When the world outside feels brisk and uninviting, a bowl of chicken noodle soup becomes an embrace in liquid form—it’s like a warm hug from the inside out. This recipe, oh, it’s not just any soup; it’s the ultimate soul-soother, the kind that makes you forget the chill in the air. Remember last winter when everything seemed to freeze over? Well, this is the antidote to that icy grip.
Steps
- Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken and vegetable broths, then add the cooked chicken, egg noodles, sliced carrots, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the ingredients to soften.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 4 (14.5 ounce) cans of chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can of vegetable broth
- ½ pound chopped, cooked chicken breast
- 1 ½ cups egg noodles
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 972 | Total Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 276mg | Sodium: 8142mg | Total Carbohydrate: 72g | Dietary Fiber: 12g | Total Sugars: 24g | Protein: 78g | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 6mg | Potassium: 1044mg
FAQ
- What are the best types of noodles to use in chicken noodle soup?
- Egg noodles are the traditional choice for chicken noodle soup, but other pasta shapes like rotini and fusilli can also work well. Use whatever you have available if necessary.
- Can I make substitutions in the chicken noodle soup recipe?
- Absolutely! You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have. For instance, use rotisserie chicken instead of chicken breasts, or replace broth with water and bouillon cubes. You can also use oil in place of butter.
- How should I store leftover chicken noodle soup?
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
- Is it possible to freeze chicken noodle soup?
- Yes, chicken noodle soup can be frozen. It’s recommended to freeze the soup and noodles separately to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. Pour cooled soup into freezer bags labeled with the date and freeze for up to six months.
- What can I serve alongside chicken noodle soup?
- While chicken noodle soup is a complete meal on its own, it pairs excellently with bread-based sides like biscuits, grilled cheese sandwiches, baguettes, dinner rolls, or toasted garlic bread for soaking up the broth.
Tips
- Choose the Right Noodles: Opt for egg noodles for a classic texture, but feel free to substitute with other pasta types like rotini or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand.
- Mind the Noodle Timing: Add the noodles towards the end of cooking to avoid them becoming overly soft and mushy.
- Customize Your Flavor: Enhance the soup’s taste profile by experimenting with additional spices such as bay leaves, garlic, rosemary, or thyme.
- Freeze with Care: If you plan to freeze the soup, consider cooking the noodles separately to prevent them from turning mushy when thawed.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the soup.
- Airtight Containers or Freezer Bags: Useful for storing leftovers or freezing portions of the soup.
