Shaye’s Super Easy and Delicious Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Total Time: 48 minutes | Prep Time: 8 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 | Category: Chicken | Keywords: Poultry, Meat, < 60 Mins, Easy
Description:
This comforting and hearty Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is an absolute family favorite, crafted with love and care. It began as a basic magazine recipe but was modified to suit our personal tastes perfectly. Quick to prepare yet full of flavor, this soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. Don’t be tempted to skip the leek—it’s the ingredient that truly makes the soup stand out! Whether you’re looking for an easy weekday meal or a weekend treat, this soup is always a hit.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black peppercorns | 10 |
| Flat leaf parsley | 2 sprigs |
| Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Leek | 1 medium |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Boneless skinless chicken breast | 2 breasts |
| Carrots | 2 medium |
| Celery | 2 stalks |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 343.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 11.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 50.1 mg |
| Sodium | 1303.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 44.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 19.8 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Bouquet Garni:
Begin by making a bouquet garni—a bundle of aromatics that will infuse the soup with rich flavor. To do this, place the peppercorns, parsley, thyme, and bay leaf in a piece of cheesecloth and tie it up securely using kitchen twine. Set aside. -
Sauté Onions and Leek:
In a large stockpot, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the chopped onion and leek. Sauté them together for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they soften and become translucent. This step is essential for bringing out the depth of flavor in the soup. -
Simmer the Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and add your bouquet garni to the pot. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors from the bouquet garni to infuse the liquid. Keep the broth at a low simmer, making sure it doesn’t boil too aggressively, as a gentle simmer will yield the best flavors. -
Poach the Chicken:
Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot with the simmering broth. Let them poach uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The chicken should easily shred with a fork at this point, and the broth should be richly flavored with the aromatic bouquet garni. -
Prepare the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and transfer it to a plate to cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, shred or cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside for later. -
Cook the Vegetables:
While the chicken is cooling, add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. These vegetables will take around 18 minutes to cook, so now is the perfect time to check the cooking instructions for your egg noodles. Let the vegetables cook until they are tender, but don’t let them overcook. -
Cook the Noodles:
After your vegetables have had some time to cook, add the egg noodles to the pot according to the directions on the package. Noodles generally take 7 to 10 minutes to cook, so time this step carefully to ensure that everything finishes at the same time. -
Combine Chicken and Soup:
Once the noodles are cooked through, return the shredded or cubed chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Let the soup heat through for another few minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together and become even more flavorful. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is heated through, your Chicken Noodle Soup is ready to serve! Enjoy it with crackers or a slice of crusty bread for a heartwarming meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the soup just before serving. This will make the broth creamier and add a lovely smooth texture.
- For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh garlic when sautéing the onions and leek.
- If you’re looking for a low-sodium version, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the salt as needed.
- Add more vegetables like peas or corn for added texture and flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs to your liking. If you prefer rosemary over thyme or a bit more parsley for freshness, go for it! The flexibility of this recipe allows you to make it your own.
This Chicken Noodle Soup is quick, comforting, and endlessly customizable. The savory broth, tender chicken, and vegetables come together to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Make this soup for your family and enjoy a warm, nourishing meal that’s sure to become a new favorite!
