Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

$To make a great chicken noodle soup, you need these key ingredients: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 carrots, sliced - 3 stalks celery, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups egg noodles - 1 cup frozen peas - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each of these ingredients plays a role. The chicken adds protein and flavor. The vegetables bring freshness and texture. The herbs and broth create a rich base. Egg noodles make the soup hearty. Finally, parsley adds a pop of color and taste. When you gather these items, remember to choose fresh vegetables. They enhance the soup's flavor and nutrition. This classic recipe is simple yet satisfying, perfect for any day. {{ingredient_image_1}} Sautéing the Vegetables Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 3 sliced carrots, and 3 sliced celery stalks. Stir these for about 5 minutes until they soften. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. This step builds a great base for your soup. Browning the Chicken Next, add 1 pound of cut chicken thighs or breasts to the pot. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to brown lightly on all sides. This adds rich flavor to your soup. Adding Broth and Seasonings After the chicken is browned, pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a boil. Simmering the Soup Once the soup boils, reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through. Incorporating Noodles and Peas Stir in 2 cups of egg noodles and 1 cup of frozen peas. Cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. Check that the noodles are tender. Final Adjustments and Serving Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. Remove it from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle. Serve hot in bowls, and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal. Recommended Seasoning Adjustments To boost flavor, you can add more herbs. Try using two teaspoons of thyme. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will give the soup a nice kick. Adding Fresh Herbs Fresh herbs can make your soup shine. Try adding chopped parsley or dill right before serving. This adds flavor and a pop of color. Best Cooking Techniques Sauté the vegetables first to build a base of flavor. Browning the chicken before adding the broth adds depth. Let the soup simmer gently to meld all the flavors together. Ideal Accompaniments Serve your soup with a slice of crusty bread. A simple green salad pairs well too. The bread is perfect for dipping. Presentation Ideas Serve the soup hot in deep bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. You can also sprinkle some cracked black pepper on top for extra flair. Pro Tips Use Bone-In Chicken: For an even richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs. They add depth to the broth and are incredibly tender when cooked. Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme and oregano on hand, use them instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Add them towards the end of cooking for maximum freshness. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or corn. This not only enhances nutrition but also adds color and texture. Store Leftovers Properly: To preserve the quality of your soup, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the noodles. {{image_2}} You can make chicken noodle soup even better with some fun swaps. If you want a healthier option, try using lean proteins like chicken breast instead of thighs. This change cuts down on fat. You can also use low-carb noodles, like zucchini or shirataki noodles. They offer a great texture without the carbs. Adding extra vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Spinach or kale makes a great choice. These greens add color and vitamins. You can toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps them bright and fresh. Switching up the broth can change your soup's taste. Bone broth adds a rich flavor. It also has lots of nutrients that support health. Just use the same amount as chicken broth in the recipe. If you need a vegetarian or vegan option, use vegetable broth. It gives your soup a lighter taste. You can still add chicken if you want. Just keep the broth plant-based for a different twist. Refrigeration Tips Once your chicken noodle soup cools, store it in an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it in a few days. Chicken noodle soup lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date. Freezing Chicken Noodle Soup If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top as the soup expands when frozen. Chicken noodle soup can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Methods for Reheating You can reheat chicken noodle soup on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir it often until it's hot. If using a microwave, pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Safety Guidelines Always check the soup's temperature before eating. It should reach at least 165°F to be safe. If you see any ice crystals when thawing, it’s best to reheat the soup right away. Never refreeze thawed soup. Enjoy every warm, comforting bowl! How can I make chicken noodle soup thicker? To thicken your soup, you have a few options. You can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix cornstarch with cold water, then stir it in. You can also use a potato masher on some of the noodles. This releases starch and thickens the broth. Adding a bit of cream or milk can also help. Just stir it in at the end for a creamy finish. Can I use leftover chicken for the recipe? Yes, using leftover chicken is a great idea! It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred the chicken and add it when you pour in the broth. This way, you keep the soup simple and quick. What makes this recipe different from others? This recipe stands out due to its balanced flavors. The mix of thyme and oregano gives it depth. Using fresh veggies and low-sodium broth makes it healthier. Plus, the egg noodles absorb the broth well, adding heartiness. Caloric Content and Macronutrients This chicken noodle soup has about 300 calories per serving. It contains around 15 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, and 35 grams of carbs. The egg noodles add some carbs, while the chicken provides protein. Allergen Information This soup contains common allergens like chicken and gluten from the noodles. If you need to avoid gluten, consider using gluten-free noodles. Always check labels for hidden allergens. You have all the tools to make a great chicken noodle soup. We covered the main ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking methods. Remember to adjust seasonings to fit your taste. With simple tips and variations, you can make this dish your own. Store any leftovers properly for later use. This soup is not only tasty but also nourishing. Enjoy your cooking experience and share this meal with others. You will love how rewarding it is!$

A warm and hearty chicken noodle soup perfect for cozy meals.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 units carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
2 cups egg noodles
1 cup frozen peas
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until lightly browned on all sides.
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by thyme, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
Stir in the egg noodles and frozen peas, cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot with freshly chopped parsley and crusty bread on the side.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, noodle, soup