Homemade Chicken Soup: A Comforting Classic

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade chicken soup to warm you up on a chilly day or to provide comfort when you’re feeling under the weather. This classic recipe is packed with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and hearty egg noodles, making it a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.

What Is Homemade Chicken Soup?

Homemade chicken soup is a traditional dish made with chicken, vegetables, broth, and often a starch such as noodles or rice. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the wholesome flavors that come together during cooking. This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, offering the flexibility to customize ingredients to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and quick: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable: Easily switch up the vegetables or use gluten-free noodles for dietary needs.
  • Nutritious and wholesome: Packed with protein and vitamins from fresh ingredients.
  • Great for meal prep: Make a large batch and store it for later use.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup (125g) egg noodles (or your favorite soup pasta)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Cooking the Chicken and Broth

  1. Add the chicken, chicken broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Shredding the Chicken and Cooking the Noodles

  1. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
  2. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  3. Stir in the egg noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

Final Touches

  1. Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
  2. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

  • Crackers: Add crunch to every bite.
  • Warm rolls or bread: For dipping and extra comfort.
  • A fresh green salad: To balance the meal with some greens.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

Freezing Instructions

  • Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Variations

  • Vegetarian: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth.
  • Gluten-free: Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice.
  • Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
  • Herbal twist: Include fresh rosemary or basil for added flavor.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Shred rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken and add it during the noodle cooking step to save time.

What can I use instead of egg noodles?
Any small pasta, rice, or even quinoa will work beautifully in this soup.

How can I make the soup thicker?
Add a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water during the noodle cooking step for a thicker broth.

This homemade chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending simple ingredients into a flavorful and nourishing dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Try it out today and share your experience!

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Homemade Chicken Soup: A Comforting Classic


  • Author: Julia Childley
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

 

This hearty homemade chicken soup is a comforting classic, featuring tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and warm egg noodles. It’s perfect for chilly days, quick dinners, or when you need a nourishing meal.


Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup (125g) egg noodles (or your favorite soup pasta)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Vegetables:
    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Cook the Chicken:
    Add chicken, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • Shred the Chicken:
    Remove chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  • Add Noodles:
    Stir in egg noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
  • Finish the Soup:
    Remove the bay leaf and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Variations:
    • Use rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
    • Add extra herbs like rosemary or basil for a flavor twist.
    • Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: ~250 per serving
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