There’s something magical about a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially when the chill of winter settles in. Growing up, my grandmother would whip up her famous chicken noodle soup whenever anyone was feeling under the weather or just needed a little extra love. The aroma of sautéed vegetables and simmering broth would fill the house, wrapping us in a cozy embrace. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the coziest chicken noodle soup to lift your spirits! It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for snuggling up on the couch with a blanket and a good book. On a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this soup is my go-to recipe, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients for the Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (I love using rotisserie chicken for ease!)
- 1 cup sliced carrots (fresh or frozen work great)
- 1 cup sliced celery (adds that lovely crunch)
- 1 onion, chopped (for that sweet undertone)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, whichever you prefer)
- 2 cups egg noodles (they soak up the broth perfectly)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (for a hint of earthiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip these, they elevate the flavor!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (to sauté those veggies to perfection)
How to Prepare the Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup
Making the coziest chicken noodle soup is a breeze, and I promise it’ll warm your heart and home. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First things first, grab a large pot and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onions, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened and the onions are translucent. That’s when the magic begins! The aroma will start filling your kitchen, and you’ll know you’re on the right track. Just keep stirring occasionally to avoid any sticking!
Step 2: Add Broth and Noodles
Next, stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for just a minute until fragrant—oh, it’s heavenly! Then, add in those 8 cups of chicken broth and bring it all to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the egg noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes. You want them perfectly tender and ready to soak up all that delicious broth!
Step 3: Stir in Chicken
Now for the best part! Once the noodles are done, gently stir in the shredded chicken. You want to make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the soup and heated through, which should take just a couple of minutes. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, it’ll already be so flavorful and tender—yum!
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finally, don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. This step is crucial—it really brings all those cozy flavors together! Serve your soup hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a bright finish. Grab a big bowl, snuggle up, and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip up this delicious soup in just 45 minutes!
- Comforting flavor: Each spoonful is like a warm hug, perfect for chilly days.
- Gluten-free options: With the right noodles, this soup can easily fit gluten-free diets.
- Heartwarming and nourishing: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a meal that satisfies.
- Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Tips for Success with the Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup
To make sure your chicken noodle soup turns out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve got some handy tips to share! Trust me, these little tricks can make a big difference.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies will elevate the flavor and texture of your soup. If you can, opt for fresh carrots and celery over frozen!
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Follow the package instructions closely. You want them al dente, as they’ll continue to soak up broth once you remove the soup from heat.
- Season gradually: Start with a little salt and pepper, then taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s harder to fix if you overdo it!
- Store leftovers properly: If you have any soup left (which is rare!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 3 days, but trust me, it won’t last that long!
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to add your favorite herbs or spices! A dash of paprika or a sprinkle of parsley can really brighten things up.
- Use a quality broth: The broth is the heart of your soup, so choose a good quality chicken broth or stock. Homemade is the best if you have the time!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the coziest chicken noodle soup that warms both the body and soul!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one bowl of the coziest chicken noodle soup. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This comforting bowl is not just delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients to keep you going on those chilly days. Enjoy every nourishing bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing and reheating your coziest chicken noodle soup is super simple, and I want to make sure you enjoy it just as much the next day! Here’s how to do it right:
- Storing leftovers: Allow your soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually like to portion it out into smaller containers for quick grab-and-go meals!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the soup! Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container since it will expand as it freezes. It should be good for about 2-3 months. Just remember to label it with the date!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, just pour it into a pot and heat it over medium heat until it’s hot throughout. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. If it’s thickened up too much in the fridge, don’t worry! Just add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Microwave option: If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it! Transfer your soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to savor the warm comforts of the coziest chicken noodle soup any day of the week! Enjoy!
FAQ About the Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup
Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred it up and toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking. It’s a great way to use up what you have and adds even more flavor to the soup!
What if I can’t find egg noodles?
No worries! You can substitute with any pasta you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different types of noodles may require more or less time to cook. Just make sure to adjust accordingly!
Is this chicken noodle soup gluten-free?
Yes! If you use gluten-free egg noodles or any gluten-free pasta, this soup can easily be made gluten-free. Just double-check the broth you’re using as well, since some brands might contain gluten.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies, like peas, corn, or even some leafy greens like spinach. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re adding ingredients that take longer to cook.
How can I make this soup creamier?
If you’re in the mood for a creamier version, try stirring in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. It adds a lovely richness that takes the coziest chicken noodle soup to the next level!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken soup, you can check out this article.
If you’re interested in exploring more delicious chicken recipes, feel free to visit our chicken recipe section.
For tips on how to make homemade chicken broth, check out this guide.
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The Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup to Soothe Your Soul
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A warm and comforting chicken noodle soup perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic and thyme. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions.
- Stir in shredded chicken and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add more broth if soup thickens too much.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken noodle soup, cozy soup, comfort food
