This warm chicken noodle soup is packed with tender chicken, tasty noodles, and colorful veggies like carrots and celery. It’s like a big hug in a bowl!
I love how this soup warms me up on chilly days. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just toss everything in the pot and let it simmer. Perfect for cozy nights! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: I often use olive oil for a healthier option, but butter gives a rich flavor. If you have dietary restrictions, try coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re out, shallots or leeks can work well too for a different twist.
Carrots and Celery: These are classic soup vegetables. You can swap in sweet bell peppers or green beans if you prefer. Frozen veggies are also great in a pinch!
Chicken Broth: Low sodium broth is best for controlling saltiness. For a lighter option, vegetable broth can substitute, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Cooked Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken for ease, but leftover grilled or baked chicken works perfectly too. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add more beans or lentils.
Noodles: Egg noodles add a nice texture, but you can use any pasta type like rotini or gluten-free pasta if needed. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
How Do You Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, and celery is key for building flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a hot pan on medium heat to ensure vegetables cook evenly.
- Add oil or butter, letting it melt fully before adding veggies.
- Add chopped onion first, cooking until it’s soft. This usually takes about 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic (garlic burns easily, so don’t add it too soon). Stir constantly for 30 seconds before adding carrots and celery.
- Sauté them all together for 5-7 minutes until they soften, stirring occasionally.
This technique enhances the soup’s flavor and gives the vegetables a perfect tender-crisp texture!
Chicken Noodle Soup with Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups egg noodles or spiral pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 bay leaf
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken noodle soup takes about 15 minutes for prep and another 30 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at a total time of about 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent. This step builds great flavor for your soup!
2. Add Broth and Herbs:
Pour in the chicken broth and add in the dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf if you’re using it. Stir everything together and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the carrots to become tender.
4. Add Chicken and Noodles:
Now, it’s time to add the shredded cooked chicken and the egg noodles or spiral pasta to the pot. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
5. Season and Serve:
Give your soup a taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!
This Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for those chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s nutritious, hearty, and sure to warm you up from the inside out! Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely first. You can thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw. After thawing, shred or chop it as directed in the recipe.
How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
To make this chicken noodle soup gluten-free, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free noodles. There are many options available, such as brown rice pasta or gluten-free egg noodles. Just cook them according to package instructions, as cooking times may differ.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If you’d like to freeze it, consider freezing the soup without the noodles, as they can become mushy when reheated. Keep in mind that frozen soup is best consumed within 3 months.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. You can add peas, green beans, or even spinach for added nutrition. Just toss in any additional vegetables during the sautéing step or at the beginning of the simmering phase, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re tender.
