Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe with Chicken Breast

Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup? I think not. Especially when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a hug in a bowl, this classic dish always hits the spot. Forget those watery, bland versions you might find in a can. We're talking about a homemade, flavorful, and totally satisfying chicken noodle soup recipe with chicken breast. This isn't just any soup; it's a recipe that's been perfected over time to bring you the ultimate cozy experience. We’ll guide you through each step, from gathering the simple yet crucial ingredients to mastering the technique for a rich, flavorful broth. Get ready to learn how to create a truly memorable bowl of chicken noodle soup, one that's packed with goodness and will have everyone asking for seconds. We'll cover using bone-in chicken for the best flavor, but we'll focus on using chicken breast for this recipe. We’ll even share some tips and tricks to make your soup extra special. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup with Chicken Breast

The Chicken

let's talk chicken. I know some folks swear by bone-in for the richest broth, and they're not wrong, but for this recipe, we're keeping it simple and using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Why? Because they're easy to handle, cook up quickly, and are readily available. I like to use about 2 large chicken breasts, which is usually around 1.5 pounds. Don’t worry, we'll make sure this soup is still bursting with flavor, even without the bones.

The key is to make sure they are good quality. I often buy organic chicken breast for my family. But you can use any chicken breast that you find in your local grocery store.

The Veggie Base

Next up, the veggies! This is where we build the foundation of our soup's flavor. We're going classic here: onions, carrots, and celery. This trio is known as a mirepoix, which basically means a flavor bomb in French cooking. I usually go for one medium yellow onion, two medium carrots (peeled and sliced), and two stalks of celery (also sliced). Don’t skimp on these; they add so much depth and sweetness to the broth.

Also, a little garlic never hurt anyone, right? I add two cloves of garlic, minced finely, towards the end of the sautéing process. It gives a nice aroma and a little zing.

The Broth and Noodles

Now, for the liquid gold – the broth! I always use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt. About 8 cups of it will do the trick. If you are feeling fancy you could make your own broth, but store bought works perfectly well. I also add 4 cups of water. This helps to not have the soup too rich. For noodles, egg noodles are the classic, but use whatever you have on hand. I like to use about 8 ounces of wide egg noodles.

Don't forget the seasonings! I keep it simple with salt, black pepper, a bay leaf, and some fresh thyme. I usually add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 bay leaf and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.

This is all you need to make a delicious chicken noodle soup.

Tips for Making Flavorful Chicken Noodle Soup with Chicken Breast

Sautéing for Flavor

so you've got your ingredients, but how do you take this soup from good to absolutely amazing? It all starts with sautéing. Don't just toss the veggies into the pot and call it a day. Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery in a little butter or olive oil before adding the broth is crucial. This process brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delicious base flavor for the whole soup. I like to sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to soften and the onions become translucent.

Then, right before you add the broth, toss in that minced garlic. Sauté it for just 30 seconds or so. You want it to be fragrant, but not burnt. This little step makes a world of difference.

Seasoning and Simmering Secrets

Now, let's talk about seasoning. Salt is your best friend here. Don’t be shy! It's what brings out all the flavors. I always add the salt early in the cooking process to give it time to work its magic. But remember to taste as you go and adjust accordingly. The bay leaf and fresh thyme are not just there for show, they add such a delicate, herby depth to the soup. Don’t skip them!

And finally, the key to a really flavorful soup is simmering. Don’t rush this process. Once you’ve added your broth and noodles, let the soup simmer gently for at least 20-25 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together and makes the broth richer and more delicious. The longer it simmers, the better it will taste.

StepbyStep Instructions for Chicken Noodle Soup with Chicken Breast

Alright, let's get down to business and make some soup! First things first, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Melt a tablespoon of butter or drizzle some olive oil over medium heat. Once it's hot, toss in your diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the onions become translucent. The kitchen should start smelling amazing at this point.

Next, add your minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until it's fragrant. Now, pour in your 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 4 cups of water. Add the chicken breasts, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Now, it's time to add the noodles. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Make sure you stir it occasionally, so the noodles don't stick to the bottom of the pot.

Before serving, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste your soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup! This recipe is so comforting and I am sure you will love it. I know my family does!

Don't forget, making a soup is like creating a story, every ingredient plays its part and every simmer adds a chapter. Enjoy the process!

Wrapping Up Your Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

So, there you have it – a delicious and comforting chicken noodle soup recipe with chicken breast that’s sure to please. You've learned how to make a flavorful broth, combine simple ingredients into a hearty meal, and customize it to your liking. Remember, the key to great soup is quality ingredients and a little patience. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own. This recipe is not just about making soup; it's about creating a feeling of warmth and comfort. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a friend in need, this chicken noodle soup is a perfect choice. Now go on, enjoy your homemade goodness and share the love with a comforting bowl of soup!