How to Make the Perfect Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup
American · Medium · 60 min · 6 servings
A comforting and flavorful chicken noodle soup loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles in a rich golden broth. It is the ultimate cozy meal for any occasion.
Why this recipe works
This Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups egg noodles uncooked
- 3 whole carrots sliced into rounds
- 3 stalks celery sliced
- 1 whole yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and add the whole chicken breasts along with the dried thyme. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Simmer the chicken breasts in the broth for 20 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken with tongs and set aside on a cutting board to rest.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Noodles
Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the egg noodles to the simmering broth.
Step 5: Finish and Season
Cook the noodles for 8 minutes until tender. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- egg noodles → rotini pasta or rice for a gluten-free option
- chicken breasts → bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor
- dried thyme → fresh thyme or Italian seasoning blend
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Boiling the soup too vigorously which makes the chicken tough and the broth cloudy
- Adding the noodles too early which causes them to become overcooked and mushy
- Using low-quality broth which results in a flat and bland tasting soup
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 28g protein, 30g carbs, 8g fat, 3g fiber.
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