There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup with egg noodles. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, and every spoonful brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. This recipe is special because it captures the essence of traditional American comfort food while allowing for personal touches that make it uniquely yours. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with the rich aroma of simmering broth, and that’s exactly what this dish brings to your home. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and those delightful egg noodles, it’s not just about nourishment; it’s about creating a moment of joy and warmth. Plus, it’s so straightforward to make that you’ll want to whip up a pot every week! Let’s dive into the secrets of making this soul-satisfying soup.
Ingredients List
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), preferably free-range for richer flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin for a more robust taste
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds (about 1 cup)
- 2 celery stalks, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re a garlic lover!)
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium for better control over salt)
- 1 bay leaf, dried
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme for a brighter flavor
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups egg noodles, preferably wide for a heartier bite
- Salt to taste (start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust as needed)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional but adds a lovely touch)
How to Prepare Chicken Soup with Egg Noodles
Sautéing the Vegetables
To kick things off, grab a large pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. These three amigos, often called mirepoix, are the flavor base of your soup! Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Oh, the smell is divine! Just be careful not to let them brown too much; we want them sweet and tender, not caramelized.
Cooking the Chicken
Now, it’s time to add the star of the show: your whole chicken! Nestle it right into the pot, surrounded by those gorgeous veggies. Pour in the chicken broth, adding enough to completely submerge the chicken. Toss in the bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper to infuse some incredible flavor. Bring this beautiful concoction to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1 hour. You’ll know the chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced at the thigh. Trust me, you’ll want to check this because no one likes undercooked chicken!
Shredding the Chicken
Once the chicken has cooled just enough to handle, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place it on a cutting board and take a moment to admire your masterpiece! Now, using two forks or your hands (with a bit of patience), shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones and skin. This is where the magic happens—the tender, juicy meat is going to make your soup shine!
Adding Egg Noodles
Return the shredded chicken back to the pot, then it’s time for the egg noodles! Add them in and stir gently. Let everything simmer together for another 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly tender but still have a little bite. You don’t want them mushy, so keep an eye on them! This is the moment when your kitchen will start to feel like a cozy haven, with the aroma of chicken soup wafting all around.
Final Seasoning and Serving
Now that your soup is almost complete, take a moment to taste it and see if it needs a little more salt or pepper. Adjust as needed, because this is where you can really make it your own. Once you’re satisfied, remove the bay leaf (don’t forget this step!) and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. You can also get creative with toppings—crusty bread on the side, a dash of lemon juice, or even a sprinkle of parmesan can elevate your soup to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, this chicken soup with egg noodles not only warms your soul but also packs a nutritious punch! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. For instance, if you use low-sodium chicken broth, you’ll significantly reduce the sodium content, making this soup even healthier. It’s a great way to nourish yourself and your loved ones while enjoying every delicious spoonful!
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your chicken soup with egg noodles, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:
- Ingredient Quality: Use the best chicken you can find—free-range or organic chicken really makes a difference in flavor. Similarly, homemade broth takes this soup to the next level, but if you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought low-sodium broth works well too.
- Add Depth: For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting your chicken before adding it to the pot. This caramelizes the skin and imparts a richer taste to the broth.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables like peas, green beans, or even corn for color and added nutrition. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant and crisp.
- Presentation: Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful presentation! Serve your soup in warm bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to impress your guests.
- Storage Tips: If you plan to freeze leftovers, leave out the noodles and add them fresh when reheating. This helps prevent them from becoming mushy!
By incorporating these tips, you’ll create a chicken soup that not only tastes incredible but also warms your heart and home!
Variations on Chicken Soup with Egg Noodles
One of the best things about chicken soup with egg noodles is how adaptable it is! Here are some fun variations to keep things exciting:
- Different Noodles: Swap out egg noodles for wide rice noodles or even whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist. Each type brings its own unique texture to the soup!
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat. Alternatively, toss in some fresh ginger for an aromatic zing that brightens up the broth.
- Seasonal Veggies: Incorporate fresh vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for a boost of nutrition and color. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as dill or basil for a fresh flavor. These herbs can lend a new dimension to your classic soup.
With these ideas, you can create a new chicken soup experience each time!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your homemade chicken soup with egg noodles is simple and ensures you can enjoy it later! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. If you think you’ll have leftovers, I recommend leaving out the egg noodles before freezing, as they can become mushy once thawed. The soup will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When it’s time to reheat, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, heat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If you find the soup too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For the perfect serving, prepare fresh egg noodles while the soup is reheating, and then mix them in just before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of goodness all over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This chicken soup with egg noodles is like a warm embrace, perfect for cozy nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Flavor Packed: With tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables, every spoonful is bursting with flavor that warms your soul.
- Simple Preparation: The straightforward steps make it easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight—perfect for home cooks of all skill levels!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste preferences. Add your favorite veggies or spices!
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or leftovers.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this soup offers a nutritious option that’s satisfying and wholesome.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish; it’s a meal everyone can agree on!
Chicken Soup with Egg Noodles: Master Comfort Food Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting chicken soup featuring tender egg noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Place the whole chicken in the pot and add chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add egg noodles.
- Simmer until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste and remove the bay leaf.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like peas or green beans for added color and nutrition.
- For a richer flavor, consider roasting the chicken before adding it to the pot.
- This soup freezes well; just leave out the noodles if you plan to freeze for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken soup, egg noodles, comfort food, homemade soup
