Classic chicken noodle soup that will leave you feeling so good, so warm, so cozy. Perfect for sick days and cold nights!!!
It’s the dead of winter. 33 degrees F all week. Snow and ice piles everywhere. And it’s only January, meaning we basically have about 3-4 months of winter left.
And now that I am officially a Midwest resident, that basically translates to having this chicken noodle soup on the regular all. winter. long. It’s so warm, so cozy, and so soothing during these chilly nights.
Now this recipe uses bone-in, skinless chicken breasts which means it will take a little longer than usual for the chicken to cook through.
But don’t worry, it yields the most flavorful stock and the most tender chicken bites (so it’s absolutely worth the extra time), doctored up with fresh dill and freshly squeezed lemon juice for a little bit of jazz. SO SO GOOD.
HOMESTYLE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
Classic chicken noodle soup that will leave you feeling so good, so warm, so cozy. Perfect for sick days and cold nights!!!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- Kosher salt freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 ½ pounds bone-in, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ½ cups wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, or more, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Vegetables:
- In a large stockpot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become tender, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Add Chicken Stock and Season:
- Pour in the chicken stock into the pot.
- Add bay leaves and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Cook Chicken:
- Place the bone-in, skinless chicken breasts into the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for approximately 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Remove Chicken and Dice:
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and let it cool.
- Once cooled, dice the chicken into bite-size pieces, discarding the bones.
- Add Pasta:
- Return the diced chicken back into the pot.
- Stir in the wide egg noodles and cook until the noodles are tender, which should take about 6-7 minutes.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Lemon Juice:
- Remove the pot from heat.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh dill, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Season the soup with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Once everything is well combined, your homestyle chicken noodle soup is ready to be served.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it immediately.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this homestyle chicken noodle soup for several reasons:
- Comforting and Cozy: This soup is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and hearty noodles creates a warm and cozy dish that is perfect for cold nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Homemade Goodness: The use of fresh ingredients like onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and a blend of herbs gives the soup a homemade, from-scratch taste. It’s a classic recipe that brings the nostalgia of home-cooked meals.
- Nutrient-Rich: Chicken noodle soup is not only delicious but also a nutritious option. The chicken provides lean protein, and the vegetables offer essential vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome meal.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily customize this soup to suit your preferences. Adjust the seasoning, add more vegetables, or vary the herbs to make it uniquely yours. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for creativity in the kitchen.
- Soothing and Rejuvenating: The combination of chicken, broth, and herbs has a soothing effect, making it an ideal choice when you need a pick-me-up. The warmth and aroma of the soup can be rejuvenating and comforting.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, with simple steps that make it accessible to both novice and experienced cooks. It’s a great option for a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a dish to share with family and friends, or a remedy for when you’re feeling unwell, this homestyle chicken noodle soup is a versatile and satisfying choice.
How to store it :
Storing homemade chicken noodle soup properly is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here’s a guide on how to store it:
- Cool Before Refrigerating:
- Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Placing hot soup directly in the refrigerator can raise its overall temperature and affect the quality of other items in the fridge.
- Refrigeration:
- Once the soup has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers or sealable plastic bags. Ensure that the containers are suitable for refrigerator use.
- Label the containers with the date to help keep track of freshness.
- Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing (Optional):
- If you want to store the soup for a longer period, consider freezing it.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty plastic bags. Leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for the soup to expand as it freezes.
- Label the containers with the date and any specific instructions for reheating.
- Chicken noodle soup can typically be frozen for 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
- Thawing:
- If you’ve frozen the soup, move it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the soup’s texture.
- Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave or by placing the container in a bowl of cold water.
- Reheating:
- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- You can also use the microwave, but be sure to stir the soup midway through the reheating process.
- Check for Freshness:
- Before consuming reheated soup, check for any signs of spoilage, such as off smells or changes in color and texture. If in doubt, it’s best to discard the soup.
