Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup: 1 Bowl of Love

When the wind howls outside, or maybe when you’re just feeling a little ‘blah,’ there’s one super classic bowl of comfort that always hits the spot: chicken noodle soup. Seriously, forget those watery canned versions; we’re talking about the REAL deal here, homemade from scratch, the kind that hugs you from the inside out. It reminds me so much of my Grandma Carla’s kitchen, just like the stories she tells on her ‘About’ page. She always said food was love, and this soup is pure love in a bowl, perfect for us folks in the USA when we need a little warmth on a chilly night or a gentle lift when we’re under the weather. This recipe is your ticket to that ultimate, soul-soothing comfort.

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Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Okay, so why should you ditch the can opener and dive into this homemade goodness? Let me tell you:

• It’s Ridiculously Easy: Honestly, even if your kitchen skills are a little rusty, this recipe is super forgiving. It uses common pantry staples, so you probably have most of what you need already!
• Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl: This isn’t just soup; it’s a warm hug. The tender chicken, the soft veggies, and those perfect noodles swimming in a flavorful, soothing broth just make everything feel better.
• Tastes Like the Real Deal (Only Better!): Forget that bland, same-y flavor from a can. This classic chicken noodle soup has depth and warmth that only comes from real ingredients simmered together with care.
• Perfect for Any Day: Whether it’s a gloomy Tuesday, you’re feeling under the weather, or just craving something satisfying, this soup is always the answer. It’s pure comfort soup for sickness or just for the soul.

Ingredients for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

Alright, let’s talk about what goes into making this dreamy bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s really all about simple, good-for-you stuff that comes together beautifully. You probably have most of these right in your pantry already!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a little splash to get things started and help soften up those veggies.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: I usually go for breasts because they’re lean, but honestly, thighs give you a richer flavor if you’re feeling fancy! So pick your favorite.
• 1 large onion, chopped: This is the flavor base, giving everything a nice sweet start.
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: They add that natural sweetness and a pop of color. Plus health, right?
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: You can’t have chicken noodle soup without that classic celery crunch and subtle flavor.
• 8 cups chicken broth: This is the heart of your soothing broth recipe. Low-sodium is my go-to so I can control the saltiness.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: It has this lovely, sort of earthy, lemony scent that just screams comfort.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just a little kick!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Again, you can always add more later, so start light.
• 6 ounces egg noodles: These are the stars for a reason, right? They soak up all that yummy broth.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: This is our flavor finisher, adding brightness right at the end.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup from Scratch

Alright, let’s get this party started! Making this chicken noodle soup from scratch is way easier than you think, and honestly, it’s kind of therapeutic. Just like my Grandma Carla used to say, it’s about the joy of cooking, not stressing over it. We’re going to build flavor layer by layer, and before you know it, you’ll have a pot of pure comfort ready to go. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Sautéing Aromatics for Your Chicken Noodle Soup

First things first, let’s get our flavor base going. Grab your big pot or Dutch oven and pop it over medium heat. Add that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering a bit, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Give them a good stir, and let them cook until they start to soften up, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re not trying to make them mushy, just tender enough to release all their deliciousness into the soup later.

Simmering the Soothing Broth Recipe

Now, back to that chicken you cooked earlier – let’s get it back into the pot. Pour in those 8 cups of chicken broth. Don’t forget to add the dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Give everything a good stir. Bring this whole mixture up to a boil, then turn the heat down low so it’s just gently simmering. You’ll want to let this simmer away for about 20 minutes. This is where all those wonderful flavors meld together and the chicken becomes perfectly tender.

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Adding Noodles and Finishing Touches to Your Comfort Soup

Okay, almost there! Take the chicken out of the pot for a minute and shred it up – a couple of forks work best for this. While you’re doing that, you can toss your 6 ounces of egg noodles right into the simmering broth. Cook them according to the package directions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, until they’re nice and tender but still have a little bite. Once the noodles are done, put that shredded chicken back into the pot. Just before serving, stir in those 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. And voilà! Your comfort soup is ready to be devoured. You can even check out my slow cooker version if you’re feeling extra lazy!

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Tips for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

Alright, so you’ve got the recipe, but let me share a few little secrets that make this chicken noodle soup go from *really good* to *absolutely amazing*. It’s all about those small touches, the kind of little shortcuts that are totally worth taking, just like my Grandma Carla taught me! If you’re looking for more soup ideas, my soups and salads category is always a good place to start.

First off, about that chicken – while I love chicken breasts for their leanness, don’t be afraid to use chicken thighs! When they simmer in the broth, they become impossibly tender and add a richness that’s just *chef’s kiss*. For an even richer broth, you can even sauté your veggies in a little bit of butter along with the olive oil. And when it comes to those noodles? Don’t overcook them! They’ll continue to soften a bit in the hot broth, so aim for al dente, or slightly firmer than you’d normally like.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Chicken Noodle Soup

Once you’ve made this amazing pot of chicken noodle soup, you’ll probably have some leftovers, right? And that’s fantastic because this soup freezes and reheats like a dream. First, let it cool down a bit on the counter. If you’re planning to refrigerate it, pop it into an airtight container. It should stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags – it’ll keep its quality for a good 2-3 months. Remember to leave a little headspace in your containers for freezing, as liquids expand!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Noodle Soup

Got questions about this lovely chicken noodle soup? I’ve got answers! It’s like we’re back in Grandma Carla’s kitchen, chatting over a warm bowl. If you ever have more questions or just want to say hi, feel free to reach out through my contact page!

Can I use different types of noodles for this chicken noodle soup?

Absolutely! While I adore classic egg noodles, feel free to swap them out. Bowtie pasta, ditalini, or even alphabet noodles work beautifully. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary, so keep an eye on them!

How can I make the broth richer for my comfort soup?

For an extra rich broth, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts – they have more fat and flavor. Also, don’t skip sautéing those veggies really well; a good mirepoix (that’s just onion, carrot, and celery!) builds amazing depth. A splash of white wine after sautéing the veggies can also add a delightful zing before adding the broth!

Is this chicken noodle soup suitable as a homemade cold remedy?

Oh, definitely! This classic chicken noodle soup is practically designed to be a homemade cold remedy. The warm, soothing broth is incredibly comforting, the steam helps clear congestion, and the chicken and veggies offer nutrients to help you feel better. Sending you a virtual bowl of healing!

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Nutritional Information for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Now, I know you might be curious about the nitty-gritty details! Here’s an approximate breakdown of what you’ll find in a 1.5-cup serving of this comforting goodness. Keep in mind these are estimates, and they can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use and how generous you are with portions!

Estimated values per 1.5 cup serving:

• Calories: ~350
• Fat: ~10g (Saturated: ~2g, Unsaturated: ~8g, Trans: 0g)
• Sodium: ~800mg
• Carbohydrates: ~30g (Fiber: ~3g, Sugar: ~5g)
• Protein: ~35g
• Cholesterol: ~90mg

This is a pretty balanced bowl, packed with protein and comfort! Enjoy every spoonful.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

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A comforting homemade chicken noodle soup recipe, perfect for chilly nights or when you need a soothing remedy.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 35 min
• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 ounces egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Return chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth, thyme, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from the pot and shred it. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes.
6. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For a richer broth, you can use chicken thighs.
• Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
• This soup is great for meal planning and can be frozen for later.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg