Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting and flavorful chicken noodle soup featuring tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and tender noodles in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal, this classic soup is a family favorite that combines wholesome ingredients and simple preparation for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken, water, chicken broth, half of the celery, carrots, onions, green pepper, pepper, and bay leaf in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2 1/2 hours or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool enough to handle.
- Remove meat from the bones and cut it into pieces.
- Strain the broth and skim off the fat.
- Return the strained broth to the kettle and add salt, remaining celery, carrots, onions, green pepper, and bay leaf.
- Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add the noodles and chicken to the broth.
- Cook for an additional 12 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley during the simmering process. If you don't have fresh vegetables on hand, frozen ones can be a great substitute. Ensure the noodles are cooked just until tender to avoid them becoming mushy. This chicken noodle soup is versatile, so feel free to include other vegetables you enjoy, similar to those found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken noodle soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, try serving alongside a slice of Cheesy Potato Casserole. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a little extra comfort.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the consistency. Avoid microwaving for best results, as it can alter the texture of the noodles.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Noodle Soup contains roughly 1213 calories, with 25g protein, 287g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (353% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (264% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1293mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It's even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just be sure to add the noodles just before serving to keep them from getting too soft.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you need a substitute for chicken broth, vegetable broth or homemade stock can work well. You can also dilute water with seasoning to mimic the flavor, but it may lack the depth of flavor that chicken broth provides.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To make the soup healthier, consider using skinless chicken pieces to reduce fat content. You can also add more vegetables, such as spinach or kale, to boost nutritional value. Opt for whole grain noodles for added fiber.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).