This comforting chicken noodle soup has the perfect blend of tender chicken, hearty noodles, and fresh veggies. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day!
I love how my grandma makes this soup with simple ingredients, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Just one bowl, and you’ll feel like you’re home. 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: A whole chicken is amazing for flavor, but if you’re short on time, 4 bone-in chicken thighs work well too. Feel free to use rotisserie chicken if you want to skip the cooking part altogether.
Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth keeps it healthy and lets you control the saltiness. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter option, especially if you’re vegetarian!
Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but if you want a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or spiralized zucchini. They’ll change the texture a bit but still taste great.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery give a classic taste, but you can add peas, corn, or even spinach for an extra nutrient boost. I love throwing in some spinach for color and health benefits.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Getting that tender, shredded chicken is key to a good soup. After boiling the chicken, you want to let it cool a bit so you can safely handle it. Pull apart large pieces using two forks or your hands.
- Ensure the chicken has cooked long enough to get super tender. If it’s still tough, let it simmer longer.
- Shred the chicken while it’s warm; it makes it easier to pull apart. If it cools too much, it can become hard to shred.
Shredded chicken can add moisture back into the soup, ensuring every bowl has that delicious, tender flavor. Happy cooking!
Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), or 4 large bone-in chicken thighs
- 10 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 large carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces egg noodles or wide ribbon noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley, plus more fresh parsley for garnish
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy chicken noodle soup will take about 1 hour in total. You’ll spend about 20 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the chicken, and then an additional 30-40 minutes to prepare the soup, including simmering time. It’s a wonderful way to fill your kitchen with comforting aromas while creating a hearty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the whole chicken or chicken thighs. Cover it with water or chicken broth, then add a pinch of salt. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring it all to a boil.
2. Simmer the Chicken:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam that forms on the top, and add the bay leaf. Let the chicken simmer for about 45-50 minutes so it cooks through and becomes tender.
3. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a plate. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard any skin and bones, and set the shredded chicken aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the chicken is cooking, grab a large skillet. Heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, and diced celery, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell it.
5. Mix Everything Together:
Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the broth. Stir in the dried thyme and dried parsley, and season it all with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook the Noodles:
Bring the broth back to a gentle boil, then add the egg noodles. Cook according to the package instructions (usually about 6-8 minutes) until the noodles are tender.
7. Combine and Season:
Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Serve Your Soup:
Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!
9. Enjoy!
Serve hot with crackers or some crusty bread on the side. This classic homemade chicken noodle soup is hearty, cozy, and perfect for warming you up on a chilly day. You’re going to love it!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Shredded leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just add it in step 7 along with the noodles, allowing the flavors to meld together.
How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
To make the soup gluten-free, simply replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for those alternatives.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup! Just let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! You can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of fresh garlic. Just sprinkle it in when adding the other seasonings to keep that lovely garlic flavor in the soup!
