Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Provides the main protein for the soup, becoming tender and flavorful as it cooks.

Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding depth and richness to the flavor.

Carrots: Adds sweetness and color to the soup, while providing essential nutrients.

Celery stalks: Adds a subtle, savory flavor and a bit of crunch to the soup.

Onion: Adds a foundational flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory note that complements the other ingredients.

Egg noodles: Provides a hearty, comforting texture that makes the soup more filling.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the soup's flavor.

Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic flavor that pairs well with chicken.

Dried parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and a pop of color.

When sautéing the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, make sure to cut them into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and enhances the overall texture of the soup. Additionally, deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth before adding the rest of the liquid to lift any caramelized bits from the bottom, which adds depth to the flavor.

• boneless, skinless chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well, making it a suitable alternative for vegetarians.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar depth of flavor without using animal products, ideal for vegetarians or vegans.

• sliced carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative to carrots.

• sliced celery stalks - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunch and a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor that can add a unique twist to the soup.

• diced onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions and can be a great alternative in soups.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, more nuanced flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.

• egg noodles - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles are gluten-free and have a similar texture, making them a good alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty, umami flavor to the soup, reducing the need for additional salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile and can be used for a more subtle heat.

• dried thyme - Substitute with oregano: Oregano has a robust flavor that can stand in for thyme in most recipes.

• dried parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• Allow the chicken noodle soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to soggy noodles and a diluted broth.

• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portion control, consider using individual serving-sized containers. This way, you can grab just the right amount for a quick meal.

• Label each container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you don't mistake your chicken noodle soup for another soup or stew.

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The vegetables and chicken will maintain their texture and flavor during this period.

• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. Chicken noodle soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.

• When ready to enjoy your frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps preserve the texture of the noodles and vegetables.

• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the broth has thickened during storage, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

• If reheating in the microwave, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters. Heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is hot throughout.

• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed after reheating. Sometimes, flavors can mellow during storage, and a little extra seasoning can bring your chicken noodle soup back to life.

• Enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Pour the leftover chicken noodle soup into a large pot.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
  3. Once the soup starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it warm through for about 5-10 minutes.
  4. Check the temperature to ensure it’s hot enough, then serve immediately.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate to prevent splatters.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute the heat evenly.
  4. If the soup is not hot enough, continue heating in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired temperature.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the soup from drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is thoroughly heated.
  5. Stir the soup halfway through the heating process to ensure even warming.

• For slow cooker reheating:

  1. Pour the leftover soup into your slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to the low setting.
  3. Allow the soup to heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once the soup is hot, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting until ready to serve.

• Large pot: A big pot is essential for cooking the soup and holding all the ingredients together.

• Cutting board: Use this to safely chop your vegetables and chicken.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife is necessary for dicing the onion, slicing the carrots and celery, and mincing the garlic.

• Measuring spoons: These will help you accurately measure out the salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the vegetables and soup as it cooks.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the chicken breasts when adding them to and removing them from the pot.

• Forks: Two forks are needed to shred the cooked chicken.

• Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls.

• Bowls: Use these to serve the finished chicken noodle soup.

• Measuring cup: Essential for measuring the chicken broth and ensuring you have the right amount.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop carrots, celery, and onion the night before and store them in the fridge.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.

Instant pot method: Use an Instant Pot to cook the soup faster. Combine all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

Frozen vegetables: Use pre-sliced frozen vegetables to skip the chopping step.

Quick-cook noodles: Opt for quick-cook egg noodles that cook in 3-5 minutes.