Amazing Noodles and Company Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Longing for that warm, comforting bowl of Noodles & Company Chicken Noodle Soup but don't want to leave the house? Or maybe you're just trying to save a few bucks? You're in the right place! This copycat noodles and company chicken noodle soup recipe is designed to bring that familiar, soothing flavor right to your kitchen. Forget the drive-thru; we're diving into a homemade version that's not only delicious but also surprisingly simple to make.

Copycat Noodles & Company Chicken Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Why This Recipe Rocks

picture this: It's a chilly evening, you're wrapped in a blanket, and all you crave is a big bowl of soul-soothing chicken noodle soup. But not just any chicken noodle soup – you want that Noodles & Company flavor. The good news? You don't need to change out of your pajamas or even leave the house. This copycat recipe nails it, offering a comforting, flavorful experience that rivals the original. Seriously, I've tested this thing like a million times to get it just right, and I'm confident you'll love it.

What makes this recipe so special? It's all about the layers of flavor. We're not just throwing some chicken and noodles into broth. We're talking about browning the chicken to build depth, using a blend of aromatic vegetables, and simmering everything together to create a rich, savory base. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it incredibly quick and easy, which is a total win in my book.

More Than Just a Soup

Beyond the incredible taste, this recipe is about creating a feeling. It's about those cozy nights in, the comforting aroma filling your kitchen, and the satisfaction of knowing you made something delicious from scratch. It's also about control – you can adjust the ingredients to your liking, whether you want to add more veggies, use different noodles, or make it gluten-free. It's your soup, your way!

And let's be real, making your own soup is way more budget-friendly than ordering takeout. You can whip up a huge batch for a fraction of the cost, and it's perfect for meal prepping or freezing for later. So, you're not just getting a comforting meal; you're getting a smart, practical solution for those soup cravings. Ready to get started?

• Cozy Comfort: Perfect for chilly evenings.
• Budget-Friendly: Cheaper than takeout.
• Customizable: Adjust ingredients to your liking.
• Easy to Make: Especially with an Instant Pot.

Ingredients for Your Noodles & Company Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

The Chicken: The Heart of the Soup

Alright, let's talk chicken. For this noodles and company chicken noodle soup recipe, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Why thighs? Because they're more flavorful and stay super tender, even after pressure cooking. Trust me, you don't want dry, stringy chicken in your soup. About 2 pounds should do the trick. If you're not a fan of thighs, you can use chicken breasts, but keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Before you even think about throwing the chicken into the pot, give it a quick sear in a little olive oil. This step is crucial because it creates a beautiful golden crust that adds a ton of depth to the overall flavor of the soup. Don't skip it! Season the chicken with salt and pepper before searing for extra flavor.

Veggies and Herbs: Building the Flavor Base

Next up, the veggies. This is where you can really customize the soup to your liking, but I suggest sticking to the classic trio: onion, celery, and carrots. About 1 cup of chopped onion, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 1 cup of chopped carrots will give you that signature Noodles & Company vibe. Dice them into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

Now, let's talk herbs. Fresh thyme and rosemary are essential for that aromatic, comforting flavor. A few sprigs of each will do the trick. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried, but use about half the amount. A bay leaf or two also adds a nice depth of flavor. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving!

Here's a quick rundown of the key ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1-2 bay leaves

Noodles and Broth: The Final Touches

Of course, it wouldn't be chicken noodle soup without the noodles! Wide egg noodles are the way to go for that authentic Noodles & Company experience. About 8 ounces of dried egg noodles should be perfect. Add them towards the end of the cooking process, so they don't get mushy.

Finally, the broth. Chicken broth is the obvious choice, but make sure you use a good quality broth for the best flavor. I prefer low-sodium broth, so I can control the saltiness of the soup. About 8 cups of broth should be enough to cover all the ingredients in the Instant Pot. If you want to amp up the flavor even more, you can use homemade chicken broth.

Instant Pot Instructions: Making Noodles & Company Chicken Noodle Soup at Home

Step-by-Step Guide to Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Alright, let's get down to business! This noodles and company chicken noodle soup recipe is a breeze with the Instant Pot. First, turn your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function and add about a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the pot is hot, add your chicken thighs (that you've seasoned with salt and pepper, right?) and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're nicely browned. This step is all about building flavor, so don't rush it. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Next, add your chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the Instant Pot and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they're softened and fragrant. This is where those veggies release all their deliciousness and create the base for your soup. Stir in your fresh thyme and rosemary, and let them sizzle for another minute or so. Trust me, your kitchen will start to smell amazing!

Pressure Cooking for Maximum Flavor

Now, it's time to bring everything together. Add the seared chicken back into the Instant Pot, along with 8 cups of chicken broth and the bay leaves. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the broth. Close the lid, seal the valve, and set the Instant Pot to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for 15 minutes. That's it! While the soup is cooking, you can relax or prep any sides you want to serve with it.

Once the 15 minutes are up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. This natural release helps to keep the chicken tender and prevents the soup from splattering everywhere. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaves.

Finishing Touches: Noodles and Serving

Almost there! Turn the Instant Pot back to the "Sauté" function and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Add your egg noodles and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they're tender. Be careful not to overcook them, or they'll get mushy. Once the noodles are cooked, stir the shredded chicken back into the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste.

And that's it! Your homemade noodles and company chicken noodle soup recipe is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort meal. Enjoy!

Noodles & Company Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: FAQs, Tips, and Tricks

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

Got questions about swapping ingredients in this noodles and company chicken noodle soup recipe? No problem! Let's start with the chicken. If you're not feeling chicken thighs, chicken breasts will work, but they can dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. For a vegetarian twist, try adding chickpeas or white beans for protein. As for the noodles, gluten-free options like rice noodles or quinoa noodles are great substitutes. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they can become mushy quickly. You can also sub in frozen noodles if that is what you have available!

What about the veggies? Feel free to get creative! Add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried herbs will work in a pinch. Use about half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh. And if you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube can be used as a substitute, though the flavor won't be quite as rich.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Don't have an Instant Pot? No sweat! You can still make this amazing noodles and company chicken noodle soup recipe using other methods. For the stovetop, simply follow the same steps for sautéing the chicken and vegetables in a large pot. Then, add the broth and bay leaves, bring to a boil, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, shred it, and add the noodles for the last 10 minutes of cooking time.

If you prefer a slow cooker, sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the broth and bay leaves, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Both methods will give you a delicious, comforting soup, just like the Instant Pot version!

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Alright, your noodles and company chicken noodle soup recipe is ready, so how do you serve it up right? I am a big fan of keeping it simple and serving it with some crusty bread for dipping into the broth, or you can serve it with garlic bread. A simple side salad also pairs nicely with the soup. If you want to get fancy, garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just be aware that the noodles may become a bit softer after freezing and thawing. When reheating, add a little extra broth if needed to thin it out.

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or sour cream.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze for longer storage (noodles may soften).

More Delicious Recipes to Try After Your Noodles & Company Chicken Noodle Soup

Comfort Food Remix: Beyond Chicken Noodle

so you've nailed the noodles and company chicken noodle soup. What's next on the comfort food agenda? Let's branch out a bit! How about a creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons? It's another classic that's super easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a spicy black bean soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro. The possibilities are endless!

If you're looking for something a little heartier, consider a lentil soup with sausage or a beef stew with root vegetables. These recipes are perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and filling. Plus, they're great for meal prepping, so you can enjoy them throughout the week. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature soup!

Global Flavors: Soup Around the World

Ready to take your soup game to the next level? Let's explore some global flavors! How about a Vietnamese pho with rice noodles, herbs, and your choice of protein? Or a Japanese ramen with a rich broth, soft-boiled egg, and nori seaweed? These soups are packed with flavor and offer a unique culinary experience. They might seem intimidating, but they're actually quite easy to make at home.

If you're in the mood for something a little different, try a Moroccan tagine with chickpeas, vegetables, and spices. Or a Spanish gazpacho, a cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. These soups are perfect for warm weather and offer a refreshing twist on traditional soup recipes. So, ditch the takeout menu and get ready to explore the world of soup!

Slurping Your Way to Homemade Happiness: The Final Word

So there you have it – a delicious, comforting, and totally achievable copycat Noodles & Company Chicken Noodle Soup recipe. Forget those last-minute dashes to the restaurant; now you can whip up a batch of this goodness whenever the craving hits. Whether you stick to the Instant Pot method or adapt it to your favorite cooking style, the key is to make it your own. Add a pinch of extra herbs, throw in some different veggies, or even experiment with gluten-free noodles. The possibilities are endless! Now, go forth and create some soup-er memories (sorry, I had to!). Enjoy!