Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a great choice for a warm, comforting meal. It’s easy to make and packed with delicious flavors. This recipe features tender chicken pieces, wide egg noodles, and a variety of fresh vegetables.

When you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal, chicken noodle soup is a great choice. It’s easy to make and packed with delicious flavors. This recipe features tender chicken pieces, wide egg noodles, and a variety of fresh vegetables. Beyond its flavor, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit various dietary needs. Add ingredients like boneless, skinless chicken, carrots, celery, and onions. Mix these with garlic in olive oil for a flavorful base. For depth, add low-sodium chicken broth and herbs like thyme and rosemary. With its simple steps, you can make & enjoy a hearty bowl in no time.

Historical Context

Chicken noodle soup has ancient origins, dating back more than 2,000 years to China. During the Han Dynasty, the Chinese combined noodles and broth, eventually adding chicken for a hearty meal.

This simple dish has evolved into a variety of regional specialties and spread globally. For example, Italy's Brodo con Pasta and Germany's Hannernüdelsuppe reflect local flavors with ingredients like Parmesan and nutmeg.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup

Making chicken noodle soup from scratch involves choosing the right chicken, choosing the best noodles, and adding vegetables and herbs for flavor. Each element contributes to the comforting taste and aroma of this classic dish.

Ingredients

• 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cooked and shredded
• 2 cups wide-cut egg noodles (or your favorite noodles)
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

2. After that, pour in the chicken broth. Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Then add the cooked chicken and noodles. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the noodles are tender.

4. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Try this homemade chicken noodle soup with your loved ones and share the taste with them, and do not forget to add some comments down there by sharing your tasty experience. 

Storing and Preserving Chicken Noodle Soup

Preserving your chicken noodle soup ensures it stays delicious for later. Using airtight containers can extend its fridge life for several days. If you opt for freezing, it’s important to do it correctly so it maintains its taste and texture.

To keep chicken noodle soup fresh, use airtight containers. These help prevent moisture and air from entering, which can cause the soup to spoil faster. Choose containers made of glass. When storing soup, let it cool slightly before transferring it to a container. Avoid overfilling to allow room for expansion as it cools. 

If you're not planning to eat the soup within a few days, consider freezing it. Let the soup cool completely before placing it into freezer-safe containers. Again, leave some space for the liquid to expand when freezing. When it's time to reheat, allow the soup to thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat it gently on the stove over low heat until it's hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What ingredients can be used for a classic chicken noodle soup?

First, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, wide egg noodles, carrots, celery, an onion, garlic, low-sodium chicken broth, olive oil, dried thyme, rosemary, a bay leaf, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.

2. What type of noodles should I use?

You can choose any noodles you like, but commonly, Wide egg noodles are used. Options include rice noodles or gluten-free noodles if you have dietary preferences.

3. Can I use canned vegetables?

You can use canned vegetables, but fresh or frozen ones usually provide better texture and flavor.

4. How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

Cook the noodles until just tender. If storing, consider cooking them separately and adding only when serving.

5. How do I serve the soup?

Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with a side salad or some crusty bread for a hearty meal.