Chicken Noodle Soup Classic

There is nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup Classic on a chilly afternoon. This recipe delivers a rich, golden broth and tender pieces of chicken that melt in your mouth. You will love the silky texture of the egg noodles paired with crisp-tender vegetables.

My children always ask for seconds whenever I simmer this pot on the stove. It provides the ultimate nourishment for both the body and the soul. This Chicken Noodle Soup Classic represents everything I believe about home cooking—it is simple, honest, and filled with love. You can prepare this meal in under an hour, yet it tastes like it simmered all day long.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup Classic

• Incredible depth of flavor from a simple, aromatic mirepoix base of carrots, celery, and onions.
• Loaded with vitamins and lean protein to support your family’s immune system during flu season.
• One-pot cleanup makes your busy weeknight much easier and keeps the kitchen tidy.
• Budget-friendly ingredients ensure you can feed a large family without breaking the bank.

When I think of a Chicken Noodle Soup Classic, I think of home. This dish serves as the ultimate “reset” button for your health. Whether you are feeling under the weather or just need a cozy night in, this soup provides the perfect solution.

I focus on high-quality ingredients because simple recipes shine when the components are fresh. Using a Chicken Noodle Soup Classic template allows you to customize the flavors while maintaining that nostalgic heartiness we all crave. You will find that the balance of salty broth, savory chicken, and earthy herbs creates a symphony of taste in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Success starts with what you put in the pot. For a Chicken Noodle Soup Classic, I recommend organic vegetables whenever possible. Fresh herbs make a significant difference compared to dried ones.

If you want a deeper yellow color, look for pasture-raised chicken. These ingredients form the backbone of your Chicken Noodle Soup Classic experience.

Ingredient	Quantity	Note
Chicken Breast or Thighs	1.5 lbs	Boneless and skinless for ease.
Chicken Broth	8 cups	Use low-sodium to control salt.
Wide Egg Noodles	8 oz	The heart of a Chicken Noodle Soup Classic.
Carrots	3 large	Peeled and sliced into rounds.
Celery Stalks	3 stalks	Chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Yellow Onion	1 medium	Finely diced for even cooking.
Garlic	3 cloves	Minced fresh for maximum aroma.
Olive Oil	2 tbsp	To sauté the vegetables.
Fresh Parsley	1/4 cup	Chopped for a bright finish.
Thyme and Bay Leaf	1 sprig / 1 leaf	Classic aromatic herbs.
Salt and Black Pepper	To taste	Season throughout the process.

Substitutions & Variations

While the Chicken Noodle Soup Classic is perfect on its own, you might need to adjust based on your pantry. If you want to boost the fiber content, swap the egg noodles for whole-grain rotini or farfalle. For a gluten-free version, use brown rice noodles or even quinoa.

I often use leftover rotisserie chicken to speed up the process, which still yields a fantastic Chicken Noodle Soup Classic result. If you prefer a lighter profile, replace half the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the entire dish. Some of my friends love adding a handful of spinach or kale in the last two minutes for extra greens.

While the Chicken Noodle Soup Classic is perfect on its own, you might also consider adding complementary flavors. For a delightful twist, check out our Sweet Chicken Wings Meal that pairs wonderfully with the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your masterpiece. Remember that patience during the sautéing phase builds the foundational flavor of your Chicken Noodle Soup Classic.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft.
2. Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and the bay leaf. Sauté for another 60 seconds until the kitchen smells divine. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Simmer the Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and add the raw chicken breasts. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Shred the Meat: Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to your Chicken Noodle Soup Classic base.
5. Cook the Noodles: Bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the wide egg noodles directly into the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7 to 9 minutes, until they are “al dente.”
6. Season and Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste your Chicken Noodle Soup Classic and add salt and pepper as needed. Discard the bay leaf before ladling the soup into bowls.

Pro Tips for Success

To elevate your Chicken Noodle Soup Classic, pay attention to the small details. First, do not overcook your noodles. They will continue to soften in the hot broth, so pull them off the heat while they still have a slight bite.

Second, use a mix of chicken thighs and breasts. Thighs offer more fat and flavor, while breasts provide lean texture. Third, “bloom” your dried spices in the oil before adding the liquid to unlock their essential oils.

If you find your broth is too thin, you can mash a few of the cooked carrots against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the Chicken Noodle Soup Classic. Lastly, always deglaze the bottom of the pan with a splash of broth or white wine to scrape up the flavorful brown bits (fond) from the sautéed vegetables.

To elevate your Chicken Noodle Soup Classic, don’t overlook the importance of ingredient quality and cooking methods. For a spicier alternative, explore our Cajun Chicken Wings Dish, which adds a kick to your meal.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing a Chicken Noodle Soup Classic requires one important trick. If you plan on having leftovers, store the cooked noodles in a separate container from the broth. Noodles act like sponges and will absorb all the liquid overnight, leaving you with a soggy mess.

When you are ready to eat, combine them in a bowl and reheat. This soup stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the broth and chicken base for up to 3 months.

Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and add fresh noodles when you reheat it on the stove. This ensures your Chicken Noodle Soup Classic tastes fresh every single time.

What to Serve With This Recipe

I love pairing my Chicken Noodle Soup Classic with light, healthy sides that complement the savory broth. A crisp garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup. You might also enjoy a side of roasted broccoli or garlic-parmesan roasted carrots.

If you want something more substantial, a slice of crusty whole-grain sourdough bread is perfect for dipping. My kids personally love it when I serve this Chicken Noodle Soup Classic alongside some simple apple slices and peanut butter for a well-rounded lunch. Keeping the sides simple allows the Chicken Noodle Soup Classic to remain the star of the show.

For the perfect side dish to complement your Chicken Noodle Soup Classic, consider lighter options that balance the savory flavors. A fantastic pairing would be our Herb Chicken Thighs Bowl, which adds a wholesome touch to your dining experience.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily adapt this Chicken Noodle Soup Classic for a crockpot. Place all ingredients except the noodles and parsley in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.

Add the noodles during the last 20 minutes of cooking so they do not become mushy. This is a great way to have dinner ready the moment you walk through the door.

What are the best noodles for a classic soup?

Traditionalists prefer wide egg noodles for a Chicken Noodle Soup Classic because they hold up well and have a rich, buttery flavor. However, you can use ditalini, orzo, or even broken spaghetti pieces. The key is choosing a shape that fits easily on a spoon with the vegetables and chicken.

How can I make the broth more flavorful?

If your Chicken Noodle Soup Classic broth feels thin, try adding a teaspoon of poultry seasoning or a splash of fish sauce. Fish sauce adds “umami” without making the soup taste like seafood. You can also simmer the soup with a parmesan cheese rind to add a salty, nutty depth that is truly delicious.

Chicken noodle soup is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a warm broth, often associated with comfort and healing. This classic recipe has been nourishing families for generations, making it a staple in many households, and you can learn more about its history and variations in the linked dish.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This Chicken Noodle Soup Classic is a balanced meal that fits into most healthy lifestyles. It is low in fat but high in essential proteins and vitamins.

Metric	Amount
Calories	285 kcal
Protein	24g
Total Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	650mg

I hope your family enjoys this Chicken Noodle Soup Classic as much as mine does. It is a recipe that grows with you, becoming a staple in your kitchen for years to come. Remember, the most important ingredient is the love you stir into the pot. Happy cooking!

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