home cook is always to taste as you go; a little adjustment here or there can truly elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful soup starts with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein, while a rich chicken broth forms the comforting base for our creamy chicken noodle soup. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements waiting for you in the recipe card just below.
How to Make creamy chicken noodle soup
Making this truly incredible creamy chicken noodle soup is a comforting journey in three acts: first, we gently cook our chicken until it’s perfectly tender; next, we build a fragrant and flavorful soup base with aromatic vegetables; and finally, we bring it all together, adding milk, noodles, and those final touches that make every bowl so satisfying. It’s a simple, step-by-step process that promises a heartwarming reward.
Hearty Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Add chicken to the pot and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pot. Once melted, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, cooking out the raw flour taste. It should form a thick paste and become lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, a cup at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously. Add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the milk (or half-and-half) and the reserved cooked chicken. Increase heat slightly and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Avoid a rolling boil after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
- Add the wide egg noodles to the soup. Cook according to package directions, typically 7-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy your hearty creamy chicken noodle soup!
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This creamy chicken noodle soup
Creating the perfect bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup is a joy, and over the years, I’ve gathered a few little secrets that make all the difference. These are the tricks I rely on to ensure every batch is as comforting and delicious as the last.
My Secret Trick: I always sauté the mirepoix (onion, carrots, and celery) until they’re truly softened and just beginning to caramelize. This extra time coaxes out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor of the entire soup base significantly. It’s a small step that yields a huge reward!
For the best texture, I always recommend adding your wide egg noodles in the last few minutes of cooking. This prevents them from becoming overly soft or mushy, ensuring they retain a lovely chewiness that complements the creamy broth perfectly.
Don’t be shy with the fresh parsley at the end! I find that a generous sprinkle brightens up the entire dish, adding a lovely fresh counterpoint to the rich, creamy chicken noodle soup. It’s not just for garnish; it truly enhances the flavor.
To ensure your soup is perfectly seasoned, I always taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving. Flavors can change as the soup simmers, and a final check makes sure it’s just right for your palate.
Fun Variations for creamy chicken noodle soup
One of the things I adore most about home cooking is the freedom to play and make a recipe truly your own. This creamy chicken noodle soup is wonderfully adaptable, and there are so many delightful ways to add your own personal touch!
Add a Touch of Green
My friend, who grows a beautiful garden, always asks me to add a handful of fresh spinach or kale to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. It wilts beautifully and adds a lovely color and an extra boost of goodness to the creamy chicken noodle soup without overpowering its classic flavor.
Spice It Up Gently
For those who enjoy a little warmth, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the dried thyme. It’s not about making it spicy, but rather adding just a hint of subtle heat that complements the richness wonderfully. My husband loves this little kick!
Different Noodles, Different Textures
While wide egg noodles are traditional, don’t be afraid to experiment! Orzo, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti can work beautifully. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as smaller pastas will cook much faster.
What to Serve With creamy chicken noodle soup
A big bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup is a meal in itself, but there are a few simple accompaniments that can elevate the experience and make it feel like a complete feast. These are the pairings that always bring a smile to my family’s faces.
I absolutely adore serving this soup with a crusty loaf of artisan bread, perfect for dipping into that rich, creamy broth. There’s nothing quite like soaking up every last bit of flavor! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a lovely, refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.
For a comforting winter meal, my mom always pairs it with warm, toasted cheese sandwiches – a classic combination that takes me right back to my childhood. And if you’re looking for a quick serving idea, a sprinkle of homemade croutons adds a delightful crunch and extra texture to your creamy chicken noodle soup.
How to Store creamy chicken noodle soup
Making a big batch of creamy chicken noodle soup means you’ll likely have some delicious leftovers, and knowing how to store them properly ensures every spoonful tastes as fresh and comforting as the first. It’s all about preserving that lovely texture and flavor.
Fridge Storage
Once cooled completely, transfer your creamy chicken noodle soup to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, I like to do it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash more chicken broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much overnight.
Freezing Tips
For longer storage, this creamy chicken noodle soup freezes well, though the noodles can sometimes become a bit softer after thawing. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. My personal tip for reheating is to add a fresh sprinkle of parsley and a tiny pat of butter to bring back its vibrant flavor and creamy texture, making it taste freshly made!
Nutritional Benefits
This hearty creamy chicken noodle soup offers more than just comfort; it’s packed with goodness! The boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide excellent lean protein, while the carrots and celery contribute essential vitamins and fiber. It’s a wonderful example of how a treat can be both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my approach of simple, wholesome ingredients.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, shred it and add it during the last 10 minutes of simmering, along with the noodles. This can shave off a little prep time for your creamy chicken noodle soup.
Faq 2
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup?
You can use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) added at the end, stirring until thickened. This works wonderfully to achieve that creamy consistency in your creamy chicken noodle soup.
Faq 3
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use olive oil instead of butter. Your creamy chicken noodle soup can still be wonderfully rich.
Faq 4
Why did my soup become too thick after cooling?
As the soup cools, the noodles absorb more liquid and the flour in the roux continues to thicken. Simply add a little more chicken broth or milk when reheating to bring your creamy chicken noodle soup back to its perfect consistency.
Conclusion
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary, and this creamy chicken noodle soup is a perfect example. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create warmth, comfort, and delicious memories in your own kitchen. I hope this simple and comforting recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones around the table, sharing not just a meal, but the joy of home-baked goodness, made with a little love and patience. Happy cooking, sweet friends!