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Ever scrolled through Facebook, dreaming of a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup, just like grandma used to make? You're not alone! It's the ultimate comfort food, especially when you're feeling under the weather, or just need a hug in a bowl. But who has hours to spend in the kitchen? That’s where this quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe, inspired by the best versions shared on Facebook, comes in. We're talking about a recipe that's ready in about 40 minutes, packed with flavor, and totally customizable. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps to create this delicious soup, from the essential ingredients to some fun variations that will elevate your soup game. You will learn how to store leftovers and freeze the soup for later. We'll also cover the key nutrition facts, so you know exactly what you're getting. So, grab your apron, and let's get cooking!
Making Chicken Noodle Soup: Ingredients and Easy Steps

Making Chicken Noodle Soup: Ingredients and Easy Steps
Alright, let's talk chicken noodle soup basics. This isn't rocket science, it's just good, old-fashioned comfort food. First, you will need your key players: chicken broth, vegetable broth, cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is your best friend here, trust me), egg noodles, some carrots, and celery. We're also gonna throw in a bit of onion for extra flavor. Now, don't get all fancy and buy pre-cut veggies. Chop them yourself, it's way cheaper and honestly, kind of therapeutic. You'll also want some olive oil or butter for sautéing, and salt and pepper, because, well, they're the dynamic duo of all cooking. The magic starts by melting butter (or oil) in a pot. Then, add your chopped onions and celery. Cook them until they're soft, like they've just had a relaxing spa day, about 5 minutes. This is the foundation of your flavor.
Next up is the broth. Pour in both your chicken and vegetable broths. If you're feeling lazy, using just chicken broth is fine too. Now, bring that to a boil. Once it's boiling, add your carrots and cooked chicken. If you used a rotisserie chicken, shred it up first. Let that simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where all the flavors start to get to know each other and become best friends. Now, it's time for the noodles. Add your egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Usually, it's about 6-8 minutes, but keep an eye on them. You want them tender, not mushy. Once the noodles are done, give it a taste. Does it need more salt? More pepper? Now's your chance to adjust. And that's pretty much it! You have made a perfect bowl of chicken noodle soup.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Olive oil or Butter | 1 tablespoon |
Onion | 1/2 cup diced |
Celery | 1/2 cup chopped |
Chicken broth | 4 cups |
Vegetable broth | 4 cups |
Cooked chicken | 2 cups shredded |
Carrots | 1 cup sliced |
Egg noodles | 1 cup |
Salt | To taste |
Pepper | To taste |
FacebookFamous Chicken Noodle Soup: Tips and Tasty Variations

FacebookFamous Chicken Noodle Soup: Tips and Tasty Variations
so you've got the basic chicken noodle soup down, but let's be real, sometimes basic just doesn't cut it. This is where we get to play around and make this soup truly our own. A lot of the chatter on Facebook groups is about these little tweaks that make a big difference. First up, herbs. A bay leaf or two while it simmers adds a subtle depth that's just *chef's kiss*. Some fresh thyme or rosemary can also bring a lovely fragrant note. If you like a bit of a kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Also, consider adding some garlic when you're sautéing the onions. Trust me, it's a game-changer. And don't underestimate the power of a good squeeze of lemon juice at the end, it brightens everything up.
Now, for the veggies. While carrots and celery are classic, feel free to add other veggies too. Some people love adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or peas for a touch of sweetness, or even some spinach for extra nutrients and color. You could also change the type of noodles. Instead of egg noodles, try using ditalini, or even orzo, for a different texture. If you are going for a super hearty soup, throw in some cooked rice or barley. And let's talk about the chicken. While rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver, you can also use leftover roasted chicken or even cook some chicken breasts specifically for this soup. Just make sure to shred it nicely. And if you are feeling adventurous, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of savory flavor. Now that we have our base and our tips, you can be sure your soup will be the talk of the town or at least the talk of your Facebook friend list.
- Herbs: Bay leaf, thyme, rosemary
- Spice: Red pepper flakes
- Aromatics: Garlic
- Acid: Lemon juice
- Veggies: Mushrooms, peas, spinach
- Noodles: Ditalini, orzo
- Grains: Rice, barley
- Sauce: Worcestershire sauce
Storing Your Chicken Noodle Soup and Nutrition Facts

Storing Your Chicken Noodle Soup and Nutrition Facts
How to Store Your Soup Like a Pro
so you've made a big batch of this amazing chicken noodle soup, and now you're wondering, "What do I do with the leftovers?" Don't worry, I got you. The good news is, this soup stores like a champ. If you're planning to eat it within the next 3-4 days, just pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’s that simple. Now, here’s a little secret: the noodles tend to soak up the broth as they sit, so your soup might get a bit thicker. No biggie, just add a splash of broth or water when you reheat it. But if you're not going to eat it that quickly, freezing is your best bet. However, freezing soup with noodles can get a bit tricky because they can become mushy after thawing. To avoid that, I would recommend you to cook the noodles separately. Store the soup and noodles in different containers. When you're ready to eat, thaw the soup and then cook the noodles, and then add it to the soup.
Another thing to consider when storing is that it’s important to let the soup cool down before putting it in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help prevent the temperature in your fridge from rising and will also help prevent the soup from forming condensation. When you're ready to reheat, you can do it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just make sure to heat it thoroughly and that the soup is bubbling hot before eating it. Now you can have your soup any time you want, and you can be sure it will taste as good as the day you made it.
Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
---|---|---|
Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Store in airtight container. Add liquid when reheating if it's too thick. |
Freezer (soup only) | Up to 6 months | Store in airtight container. Thaw before reheating. |
Freezer (noodles separate) | Up to 6 months | Cook noodles fresh when ready to eat, then add to thawed soup. |
Nutrition Facts: What's in Your Bowl?
Now, let's talk about what's actually *in* that bowl of goodness. Chicken noodle soup is not just delicious, it can also be packed with nutrients. Of course, this does vary a little depending on the ingredients you use, but in general, a serving (about 1.5 cups) of this soup will give you a good dose of protein from the chicken, vitamins from the veggies, and carbohydrates from the noodles. It is also a good source of hydration. The broth is low in calories, which is great if you're watching your calorie intake. It’s also important to remember that the sodium content can be a little high, especially if you're using store-bought broths. So, if you're concerned about that, you can use low-sodium broth or even make your own broth from scratch, which is actually pretty easy.
Based on the recipe above, one serving is around 162 calories, with 8 grams of fat, 14 grams of carbohydrates, and 9 grams of protein. But again, this will vary based on your ingredients. It is always a good idea to check the nutritional information on the products you use. This soup is a great option when you're feeling under the weather because it's easy to digest and it's comforting, but it's also a good option if you just need a quick and healthy meal. So, there you have it, a breakdown of the nutrition in your bowl. Now you can enjoy your soup knowing you're not just eating something tasty, but also something that is good for you.
Wrapping Up Your Chicken Noodle Soup Adventure
So, there you have it—a quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe that’s perfect for any day. It's comforting, it's customizable, and it’s way better than anything you'll find in a can. Whether you're using leftover rotisserie chicken, adding extra veggies, or trying out some new herbs, this recipe is a great starting point. Remember, the best part about cooking is making it your own, so don't be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. And who knows? Maybe your version will be the next viral chicken noodle soup recipe on Facebook!