🍲 Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

📖 Description

Warm, soothing, and nourishing—Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken, hearty noodles, and flavorful broth come together in a cozy bowl that tastes even better the next day. Whether it’s for dinner, lunch, or whenever you need a hug in food form, this soup is one you could happily live off of!

📝 Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or freshly poached)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh for garnish)
• 2 cups egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, 5–6 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Add Broth & Seasoning: Pour in chicken broth. Add bay leaves, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Cook Noodles: Stir in egg noodles and cook according to package directions until just tender (about 7–8 minutes).
4. Add Chicken: Stir in shredded chicken. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
5. Finish: Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove bay leaves. Garnish with parsley and (optional) a squeeze of lemon.
6. Serve Hot: Enjoy with crackers, crusty bread—or even pickles on the side for a tangy crunch! 🥒

🍽️ Servings

Makes 6 hearty servings.

📊 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 750mg

💡 Notes & Tips

• For extra richness, use bone-in chicken and simmer in broth before shredding.
• To save time, rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
• If making ahead, cook noodles separately and add when serving so they don’t get soggy.
• Add leafy greens (spinach, kale) for extra nutrition.
• Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge; it tastes even better the next day!

🌿 Health Benefits

• Immune-boosting: Garlic, chicken broth, and veggies provide vitamins and minerals that support recovery.
• Hydrating: Soups help replenish fluids and electrolytes.
• Comforting for colds: Warm broth soothes sore throats and eases congestion.
• Balanced meal: Protein, carbs, and veggies all in one bowl.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
A: Yes—just freeze without the noodles. Add fresh noodles when reheating.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
A: Absolutely. Cook on LOW 6–7 hours (add noodles in last 30 minutes), or use the Instant Pot soup setting.

Q: What noodles work best?
A: Egg noodles are traditional, but rotini, ditalini, or even rice work great.

Q: Can I make it low-carb?
A: Yes! Swap noodles for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shredded cabbage.