This comforting Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup is a big hug in a bowl! Full of tender chicken, fresh herbs, and cozy noodles, it’s a perfect dish for chilly days.
There’s nothing like the smell of garlic and herbs filling the kitchen! I love to make extra so I can have leftovers—it’s even better the next day, right?
Making this soup is super easy! Just cook everything in one pot, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. It’s my go-to when I need a little warmth and comfort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: I like using olive oil for its light flavor. If you’re looking for something lighter, you can use avocado oil. For added depth, consider butter.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium chicken broth is my go-to to control the saltiness. You can swap it for homemade broth if you have it or use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Noodles: I usually opt for rotini for its shape that traps the soup, but egg noodles are a classic choice. If you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta or rice noodles instead.
Herbs: Dried herbs are convenient but using fresh herbs, like parsley and thyme, can raise the flavors. Herbs can be adjusted based on preferences—don’t be afraid to experiment!
How Do You Cook Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s simple once you know how! Here’s how I do it:
- After cooking, let the chicken sit for a couple minutes to cool slightly—this helps it stay juicy.
- Use two forks; hold one to stabilize the chicken and the other to pull apart the meat into shreds.
- If you have leftover chicken, it’s perfect for this! Just shred it directly into the soup.
This method ensures each piece is tender and mixes beautifully with the broth and noodles. Enjoy your soup-making adventure!
Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz rotini or egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. So in total, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes to enjoy a warm bowl of soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add the Garlic:
Now it’s time for the garlic! Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook it for another minute. You want to smell that delicious garlic aroma filling your kitchen!
3. Pour in the Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. This will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your soup.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Carefully place the chicken breasts into the pot. Once they are in, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked all the way through.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should be tender and juicy!
6. Add the Noodles:
With the chicken out, add the noodles to the pot. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until they are al dente.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, and stir in the dried thyme, parsley, basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
8. Final Touch:
Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld all the amazing flavors together.
9. Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!
This soup is hearty and aromatic with a fresh garlic and herb flavor that beautifully balances the tender chicken and soft noodles. Perfect for any day! Enjoy!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Raw Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just shred about 2 cups of cooked chicken and add it to the soup after the noodles are cooked. You won’t need to simmer it for as long, so add it in the last few minutes for warmth.
Can I Substitute the Noodles for a Gluten-Free Option?
Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles instead. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as gluten-free noodles can cook faster or slower than regular pasta.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if it thickens up too much. This soup is perfect for prepping ahead of time!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in other veggies like peas, corn, or even spinach. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure all the vegetables are tender and delicious. Fresh greens like spinach can be stirred in at the end and cooked just until wilted.
