Delicious Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic dish that warms the soul and nourishes the body. This recipe combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a rich broth. The first spoonful will remind you of home-cooked meals enjoyed around the family table. Not only is this soup comforting, but it also provides an excellent way to use leftover chicken or vegetables. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something hearty, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup to lift your spirits. Follow along as we guide you through creating this timeless recipe that has been passed down through generations. You’ll find that once you’ve made this delicious Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup at home, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup
• Ingredients for Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup
• How to Make Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup
• Tips and Tricks
• How to Serve Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Suggestions for Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup
• Choosing the Wrong Chicken
• Skipping Homemade Broth
• Overcooking the Vegetables
• Neglecting Seasoning
• FAQs
• What are the essential ingredients for Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup?
• How long should I cook my Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup?
• Can I make Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
• What’s the best way to store leftover soup?
• Conclusion for Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup
• 📖 Recipe Card

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Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
• Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; choose firm ones for the best texture
• Celery Stalks: Celery provides a crunchy texture; use crisp stalks for optimal flavor
• Onion: A chopped onion enhances the savory depth of the broth; yellow onions work well in this recipe
• Noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional but feel free to use any pasta you prefer
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps control saltiness while providing rich flavor
• Dried Thyme: This herb adds earthiness; fresh thyme can also be used if available
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste based on personal preference

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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How to Make Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping the carrots, celery, and onion into small pieces. This allows them to cook evenly in the broth.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, place the boneless chicken breasts into the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on both sides for about five minutes.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Next, add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional five minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 4: Pour in Broth

Now it’s time to pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle boil before reducing heat to let it simmer.

Step 5: Add Thyme and Noodles

Sprinkle in dried thyme for flavor. After letting it simmer for about fifteen minutes, add your chosen noodles into the pot and cook according to package instructions until tender.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Finally, remove cooked chicken breasts from the pot once fully cooked. Shred them using two forks before returning them back into the soup.

Transfer servings into bowls immediately while hot for maximum enjoyment!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
• Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
• Add Fresh Herbs Last: For maximum flavor from fresh herbs like parsley or dill, add them right before serving

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How to Serve Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup

This Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and broth in advance. Cook the chicken fully, about 20-25 minutes, then shred it. Store the broth separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it easy to assemble later.
• Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Ensure to label them with dates for easy tracking.
• Reheating: To reheat, place soup in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain quality and texture.

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Suggestions for Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup

Choosing the Wrong Chicken

One common mistake when making Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup is selecting the wrong type of chicken. For the best flavor and texture, opt for a whole chicken or bone-in pieces. These cuts provide more depth to the broth, enhancing the overall taste of your soup. Avoid using skinless, boneless chicken breasts as they tend to dry out and lack the richness that comes from cooking with bones. The collagen released during simmering not only contributes to a silky broth but also helps maintain moisture in the meat. By choosing the right chicken, you elevate your soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Skipping Homemade Broth

Another mistake is relying on store-bought broth instead of making your own. While it may seem convenient, homemade broth significantly enhances the flavor of your Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup. To create a rich and hearty broth, simmer chicken bones with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery for several hours. This process extracts essential flavors that pre-packaged options simply cannot replicate. Additionally, homemade broth allows you to control ingredients and adjust seasoning to your preference. Taking this extra step results in a comforting soup that feels like a warm hug.

Overcooking the Vegetables

Overcooking vegetables is a frequent error in preparing Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup. While you want them tender, cooking them too long can lead to mushiness and an unappealing texture. Instead, add heartier vegetables like carrots and celery early in the cooking process while adding delicate ones like peas or spinach towards the end. This ensures each vegetable retains its unique flavor and texture. Striking this balance adds visual appeal and enhances the overall eating experience. Remember, properly cooked vegetables contribute to both flavor and nutrition.

Neglecting Seasoning

Neglecting proper seasoning can ruin your Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup. Many home cooks underestimate how much seasoning is necessary to bring out the flavors in their dish. Start by salting your water before adding any ingredients; this helps infuse flavors right from the beginning. Taste as you cook and adjust seasonings gradually—adding salt, pepper, or herbs at different stages can make a significant difference in achieving a well-balanced flavor profile. Don’t forget that fresh herbs added at the end brighten up the dish beautifully!

FAQs

What are the essential ingredients for Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup?

When preparing Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup, certain essential ingredients are crucial for delivering that classic taste. You will need chicken (preferably whole or bone-in pieces), egg noodles, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant before adding chopped carrots and celery for added sweetness and crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley can enhance flavor when added right before serving. Remember that using quality ingredients significantly impacts overall taste—fresh vegetables yield better results than frozen options.

How long should I cook my Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup?

The cooking time for Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup largely depends on whether you are using a whole chicken or cut pieces. If using a whole chicken, simmer it for about 1-1.5 hours until fully cooked and tender; then remove it from the pot to shred before returning it with noodles for an additional 10-15 minutes until they are al dente. For cut pieces of chicken, simmer for around 30-40 minutes before adding noodles as directed above. Adjust times based on your preferences—longer cooking creates richer flavors while shorter times yield lighter broths.

Can I make Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?

Yes! Making Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time is not only possible but often recommended since it allows flavors to meld beautifully overnight in the refrigerator. Prepare your soup according to recipe instructions but consider omitting noodles until just before serving; this prevents them from becoming mushy after storing leftovers. When ready to eat again, reheat on low heat and add fresh noodles—this ensures optimal texture without sacrificing flavor! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze portions for longer preservation.

What’s the best way to store leftover soup?

Storing leftover Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup requires attention to preserve its quality over time effectively! Allow soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers; this helps prevent moisture buildup which could lead to spoilage or freezer burn if stored improperly later on! Label containers with dates so you can track freshness easily; consume within three days if refrigerated or up to three months if frozen! When reheating frozen portions directly from frozen state may result in uneven heating—consider thawing overnight first!

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Conclusion for Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup

Making delicious Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup involves careful selection of ingredients and attention to detail throughout the cooking process. Choose high-quality chicken parts for rich flavor; avoid shortcuts by opting for homemade broth instead of pre-packaged options whenever possible! Pay close attention not only during preparation but also when seasoning—taste frequently as you go along! Lastly remember that properly timed additions ensure optimal texture among all components including veggies and noodles alike! With these tips in mind you’ll create heartwarming soups perfect any day of year that friends family will adore! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!