Patrick Simon October 26, 2025

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Chicken Noodle Soup

Name: Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large chicken legs/thighs; 5-6 scallions/spring onions, chopped; 1 inch ginger, sliced; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups egg noodles; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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As the chilly breeze settles in and the days grow shorter, there’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup. This classic dish envelops you in its cozy embrace, making it the perfect remedy for cold days, cozy family gatherings, or when you simply need a little pick-me-up. Its inviting aroma fills your home with a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of Grandma’s kitchen. Once you serve this delightful soup, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds.

Reasons to Love Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup is much more than just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience. Here’s why you’ll adore this timeless dish:

Nourishing: Packed with vitamins and proteins, it’s good for body and soul.
Versatile: Easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, it’s accessible for cooks of all levels.
Family Favorite: A dish that everyone can enjoy, from young children to grandparents.
Delicious Comfort: The warm broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles create the ultimate cozy meal.

Gather These Ingredients

Before diving into this delightful recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients that will bring our Chicken Noodle Soup to life. Each element plays a vital role in crafting the flavors and textures we know and love. If you’re looking for lighter options, you can easily swap in turkey bacon for a healthier twist. Here’s what you’ll need:

3 large chicken legs/thighs
5-6 scallions/spring onions, chopped
1 inch ginger, sliced
6 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups egg noodles
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Bringing It Together

Now, let’s create this heartwarming Chicken Noodle Soup step by step. The method is so simple that you will have a comforting meal on the table in no time.

In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil. The sound of bubbling broth is music to the ears.
Carefully add the chicken legs or thighs into the boiling broth, cooking for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly.
In the same pot, add the chopped scallions, sliced ginger, and minced garlic. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the fragrant aromas fill your kitchen.
While the mixture simmers, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
Toss in the egg noodles and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they’re al dente, soaking up the flavorful broth.
Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preferences.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for a colorful touch.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 45 minutes, Total ~ 1 hour, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 280 per serving (estimate).

Plan Ahead

Chicken Noodle Soup is an excellent dish for prepping ahead of time. You can make the broth and chicken in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

If you prefer to enjoy this wholesome soup later, consider preparing the noodles separately. Simply cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve; this will prevent them from becoming mushy. Reheat the broth and add the cooked noodles just before serving.

How to Store Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Noodle Soup (though this delicious dish usually disappears quickly), proper storage is key. Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the soup for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its comforting texture. A good cue for freshness is the rich aroma that wafts as you heat it — a sign that you’re in for a treat!

Perfect Pairings

Chicken Noodle Soup is delightful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with several sides to create a complete meal:

Crusty baguette or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious broth.
A fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette.
Grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort food duo.
Roasted vegetables for a nutritious side.
Garlic bread to add an extra layer of flavor.

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your Chicken Noodle Soup! Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:

Vegetable Boost: Add chopped carrots and celery for added nutrition and sweetness.
Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or dash of cayenne for a gentle kick.
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like dill or thyme for aromatic depth.
Create a Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half for a richer texture.
Use Different Noodles: Swap out egg noodles for whole wheat pasta or rice for a gluten-free version.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

To ensure your Chicken Noodle Soup is nothing short of perfect, keep these expert tips in mind:

Cook the chicken until it’s just done, as it will continue to cook slightly when added back into the soup.
Let the broth simmer gently to extract the most flavors from the aromatic ingredients.
Avoid overcooking the noodles; they should be tender but slightly firm to the bite (al dente).
Consider allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes off the heat before serving—this helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Chicken Noodle Soup FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! This is a great way to use up leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just add it in at the end to heat through.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Simply substitute egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice.
Can I prepare it in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can put all the ingredients in a slow cooker on low for about 6 hours for a hands-off approach.
What’s the best way to add vegetables?
Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies, like peas or spinach, during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant and fresh.
How do I adjust the recipe for larger servings?
It’s easy! Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, keeping the proportions consistent.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like a warm bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup to nourish the body and soothe the soul. It’s a recipe steeped in tradition, perfect for any occasion, whether you’re battling a cold or simply seeking comfort. With its wholesome ingredients and delightful flavors, this dish is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. So why not gather your loved ones and create your very own pot of this heartwarming soup? You won’t regret it!

Chicken Noodle Soup

Author: patrick
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free option available

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Description

A comforting and nourishing Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for cold days and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

3 large chicken legs/thighs
5–6 scallions/spring onions, chopped
1 inch ginger, sliced
6 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups egg noodles
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil.
Add the chicken legs or thighs into the boiling broth and cook for about 30 minutes or until fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly.
Add the chopped scallions, sliced ginger, and minced garlic to the same pot and simmer for 5 minutes.
Shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot.
Toss in the egg noodles and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until al dente.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.