Oh, let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day! The moment the weather turns cold, I find myself craving the coziest chicken noodle soup. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, filled with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a medley of veggies that just dance with flavor. I remember the first time I made this recipe; my kitchen smelled like a comforting blend of home and happiness. It was a rainy afternoon, and with each sip, I felt all my worries melt away. This soup not only warms your body but also your soul, making it the perfect go-to for family dinners or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close!
Ingredients List
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making the coziest chicken noodle soup! First things first, grab a large pot and heat that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking—just enough to make the kitchen smell inviting.
Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these beauties for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. You’ll want to stir occasionally, letting those flavors dance together!
Now, here comes the aromatic part—add in the minced garlic and give it a quick stir for about 1 minute. The smell will be heavenly, trust me! Next, pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth. It’s like a warm bath for our veggies. Then, add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, and the bay leaf. Bring this delightful mixture to a boil.
Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is where the flavors really come to life! After 20 minutes, it’s time to introduce the egg noodles. Cook them for about 7-10 minutes or until they’re tender, stirring occasionally to keep everything blended.
Last but not least, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to fish out that bay leaf before serving! Ladle the soup into bowls and watch as it warms hearts and bellies alike. Enjoy every comforting spoonful of your creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for cozy nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients like veggies and lean chicken, it’s a nourishing choice for the whole family.
- The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying broth you won’t be able to resist.
- Versatile and customizable; feel free to add your favorite veggies or even some spices for an extra kick!
- Great for meal prep, as it stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to make your coziest chicken noodle soup even better! First off, consider using rotisserie chicken for a super quick and easy shortcut. It’s already cooked and packed with flavor—perfect for those busy weeknights. Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your liking; a pinch of extra thyme or a dash of cayenne can elevate the soup beautifully! If you like a richer broth, try adding a splash of white wine when you sauté the veggies. Lastly, feel free to toss in any leftover veggies you have on hand—this soup is all about warmth and comfort, so make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of the coziest chicken noodle soup is estimated to contain about 300 calories, making it a hearty yet wholesome meal. You’ll get approximately 10g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates, along with 2g of fiber to keep you satisfied. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious soup without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before shredding it. You may need to add a bit more time to the simmering stage to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What vegetables can I add to the soup?
Feel free to get creative! Peas, corn, or even spinach can be great additions. Just toss them in when you add the noodles so they cook quickly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it cool completely before sealing it up!
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to leave out the noodles if you plan to freeze it, as they can get mushy. Freeze the soup in portions and add freshly cooked noodles when you reheat it.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No problem! You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, but I recommend adding extra seasonings to boost the flavor. A splash of soy sauce or a bouillon cube can work wonders!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your coziest chicken noodle soup is super simple! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then pour it into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! Simply pour the soup into a pot over medium heat and warm it gently, stirring occasionally. If you find the noodles have absorbed too much liquid, don’t hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to life. You want that comforting bowl to be just as delicious as the first time around!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken soup, you can check out this Healthline article.
Print
The Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup for Ultimate Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A warm and comforting chicken noodle soup perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until tender.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, chicken, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add egg noodles and cook until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add more broth if reheating as noodles absorb liquid.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: the coziest chicken noodle soup
