Oh, let me tell you about the coziest chicken noodle soup! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for when the wind is howling and you just want to curl up on the couch. This soup brings back so many fond memories of my childhood, when my mom would whip up a big pot every time we felt under the weather or just needed a little extra comfort. The aroma of sautéing garlic and onions fills the kitchen, making it feel like home. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of this goodness to lift your spirits. It’s simple, nourishing, and oh-so-delicious, with tender chicken and slurp-worthy noodles that make every spoonful feel like a cozy embrace. You’ll want to make this recipe a regular in your home too!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the coziest chicken noodle soup
Alright, let’s dive into making this soul-soothing soup! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have a delicious bowl ready in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to cozy comfort!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want that oil shimmering but not smoking!
- Now, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they’re nice and soft. This is where the magic begins—your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
- Next, add those minced garlic cloves and cook for just 1 more minute. You don’t want to burn the garlic; we’re just looking to bring out that incredible flavor.
- Pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Give it all a good stir, and let it come to a boil. The bubbling sound is music to my ears!
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is when all those flavors meld together beautifully.
- After the 20 minutes are up, add in the 2 cups of egg noodles. Cook them until tender, usually around 6–8 minutes, but check the package instructions to be sure!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to fish out that bay leaf before serving. It’s not a friend at the table!
And there you have it! A delicious pot of the coziest chicken noodle soup ready to warm your heart. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to recipe for chilly days!
Nutritional Information
Now, I want to share a bit about the nutritional side of the coziest chicken noodle soup. Just keep in mind that the nutrition facts can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so take these numbers as a general guideline rather than a precise measurement.
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
This hearty soup is not only comforting but also packs a nutritious punch, making it a great choice for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- The comforting flavors remind you of home-cooked meals and warm memories.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a healthy choice that satisfies.
- Flexibility to customize with your favorite veggies or spices!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any!
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your coziest chicken noodle soup turns out perfect every time! Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure success and help you avoid any common hiccups.
- Use Quality Broth: The chicken broth is the base of your soup, so choose one that you love! Homemade broth is fantastic if you have it, but store-bought works just fine too—just look for low-sodium options to control the saltiness.
- Don’t Skip the Aromatics: Sautéing the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic is crucial. It builds the flavor foundation of your soup, so take your time with this step. The scent wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
- Cook Noodles Separately: If you plan on having leftovers, consider cooking the egg noodles separately and adding them to each bowl when serving. This helps prevent them from getting mushy in the soup as they soak up the broth over time.
- Add Fresh Herbs: If you want to elevate the flavor even more, toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving. They add a burst of freshness that’s hard to resist!
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your soup before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference. This little step makes a world of difference.
- Make it Ahead: This soup freezes beautifully! If you’re making it in advance, allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready for a cozy meal!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the coziest chicken noodle soup! Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Variations
One of the best things about the coziest chicken noodle soup is how versatile it is! You can easily mix it up based on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving. Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
- Veggie Boost: Add in extra vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for a colorful twist. Just toss them in with the broth and let them cook until tender.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs! Try adding fresh rosemary or basil for a fragrant twist. Just remember to adjust the quantity since fresh herbs have a stronger flavor than dried.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It adds a delightful warmth that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Rice Instead of Noodles: Swap out the egg noodles for rice or quinoa for a different texture and a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose!
- Asian-inspired: Give your soup an Asian flair by adding ginger, soy sauce, and some bok choy or mushrooms. Finish it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a lovely crunch!
- Creamy Version: For a rich and creamy twist, stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving. It transforms your cozy soup into a luscious delight!
So go ahead and get creative! Each variation is a chance to explore new flavors while still enjoying that comforting base that makes this soup so special. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover coziest chicken noodle soup is a gift that keeps on giving! Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy that comforting flavor later.
First, let your soup cool completely before storing it. Once cooled, transfer it to airtight containers. I like to portion mine into smaller containers so I can grab just what I need for a quick lunch or dinner. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup! Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of your container for expansion as the soup freezes. It can last in the freezer for up to 2–3 months. Wow, right? You’ll always have a cozy meal waiting for you!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, pour it into a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl—just cover it loosely and heat for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through.
Just like that, you’ve got your cozy chicken noodle soup ready to warm your heart all over again! Enjoy every delicious spoonful!
FAQ Section
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! In fact, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just shred the chicken and toss it in when you add the broth. It adds great flavor and makes the prep even quicker!
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze it for longer storage. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it even more delicious when you reheat it!
What can I do if my soup is too thick?
If your coziest chicken noodle soup turns out thicker than you’d like, don’t worry! Just add a bit of chicken broth or water while reheating until you reach your desired consistency. It’ll be just as comforting!
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices. Peas, corn, or even spinach can be a lovely addition. Just toss them in when you add the broth, and they’ll cook perfectly!
Is this chicken noodle soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice. Just keep an eye on the cooking times since they may vary. Enjoy your cozy meal without the gluten!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken soup, you can check out this Healthline article.
Z nadrukami
The Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup: A Heartwarming Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
A warm and comforting chicken noodle soup perfect for chilly days.
Składniki
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and add chicken, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add egg noodles and cook until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Uwagi
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Soup
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bowl
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Słowa kluczowe: chicken noodle soup, cozy soup, comfort food
