I LOVE a good bowl of chicken noodle soup, don’t you? 
Especially when you are feeling under the weather, or just wiped out. Chicken noodle soup has amazing healing powers, and is sooo delicious. Not to mention, CHEAP! 
INGREDIENTS:
• 8 cups chicken broth or bouillon cubes
• 1 lb boneless skin-less chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 1/2 cups celery sliced
• 1 1/2 cups carrots sliced
• 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
• 1 tsp. minced garlic or powder
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• salt to taste( add at the end)
• 1 pkg. egg noodles cooked according to package directions
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Add the chicken broth, chicken, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
3. Add the cooked and drained noodles.
4. Taste for salt, add if needed.
5. Stir and serve!
Here are some tips to make your chicken noodle soup even more comforting and flavorful:
- Use Homemade Chicken Broth: If you have the time, consider making your own chicken broth instead of using store-bought. It’s simple to make by simmering chicken bones with vegetables and herbs, and it adds a rich depth of flavor to your soup.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor of your soup by adding fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or rosemary. Simply tie them together with kitchen twine and add them to the slow cooker while the soup is cooking. Remember to remove the herb bundle before serving.
- Add Aromatics: Boost the flavor of your soup by sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This helps to release their natural sweetness and aroma, resulting in a more flavorful base for your soup.
- Include Extra Vegetables: While celery and carrots are classic additions to chicken noodle soup, feel free to add extra vegetables like diced potatoes, peas, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
- Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your soup. Try adding a pinch of dried thyme, a bay leaf, or a splash of soy sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Finish with Fresh Lemon Juice: Just before serving, squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the soup to brighten up the flavors and add a touch of acidity. It adds a refreshing twist to the classic chicken noodle soup.
- Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the soup just before serving for a pop of color and freshness. It adds a beautiful finishing touch to your bowl of soup.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamy variation of chicken noodle soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving. It adds richness and creaminess to the soup without overpowering the other flavors.
Q1: What is chicken noodle soup? A1: Chicken noodle soup is a comforting and classic soup made with chicken, vegetables, noodles, and flavorful broth. It’s a popular dish in many cultures and is often enjoyed as a remedy for colds and illnesses due to its soothing nature.
Q2: What are the basic ingredients of chicken noodle soup? A2: The basic ingredients of chicken noodle soup include chicken (usually chicken breast or thighs), noodles (such as egg noodles), vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onions), chicken broth, herbs (like parsley and thyme), and seasonings (such as salt and pepper).
Q3: Can I use leftover cooked chicken in chicken noodle soup? A3: Yes, you can definitely use leftover cooked chicken in chicken noodle soup. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover chicken and add a rich flavor to the soup. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the soup towards the end of the cooking process to heat through.
Q4: What type of noodles are best for chicken noodle soup? A4: The best noodles for chicken noodle soup are usually egg noodles, as they are hearty and hold up well in the soup without becoming mushy. You can also use other types of noodles like wide egg noodles, or even make your own homemade noodles if you prefer.
Q5: How long does chicken noodle soup last in the refrigerator? A5: Chicken noodle soup can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the soup down to room temperature before refrigerating it to prevent bacterial growth.
Q6: Can chicken noodle soup be frozen? A6: Yes, chicken noodle soup can be frozen. However, the noodles tend to absorb a lot of liquid and can become mushy after thawing. If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s often best to undercook the noodles slightly. Additionally, freezing the soup without noodles and adding fresh ones when reheating can help maintain their texture.
Q7: How can I make chicken noodle soup if I’m short on time? A7: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time on cooking the chicken. Additionally, you can use store-bought chicken broth and pre-cut vegetables to speed up the preparation process. Consider using quick-cooking noodles or pasta to reduce the cooking time further.
Q8: What are some variations of chicken noodle soup? A8: There are many variations of chicken noodle soup around the world. For example, in Asian cuisine, you might find chicken noodle soups with rice noodles and unique spices. In Italian cuisine, a similar dish called “chicken pastina soup” features tiny pasta shapes and is seasoned with Parmesan cheese. Each culture often adds its own twist to this classic comfort food.
