This comforting chicken noodle soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s made with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and cozy noodles to keep you feeling great!
Whenever I’m under the weather, this soup is my go-to. I love how easy it is to make; just throw everything in a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy! It’s like Grandma’s magic potion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing and adds flavor. If you’re out, any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil will work well too. For a buttery taste, you can use butter instead.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is the best for rich flavor, but store-bought low-sodium broth is a convenient option. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or if making it vegetarian.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this soup quick and easy! If you have leftover cooked chicken or turkey, that’s perfect. For a vegetarian option, try adding beans or tofu instead.
Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just adjust cooking time as needed, depending on the noodles you choose.
Fresh Herbs: While I like using dried thyme and oregano, fresh herbs can elevate the flavor. If you have fresh thyme or parsley handy, they make a lovely garnish!
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your veggies right is key to a satisfying soup! Start with a medium heat when sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery together.
- Sauté for about 5-7 minutes. You want them soft but not mushy, so keep an eye on them!
- Adding the garlic just for the last minute helps it keep a nice, vibrant flavor.
- Take your time while simmering the broth; this helps all the flavors blend beautifully!
In the end, your veggies should be tender and flavorful, creating a heartwarming soup that feels like home!
Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie or boiled chicken breast)
- 2 cups egg noodles or wide ribbon noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting chicken noodle soup takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and an additional 20-25 minutes to cook. In total, it will take around 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weekday dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté the veggies until they are softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn.
2. Add the Garlic:
Once the vegetables are softened, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté everything together for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Careful not to let it brown too much!
3. Pour in the Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a nice boil over medium-high heat.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend and the veggies to become tender.
5. Add the Chicken:
After the soup has simmered, mix in the shredded cooked chicken. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. Cook the Noodles:
Now it’s time to add the egg noodles! Stir them in and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until the noodles are tender.
7. Finish the Soup:
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. Serve hot with some toasted bread or crackers alongside for a perfect cozy meal!
This traditional chicken noodle soup packs in tender shredded chicken, broad egg noodles, and simple, aromatic herbs all simmered in a hearty broth—just like Grandma used to make!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a great time-saver and can be used directly in the soup without thawing. Just add them in during the same step you’d add fresh vegetables, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as frozen veggies can cook a bit faster.
Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! For a slow cooker version, sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in a pan first, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the broth, herbs, and chicken, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add any extras like peas or corn for additional flavor and texture. You can also include herbs like dill or a splash of lemon juice for a fresh twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times to accommodate any new ingredients.
