This Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm and comforting dish that you can whip up in no time. Made with tender chicken, egg noodles, and fresh vegetables, it’s a perfect go-to recipe for a cozy meal on a busy weeknight. The dried herbs add a nice depth of flavor, making this simple soup taste like it’s been simmering for hours!
Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup
- ½ pound chopped cooked chicken breast
- 4 cans (14.5 ounces each) chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1½ cups egg noodles
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions for Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt the 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and chopped onion to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Broth and Carrots
- Pour in the 4 cans of chicken broth and 1 can of vegetable broth. Add the sliced carrots and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Noodles
- Once the soup is boiling, stir in the 1½ cups of egg noodles. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they are al dente.
4. Add Chicken and Seasonings
- Stir in the chopped cooked chicken, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried basil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken and blend the flavors.
5. Serve
- Once the noodles are tender and the soup is heated through, remove from heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe if you’re short on time. You can also use leftover cooked chicken breast.
- Egg Noodles: Feel free to use your favorite type of noodles. Wide egg noodles work well, but you can also substitute with whole wheat, gluten-free, or other pasta types.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or green beans to the soup for extra nutrition and flavor.
Variations for Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Add ½ cup of heavy cream or whole milk after the noodles are cooked for a creamy version of this classic soup.
2. Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup
- Add the juice of ½ a lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, zesty twist.
3. Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Yes! However, it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles as they can become mushy when reheated. Prepare the soup without the noodles, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and add cooked noodles when reheating.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Add all the ingredients except the noodles to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
A Quick and Comforting Meal
This Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that you can prepare in under 30 minutes. With a flavorful broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles, this classic soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a simple, satisfying meal. Whether you enjoy it as is or with your favorite variations, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!