Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
A warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the perfect comfort food for cold days or any time you crave something soothing. This classic dish combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a creamy broth, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this delightful soup that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh vegetables, chicken, and creamy goodness creates a deliciously rich flavor.
- Versatile Dish: This soup can be customized with your favorite veggies or herbs, making it adaptable to your family’s taste.
- Hearty Meal: Packed with protein and carbs, it’s a filling meal that satisfies hunger without needing sides.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals on demand.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for making soups as they provide even heat distribution.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the cream soup into the broth without lumps.
Ingredients
A family favorite for cold days or any time you need a hug, it’s a classic recipe made even more delicious.
Ingredients:
– ½ cup butter
– 2 cups chopped carrots (about 3 large carrots)
– 1 ½ cups chopped celery (about half a head of celery)
– 1 cup chopped onion (about one medium onion)
– ¼ cup all-purpose flour
– 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base
– ½ teaspoon course ground black pepper (plus additional for seasoning)
– 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
– 4 ounces of wide egg noodles (about 2 ½ cups)
– 2 10.5 ounce cans cream of chicken soup
– ¼ cup water or milk
– salt
– 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Then, add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for about 7–10 minutes while stirring occasionally until the onion turns translucent and the vegetables are tender. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously to coat them evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to combine the flour with the butter and vegetables.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Bouillon
Slowly stir in the chicken broth to avoid lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high until it reaches a boil. Next, add the chicken bouillon base and black pepper, stirring well to blend all flavors together.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Carefully place the chicken breasts into the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from pot once cooked through.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Add egg noodles to the pot while stirring to combine. Cover and cook on medium-high for about 7–10 minutes until noodles are tender. While cooking, shred the chicken on a cutting board using two forks. Once done, return shredded chicken back into the pot.
Step 6: Add the Cream Soup
In a small bowl, whisk together two cans of cream of chicken soup with water or milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into your pot, stirring thoroughly until everything is well blended and creamy. Taste your soup; add more pepper or salt if desired.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle your creamy soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like. Serve warm for a comforting meal that everyone will love!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Serving Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup can be as delightful as making it. Here are some suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons complement the soup’s richness.
- Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens and vegetables adds a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Accompany with Bread
- Crusty Bread: A slice of sourdough or baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor pairs well with the creamy broth.
Add a Flavorful Garnish
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or dill gives a pop of color and freshness.
- Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors and adds a hint of acidity.
Serve with Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: Sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan on top enhances the savory taste.
- Cheddar Cheese Biscuits: These cheesy biscuits are great for soaking up the soup.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
To elevate your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, consider these handy tips for the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your soup more vibrant.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to achieve the perfect balance.
- Shred Chicken Well: Shredding chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures even distribution throughout the soup.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: This prevents noodles from becoming mushy when added to the hot soup.
- Experiment with Broth: Using homemade broth can significantly elevate the taste compared to store-bought varieties.
- Add Extra Veggies: Consider adding peas or corn for additional nutrition and color.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup can make your meal complete. Here are some fantastic options.
- Garlic Knots: These soft, buttery knots are fantastic for dipping into your soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice and cheese provide a hearty side option.
- Cheesy Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese make for a fun and flavorful accompaniment.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add both color and nutrition.
- Cornbread Muffins: Light and sweet cornbread muffins balance out the savory flavors of the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a satisfying crunch alongside your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can make the soup overly thick and gluey. Measure carefully to achieve the right consistency.
- Neglecting to season: Failing to season at different stages can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can dry it out. Monitor the internal temperature to keep it juicy and tender.
- Skipping the sauté step: Not cooking the vegetables beforehand can result in a less flavorful broth. Sauté them until tender to enhance the overall taste.
- Ignoring noodle cooking time: If noodles are overcooked, they turn mushy. Follow package instructions closely for perfect texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it’s best consumed within 3 months.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot, heat on medium until hot, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time while making this recipe.
How do I make this soup healthier?
You can substitute whole wheat noodles and use low-fat cream of chicken soup for a lighter version.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well; just remember to store it in airtight containers.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by adding all ingredients and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. It’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something warm and filling. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a bowl of cozy goodness!
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Warm up your day with this delightful Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, the ultimate comfort dish perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soothing meal.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces wide egg noodles
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes.
- Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil.
- Add chicken breasts, cover, and simmer until cooked through (about 15 minutes). Remove and shred the chicken.
- Stir in egg noodles; cook until tender (7–10 minutes). Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Whisk cream of chicken soup with water or milk; stir into the pot until well blended.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
