Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly day. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and egg noodles in a flavorful broth, this soup is a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces extra-wide egg noodles (I used Amish dumpling noodles)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3 cups diced or shredded chicken (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 white or yellow onion, diced
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 stalks of celery, chopped
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon Herbs de Provence or Italian herb blend)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (or green beans, if preferred)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking your chicken. If you haven’t already cooked the chicken breasts, you can either roast, boil, or pan-sear them until they are fully cooked. Once cooked, dice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Noodles: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the extra-wide egg noodles according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside. You can also cook them in the broth later for added flavor if you prefer, but it’s fine to cook them separately to prevent them from absorbing too much liquid.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, and cook until translucent and softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, celery, and carrots, and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the vegetables to begin softening.
  4. Add the Broth and Liquid: Once the vegetables are softened, pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 5-7 minutes so the flavors can meld and the vegetables soften further.
  5. Add the Seasonings: Stir in the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh rosemary or Herbs de Provence (or Italian herb blend). These herbs will give the soup a fragrant, earthy base that enhances the chicken and vegetables.
  6. Combine the Chicken and Peas: Add the shredded chicken and frozen peas (or green beans) into the pot. Stir to combine, and continue simmering for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the chicken is warmed.
  7. Combine Noodles: Finally, add the cooked noodles to the soup. Stir well, ensuring everything is mixed together. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the noodles to absorb the flavors of the broth.
  8. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. If you prefer a slightly thicker broth, you can add a splash more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
  9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.


Tips:

  • For extra richness, you can use bone broth instead of regular chicken broth, as it will give the soup a deeper, more savory flavor.
  • You can substitute the egg noodles with any pasta of your choice, such as rotini or penne, if preferred.
  • If you want a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
  • This soup is highly customizable! Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, corn, or spinach, depending on what you have on hand.

Enjoy your Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup — the perfect dish to keep you cozy on a cold winter day!

Leave a Comment