Discovering a Comforting Tradition
My Favorite is Simple Chicken Noodle Soup and When I first moved away from home, I was excited to explore new recipes and try out fancy dishes. But, as the weeks went by, I found myself craving something familiar, something that reminded me of home. That’s when I remembered my mom’s Simple Chicken Noodle Soup. It wasn’t anything extravagant, just a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that felt like a hug in a bowl. The thought of it brought back memories of cold winter days, when I’d come home to the smell of this soup simmering on the stove.
The Simplicity of Flavor
I decided to make it one evening after a long day at work. I gathered all the ingredients—nothing complicated, just the basics: butter, onion, celery, chicken broth, and of course, the tender chicken and noodles. As I sautéed the onions and celery in a little butter, the kitchen filled with a familiar, soothing aroma. I added the broth and shredded chicken, letting the flavors mingle together. It was simple, but there was something magical about how these few ingredients came together to create such a comforting dish.
A Meal Made with Love
As the soup simmered, I thought about how this recipe had been passed down through generations in my family. My mom learned it from her mom, who probably learned it from hers. Each time it was made, it was slightly different—sometimes we’d add extra herbs or a splash of lemon juice—but it was always made with love. I felt connected to my family as I stirred the pot, knowing that this same soup had been enjoyed by them on countless occasions.
Sharing the Comfort
When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into a bowl and took a deep breath, letting the steam warm my face. The first spoonful brought a sense of peace, the kind that only comes from a meal made with care. It was just as I remembered—simple, comforting, and full of flavor. Now, whenever I need a little extra comfort or a taste of home, I know I can rely on this Simple Chicken Noodle Soup to bring a little warmth into my day. And the best part? I can share it with others, passing down the tradition, one bowl at a time.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Simple Chicken Noodle Soup
- Start by prepping all your ingredients before you begin cooking. This ensures a smooth process, especially when working with a quick-cooking soup like this one.
- If you’re aiming for a dairy-free version, olive oil is an excellent substitute. It adds a rich flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of the broth.
- For a deeper flavor, try simmering the chicken broth with the onion and celery for an extra 10 minutes before adding the other ingredients. This step can enhance the overall taste of the soup.
- To prevent the egg noodles from becoming too soft, you can cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving. This way, the noodles maintain their texture, especially if you plan to have leftovers.
- Don’t hesitate to mix in other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach. These can add both color and nutritional value to your soup.
- If you’re planning to store leftovers, keep the noodles separate from the soup. This prevents them from soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving can brighten up the soup’s flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a refreshing tang.
Simple Chicken Noodle Soup
4
bowls10
minutes20
minutes161
kcal30
minutesDive into the comforting warmth of this Simple Chicken Noodle Soup! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a lifesaver when you need a delicious meal in a hurry. With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to whip up a quick, homemade meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/2 cup yellow onion finely diced
1/2 cup celery stalks chopped
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 pound cooked chicken breast shredded
1 1/2 cups wide egg noodles
1 cup carrots thinly sliced
1/2 tsp dried basil leaves
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Sauté Vegetables – In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and chopped celery; cook until they are tender but not browned, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Broths and Chicken – Pour in the chicken broth and vegetable broth. Stir in the shredded chicken breast.
- Add Noodles and Carrots – Add the egg noodles and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Final Simmer – Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the noodles are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Large Pot
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 161kcal
- Fat: 6.1g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
- Sodium: 1357mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 12.1g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 13.4g
- Vitamin A: 5000IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQ-Simple Chicken Noodle Soup
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a nice, roasted flavor to the soup. Just shred the meat and add it to the soup as directed.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free noodles. Make sure to cook them separately according to the package instructions to maintain their texture.
What can I do to reduce the sodium content?
Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added chicken and vegetable broths. You can also control the salt by seasoning the soup to taste at the end of the cooking process.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. However, it’s best to freeze it without the noodles and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
What if I want to add more protein?
You can easily increase the protein content by adding more chicken, or even by incorporating beans like cannellini or chickpeas. These additions can make the soup even more filling and nutritious.
