Chicken Noodle Soup – A Classic Recipe For Chilly Days

by Julia
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May 11, 2023

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Chicken noodle soup, a timeless comfort food, weaves the simplicity of tender chicken pieces with the humble elegance of noodles in a clear, savory broth. Carrots, celery, and onions add a crunch and depth, while herbs like thyme and parsley lend a fragrant note. This classic concoction promises warmth and solace, offering a bowl of nurturing with every spoonful.

Most of us turn to chicken noodle soup whenever we get sick, but no chicken noodle soup hits the same way as when grandma made it. So, here’s a fantastic grandma’s chicken noodle soup recipe for you to try out!

Chicken noodle soup is a classic favorite soup around the world. Many love a bowl or two whenever they need a pick-me-up, as this is a great comfort food.

Many of us loved this soup throughout childhood – so how can you get that same feeling now you are an adult and cooking for yourself?

This is the place for you if you are after a nostalgic chicken noodle soup recipe. We have assembled a chicken noodle soup recipe with all the Southern touches needed to make it taste extra special.

What Is Chicken Noodle Soup?

Chicken noodle soup is considered a comfort food for those feeling sick or unwell. It is super tasty, filling, and packed with important nutrients and vitamins that can help you return to your normal self.

This is thanks to all the vegetables in classic chicken noodle soup recipes. Plus, it’s low in calories because it uses chicken instead of red meats, so it’s a healthy soup.

Chicken noodle soup is also affordable, as it uses many ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. If you have any leftover chicken, vegetables, or noodles, you need to use up – it goes into the pot!

Most of us have eaten chicken noodle soup; for most people, it’s a nostalgic dish they strongly tie to their grandparents and childhood.

It’s a hearty, delicious hot soup that most of us start to crave when we are under the weather – and one we need to learn to make ourselves once we are adults!

So, check out the guide below to learn how to make chicken noodle soup, just as Grandma used to make it!

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Keto Replace noodles with zucchini noodles (“zoodles”) and increase the chicken or add high-fat ingredients like avocado.
Paleo Use grain-free noodles like spiralized vegetables, and ensure your broth is free from additives and preservatives.
Gluten-Free Opt for gluten-free noodles, like rice noodles or gluten-free pasta, ensuring the broth is also gluten-free.
Whole30 Use compliant chicken broth, replace noodles with vegetable spirals, and avoid non-compliant additives.
Vegetarian Omit chicken and use a hearty vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or tofu for more substance.
Vegan Alongside omitting chicken and using vegetable broth, consider adding beans, lentils, or chickpeas for protein and texture.

Recipe Directions

Sauté Base Ingredients: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, sautéing until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add Main Ingredients: Introduce chicken, noodles, carrots, garlic, seasonings, and herbs to the pot. Stir well, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
Pour Liquids: Add chicken broth and water. Mix well.
Bring to Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken and noodles to cook thoroughly.
Serve and Enjoy: After simmering, do a taste test and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup!

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

Asian Twist: Incorporate ginger, lemongrass, and switch to rice noodles.
Creamy Version: Add heavy cream or coconut milk for a rich texture.

Add-Ons

Grains: Quinoa, barley, or rice can offer a hearty twist.
Protein Boost: Include chickpeas, lentils, or tofu.
Greens: Spinach, kale, or bok choy enhance nutritional value.

Toppings

Herbs: Fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro add flavor.
Spice: A sprinkle of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce can elevate heat.
Texture: Croutons, toasted sesame seeds, or fried onion bits provide a crunch.
Zest: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice brightens up flavors.
Cheese: Grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.

Can I Make Chicken Noodle Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

Many of us use slow cookers to make soups, stews, and broths these days, so how can you make grandma’s chicken noodle soup using a slow cooker? Here’s a recipe to help you out!
Start by preparing your slow cooker. Spray it with non-stick cooking spray and add all ingredients apart from the egg noodles and water.
It’s a good idea to first add the chicken breasts with the seasoning directly on top. Then add the vegetables and pour the chicken broth over the top. Stir well to mix everything and combine them well.
Once that’s done, cover your slower cooker with the lid and allow it to cook on low heat for seven hours.
After seven hours, go back and carefully remove the chicken breasts with some tongs. Shred the chicken breasts well and put them back into the pot using two forks. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked at this point.
Then, add the egg noodles and pour the water over the top. This ensures the noodles are covered in liquid so they can cook.
Put the lid back on your slow cooker and let it cook on high heat for 30 minutes. Check that the noodles are nice and tender and that the shredded chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving!

Instant Pot

Use the “Sauté” function to cook onions and celery in butter. Add other ingredients except for the noodles. Seal and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 7-8 minutes.
Quick-release the pressure, open the lid, and set to “Sauté” again. Add noodles, cooking until tender. The Instant Pot offers a faster yet more flavorful soup.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth

Convenience: Quick and easy, especially for impromptu meals.
Consistency: Offers a predictable taste every time.
Variety: Available in different flavors and dietary preferences (e.g., low-sodium, organic, bone broth).
Shelf Life: Lasts longer when unopened; great for pantry stocking.

Homemade Broth

Flavor Control: Customize according to personal preference.
Freshness: Free from preservatives and additives.
Economical: Make use of leftover chicken bones and veggie scraps.
Nutrition: Often richer in nutrients and can be tailored for specific dietary needs

How To Serve ?

Warm Bowls: Pre-warm serving bowls to keep the soup hot longer.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley, dill, or chives for a new flavor.
Lemon Wedge: A squeeze can elevate the soup’s taste, adding brightness.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of fresh, warm bread or a roll to soak up the broth.
Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino can add depth.
Adjust Seasoning: For individual adjustments, have salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes on hand.
Serve Promptly: Best enjoyed hot, so serve immediately after cooking.
Complementary Sides: A green salad or steamed vegetables can complete the meal.

Perfect Side Dishes

Crusty Bread: Freshly baked baguettes or sourdough are ideal for dipping.
Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette contrasts the soup’s warmth.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A gooey, crispy classic that pairs perfectly.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add nutrition and variety.
Quiche: A warm, savory quiche complements the soup’s texture.
Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasted bread add a refreshing touch.
Pita and Hummus: A Mediterranean touch for added protein.
Fruit Salad: Light and sweet, it offers a contrasting flavor.

Storage & Make Ahead

Storage: Cool the chicken noodle soup quickly and transfer it into airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For freezing, consider omitting the noodles as they can become mushy; freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot. If noodles were omitted, add freshly cooked noodles during reheating to maintain their texture.
Make Ahead: The soup’s base (broth, chicken, and vegetables) can be prepared in advance. Store it separately from the noodles. Before serving, reheat the base and cook noodles fresh.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Chicken Salad: Shred the chicken, mix it with mayonnaise, and add fresh veggies for a quick salad.
Casserole Base: Use the soup as a base for a casserole, topping with breadcrumbs and cheese.
Stir Fry: Drain the liquid and stir the leftover chicken and vegetables with sauce.
Rice Dish: Mix with cooked rice, creating a comforting pilaf or risotto.
Fritters: Combine ingredients, form into patties, and pan-fry.
Broth Bowls: Add fresh veggies, proteins, or grains to the broth for a new soup.
Pasta Sauce: Reduce the broth and serve over pasta.
Tacos or Wraps: Use the chicken and veggies as fillings.
Pot Pies: Use leftovers as a filling for a delicious pot pie.
Pizza Topping: Shred the chicken and scatter it on the pizza with other complementary toppings.

Tips

Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
Broth Matters: Opt for homemade or good-quality store-bought broth for a richer base.
Cook Noodles Separately: Prevent soggy noodles by cooking them separately and adding them to individual servings.
Herb Freshness: Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking for vibrant flavor.
Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
Skim Fat: For a clearer broth, skim off excess fat after cooking.
Vegetable Consistency: Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy the soup hot for the best taste and texture, especially with the noodles freshly added.