Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

There is nothing better or more comforting on a cold winter day than a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. Hot chicken broth filled with bits of chicken, vegetables and noodles that will make you feel warm from the inside out.

Although it is a great soup to make in the middle of winter, it is also a classic soup that is served throughout the year. Whenever someone has a cold, sore throat or just simply doesn’t feel well this soup is just what the doctor ordered.

Although the ingredients used in the soup are there to provide great flavor and texture, they also provide many important health benefits. For instance, eating warm soup in general will help open up your nasal passages making it easier to breathe.

Not to mention that chicken broth provides healthy fluids to help you hydrate. It includes electrolytes including sodium, potassium, and magnesium which will keep you from dehydrating, especially if you have a fever.

Another benefit of treating yourself to a bowl of a broth based soup is that it is light and easy to digest. The combination of chicken, vegetables and pasta provides enough nutrients to keep your energy up when other foods sound unappealing.

Below I have listed how some of the specific ingredients provide health benefits to make you feel better. And why this classic soup is one that Mom used to serve to you when you didn’t feel well.

Chicken Noodle Soup Health Benefits

Chicken Broth 

Broth contains various vitamins and minerals that helps your body heal. In addition the hot liquid helps to release nasal congestion and provide liquid to prevent dehydration.

Although it is best to use Homemade Chicken Broth, the second best choice is to use store bought, low sodium chicken broth.

Vegetables

Carrots, celery and onion are the most common vegetables found in homemade chicken noodle soup. These vegetables contain antioxidants and vitamins.

These healthy nutrients help the body’s immune system to fight off colds.

Chicken 

Chicken thighs are used in this recipe for both flavor and health benefits. Proteins in general help support the immune system by developing antibodies to help fight infections.

Noodles 

Pasta is high in carbohydrates which will give you energy and help you to feel full and satisfied. However, if you are wanting to low-carb recipe, be sure to make this Healthy Chicken Soup recipe instead.

Herbs

Various herbs like bay leave, thyme, oregano and parsley not only add flavor, but they also provide antioxidants. This will help support your immune system to fight off that nasty bug that you are fighting.

Best Noodles To Use In Chicken Noodle Soup

The best type of noodles to use in soup recipes are ones that will soak up the flavors of the soup without becoming mushy or fall apart. Although homemade noodles are always best to use most consumers will purchase noodles to add to soup.

1. Egg Noodles

Although those cans of chicken noodle soup have thin and short noodles, opt for wide or ribbon egg noodles instead. Egg noodles hold up well when cooked in broth and their wide surface area absorbs the flavors of the soup perfectly.

2. Fettuccine

Another wide pasta noodle that holds up well in soup is fettuccine. However, because the noodles are very long, it may be best to cut them into smaller pieces.

3. Linguine

Linguine is another pasta type that you can include in soup recipes. The noodles are thicker than fettuccine and will absorb the flavors without falling apart.

However, because they are long noodles they will also need to be broken into smaller pieces.

4. Ditalini

Ditalini is small tube like pasta that is most commonly used in Minestrone Soup. This is a great option for those who want a little pasta but not have it be the star of the show.

How To Store, Reheat & Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup

One of the most common questions that I get when it comes to soup recipes is about storing and reheating leftovers.

Storing & Reheating Recommendations

Before storing soup it is important that you allow the soup to cool down to near room temperature. Then transfer the soup to a container with a lid. Store in the closed container for up to 4 days.

To reheat the soup you will need to add more liquid to the bowl or pot. This is because the noodles will absorb liquid when stored in the refrigerator.

I prefer to add more chicken broth, however water will work as well.

Freezing Instructions

You can make a large batch of Chicken Noodle Soup and freeze it for later use. Although, it is best to freeze it before you add the noodles.

Noodles do not freeze and reheat well. Therefore, make the entire batch of soup and omit the noodles.

Then when you want to reheat the soup, add the noodles when the broth comes to a boil. This will allow the noodles to be cooked perfectly.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 8 cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 5 ounces dried egg noodles
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until the vegetables begin to soften, 5 to 6 minutes.

Stir in the garlic, bay leaves, thyme and oregano. Cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant.

Pour in the chicken stock and deglaze the bottom of the pot. Bring the broth to a low simmer.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Then place the chicken thighs into the soup so that the broth covers the chicken.

Bring the soup back to a low simmer then cover the pot with a lid and cook until the chicken thighs are cooked through about 20 minutes. Be sure to stir the pot a few times as the chicken cooks.

Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a cutting board and reduce the heat to medium. Add the noodles to broth and cook until al’ dente.

While the noodles cook, shred or dice the chicken. Place the chicken back into the pot and add salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in the parsley and serve warm.

Enjoy! Mary

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