Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms the heart and soul. This recipe is perfect for chilly days, sick days, or whenever you need a bowl of something hearty and nourishing. With its rich flavors and creamy consistency, this step-by-step guide will walk you through preparing a delicious pot of this beloved soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is not just an easy-to-make meal but a family favorite that brings everyone together. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:
- Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy broth combined with tender chicken and hearty vegetables is both nourishing and filling.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and tender noodles. It’s a great way to get some vegetables into your family’s dinner rotation.
- Easy Prep: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this comforting soup in no time, making it perfect for those who may not have a lot of cooking experience.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll need:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
With these ingredients, you’re on your way to creating a bowl of deliciousness that is rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Step-by-Step Directions
Here’s how to whip up this delightful Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup:
Chop the Vegetables: Begin by dicing the onions, slicing the carrots, chopping the celery, and mincing the garlic. This step will prepare you for an aromatic base that will elevate the flavor of your soup.
Sear the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sear the chicken breasts that have been seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. The aroma is going to be heavenly!
Simmer with Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pot. Add the dried thyme and bay leaves, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Prepare the Noodles: After 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the pot and stir in the egg noodles. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Combine: Shred the cooked chicken using two forks, and return it to the pot. Now, stir in the heavy cream until well combined. This gives your soup that creamy, dreamy texture we all love!
Tips & Tricks
- Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of lemon juice at the end for a bright burst of flavor.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate the dish even further.
- Protein Alternatives: You can swap chicken for turkey or even cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add in other vegetables like peas or corn for more color and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is delectable on its own, but you can enhance your meal with the following pairings:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping.
- Salad: A side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
- Crackers: Saltine or oyster crackers make a delightful, crunchy addition.
Nutritional Information
This Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup serves approximately 6 people. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 550mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on preparation methods and specific ingredients used.
Storing Tips & Variations for Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a bit of broth or water to thin it out, as the noodles may absorb some liquid.
- Variations: Try substituting other types of noodles, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options. You can also make it a creamy vegetable soup by including potatoes or spinach.
Conclusion for Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is not only an easy recipe but also a comforting dish that can quickly become a staple in your home. Whether you’re battling the cold, needing a quick dinner solution, or just craving something hearty, this soup is sure to satisfy those needs. So gather your ingredients and get cooking — your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, increase the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! You can replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.How do I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer.Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients (except the noodles and cream), and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add noodles and cream in the last 20 minutes of cooking.What can I do if the soup is too thick?
Simply add more broth or water to thin it out until it reaches your desired consistency.
Whether you enjoy it on a rainy day or a sunny afternoon, this Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup will be a favorite dish to cozy up with!
PrintCreamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting and creamy chicken noodle soup perfect for chilly days and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the vegetables: Dice the onions, slice the carrots, chop the celery, and mince the garlic.
- Sear the chicken: In a large pot, drizzle olive oil and sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until tender and fragrant.
- Simmer with chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pot, add thyme and bay leaves, then pour in chicken broth. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Prepare the noodles: Remove the chicken, stir in the egg noodles, and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Combine: Shred the chicken using two forks, return it to the pot, and stir in the heavy cream until well combined.
Notes
Consider adding a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor and adjust vegetables as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg