Super Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe From Scratch

Ever crave that warm, comforting feeling of a homemade bowl of chicken noodle soup? But the thought of spending hours in the kitchen puts you off? I get it. That's why this article focuses on an easy chicken noodle soup recipe from scratch that’s both quick and satisfying. Forget those canned soups; we're making the real deal, and it's easier than you think. We'll start by gathering simple ingredients and following straightforward steps to create a flavorful base. Then, you'll discover my top tips for taking your soup to the next level, from noodle choices to seasoning secrets. Not stopping there, we'll explore tasty customizations and serving ideas that can make this soup a star. Lastly, I'll show you how to store your leftover soup and even freeze it for those "I need comfort now" moments. So, grab your apron, and let's get cooking!

Making Chicken Noodle Soup: Ingredients and Simple Steps

Okay, so you're ready to make some killer chicken noodle soup, right? First things first, let's talk ingredients. You'll need about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer), and a medium yellow onion, diced. Don't forget two carrots, peeled and sliced, plus two celery stalks, also sliced. For the broth, grab 8 cups of chicken broth – low sodium is always a good idea. Now, for the noodles, 8 ounces of egg noodles are classic, but any noodle you like will work. Finally, you will need 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. That's it! Seems simple, right? It is.

Now for the super easy process. Heat the olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about five minutes, until they start to get soft. Next, toss in the chicken and cook until it's no longer pink on the outside. Then, pour in the chicken broth, basil, and oregano. Bring it all to a boil, then turn down the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, and then toss it back into the pot. Finally, add the egg noodles and cook until they’re tender, usually about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. And there you have it – a basic, but delicious, chicken noodle soup from scratch.

Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe From Scratch

Boost the Broth

Let's get real, the broth is the soul of any good soup, and it's where you can really make this easy chicken noodle soup recipe from scratch shine. While using store-bought broth is fine, consider making your own if you have the time. It's not as hard as it sounds! Just simmer a whole chicken or chicken bones with some veggies like onions, carrots, and celery for a couple of hours. The flavor difference is seriously impressive. If you're short on time, look for low-sodium broth, and consider adding a bay leaf or some fresh thyme while simmering for an extra layer of flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Another trick? Don't be afraid to season the broth at each stage. A pinch of salt and pepper while the veggies are cooking, and again after you've added the broth, can make a big difference. Taste as you go, and adjust to your liking. Remember, you're the chef here!

Noodle Know-How

Noodles are a big deal in chicken noodle soup, right? While egg noodles are classic, they’re not your only option. If you’re not into egg noodles, try using other options like ditalini, or even broken spaghetti. The key is to not overcook them, or they will end up mushy. Add them to the soup towards the end of the cooking process, and keep an eye on them. They should be tender but still have a little bit of bite to them. Also, I've found that cooking the noodles separately then adding them to the soup just before serving can be a game-changer, especially if you plan on having leftovers. This prevents them from soaking up all the broth and getting bloated in the fridge.

Ingredient Upgrades

Now, let’s talk about leveling up those basic ingredients. Instead of just using chicken breasts, try mixing in some chicken thighs for a richer flavor and a more tender texture. Also, feel free to get creative with your veggies! Adding some garlic, or even some chopped spinach or kale at the end is a great way to add some more flavor and nutrients. Don't be shy about adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end; it brightens the whole soup up. And if you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill can make it look and taste even more amazing.

Remember, this easy chicken noodle soup recipe from scratch is a starting point. It's all about making it your own. So, go ahead, experiment, and most importantly, have fun.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Customizations and Serving Ideas

Alright, so you've got the basic soup down, but what if you're craving something a bit different? Well, that's where the fun begins! This easy chicken noodle soup recipe from scratch is like a blank canvas. Let's start with the protein; if you're not feeling chicken, try shredded turkey, or even some white beans for a vegetarian twist. For the veggies, roasted garlic adds a rich, deep flavor, or consider adding some diced sweet potatoes or parsnips for a touch of sweetness. Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. And, for a creamy texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end. The possibilities are endless, really! Just remember to taste as you go and adjust to your own preferences.

Now, let's talk serving. While this soup is fantastic on its own, sometimes you want a little something on the side. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice. Or, if you want something a little more hearty, try some crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches. They're perfect for dipping into that warm, flavorful broth. Another idea? Top your soup with some crunchy croutons, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. And, if you are feeling fancy, a swirl of pesto or a drizzle of olive oil can add a touch of elegance. Remember, the goal is to make this soup your own, so don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!

Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Storing Leftovers: The Fridge Method

Okay, so you've made a big batch of this easy chicken noodle soup recipe from scratch, and now you've got leftovers. No problem! Storing it in the fridge is super simple. Just let the soup cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure it's fully cooled before you pop it in the fridge, or you might end up with some funky condensation. If you plan on eating it within three to four days, the fridge is your best friend. The flavor of the soup might even get better overnight as the ingredients meld together. But, be warned, the noodles can get a little bit mushy if they sit in the broth for too long, so keep that in mind.

To avoid the mushy noodle situation, you can also store the noodles separately. This is a bit more work, but it's worth it if you want to maintain the best texture. Just cook the noodles separately, drain them, and store them in a separate container. When you're ready to reheat the soup, add the noodles back in. It's like having fresh soup every time, even if it's leftover. And, if you're like me and love a good garnish, keep those fresh herbs separate too, and add them just before serving for a pop of freshness. Trust me, it makes a difference.

Freezing for Later: A Few Pro Tips

Now, for those times when you want to save your soup for even longer, freezing is the way to go. The key here is to prepare the soup and noodles separately, just like we talked about for fridge storage. If you freeze the soup with the noodles in it, you're almost guaranteed to end up with a mushy mess when you thaw it. So, cool the soup completely, and then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. I like using freezer bags because they take up less space in the freezer, especially if you lay them flat after filling them. Make sure to leave a little bit of space at the top for expansion as the soup freezes.

When you're ready to thaw and enjoy your soup, just move it from the freezer to the fridge the night before. Once it's thawed, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Cook the noodles separately, if you haven't already, and add them to the soup just before serving. And, there you have it, a delicious bowl of easy chicken noodle soup recipe from scratch whenever you need a comforting meal. It’s almost like having a secret stash of homemade goodness, ready to go at a moment's notice. It's a game changer, trust me!

Wrapping Up Your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

There you have it—a delicious and easy chicken noodle soup recipe from scratch that’s perfect for any day. From simple ingredients to a warm, comforting bowl, we covered all the steps to make this classic soup your own. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or experiment with different flavors and add-ins, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and the delicious result. This soup isn't just food; it's a hug in a bowl. So, next time you're feeling under the weather or just need a little comfort, remember this easy recipe and whip up a batch. Happy cooking!