This Chicken Noodle Soup is a cozy hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, soft noodles, and colorful veggies, it’s warm and comforting on chilly days.
Honestly, I can never resist a bowl of this soup when I’m feeling under the weather. It’s like magic! Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’re all set for a tasty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: This is the base for your soup, giving it rich flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, low-sodium chicken broth works well. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience. It’s already cooked and lends a wonderful taste. You can also substitute with leftover chicken or even turkey.
Noodles: Egg noodles are classic, but you can try whole wheat, gluten-free pasta, or even rice noodles for a different twist. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they can vary.
Vegetables: While carrots and celery are essential, feel free to add other veggies like peas, green beans, or potatoes if you have them on hand. Using up what’s in your fridge is a great way to customize this soup!
How Do I Get the Onions and Garlic Just Right?
Cooking onions and garlic properly lays the foundation for your soup’s flavor. Follow these tips for success:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat to ensure even cooking.
- Add the diced onions first and let them cook until they turn soft and translucent.
- Only then, add minced garlic towards the end of the onion cooking time. Garlic burns quickly, so it needs less time.
- The goal here is to release their flavors without browning them too much, which can cause bitterness.
Chicken Noodle Soup with Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup egg noodles or any preferred noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Noodle Soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for another 30 seconds until you can smell its lovely aroma.
2. Cook the Carrots and Celery:
Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften a bit.
3. Add Broth and Chicken:
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the shredded chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, ensuring everything is well combined.
4. Incorporate Noodles and Seasonings:
Once boiling, add in the noodles, dried thyme, and parsley (if using). Lower the heat and let the soup simmer until the noodles are tender, which should take about 7-8 minutes. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve hot, and for an extra treat, offer slices of crusty bread on the side!
Enjoy this heartwarming chicken noodle soup that will warm you up from the inside out. Perfect for any time you need a cozy meal!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, frozen vegetables work great in this recipe. Just add them to the pot when you would add the fresh carrots and celery and adjust cooking time if needed, as frozen veggies usually take a bit longer to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Egg Noodles?
If you’d like to switch it up, you can use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free noodles, or even rice! Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different types of pasta will have varying cook times.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Definitely! To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and swap the chicken for your favorite protein, such as chickpeas or tofu. You can also add more vegetables for added flavor and texture!
