Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting, nourishing soup made with tender chicken, soft noodles, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.
Quick Recipe Card
What This Recipe Is
Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic, hearty soup combining chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a savory broth. It is widely known for its comforting qualities and simplicity.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs
- 150 g (5 oz) egg noodles
- 1.5 liters (6 cups) chicken broth
- 150 g (1 cup) carrots, sliced
- 120 g (1 cup) celery, chopped
- 120 g (1 cup) onion, chopped
- 10 g (2 cloves) garlic, minced
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil
- 5 g (1 tsp) salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 g (½ tsp) black pepper
- 5 g (1 tsp) dried parsley or herbs
Equipment
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
Instructions
Step 1:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2:
Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Step 3:
Add chicken and broth. Bring to a boil.
Step 4:
Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked.
Step 5:
Remove chicken, shred into pieces, and return to pot.
Step 6:
Add noodles and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
Step 7:
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Step 8:
Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Visual Cooking Cues
- Vegetables soften and release aroma
- Chicken becomes opaque and easy to shred
- Noodles become soft but not mushy
Chef Tips
- Use homemade broth for best flavor
- Add herbs at the end for freshness
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking noodles
- Boiling too aggressively
- Under-seasoning
Troubleshooting
- Soup bland: Add salt or broth concentrate
- Noodles mushy: Cook separately next time
- Chicken dry: Use thighs instead of breast
Ingredient Pairings
- Bread
- Crackers
- Fresh herbs
Substitutions
- Chicken → Turkey
- Egg noodles → Rice noodles
- Vegetable oil → Butter
Recipe Family Variations
- Add lemon juice for brightness
- Include spinach for added nutrients
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with bread or a light salad.
Dietary Classification
- Non-vegetarian
- Dairy-free (if no butter used)
Nutrition Information
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: ~25 g
- Fat: ~8 g
- Carbohydrates: ~25 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sodium: ~600 mg
Storage / Reheating
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Freeze up to 2 months
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium heat (70°C / 160°F).
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, reduce cooking time accordingly.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles.
Why is my broth cloudy?
Boiling too hard can cause cloudiness.
Why This Recipe Works
Slow simmering extracts flavor from chicken and vegetables, creating a rich broth. Noodles absorb the broth, enhancing taste and texture.
Recipe Identity
A globally recognized comfort dish known for its soothing, warm, and nourishing properties.
Dish Classification
- Dish type: Soup
- Course: Main course or starter
- Meal type: Lunch, dinner
- Traditional or modern dish: Traditional
- Street food or home cooking: Home cooking
- Festival or everyday food: Everyday food
Recipe History
Chicken-based soups have existed across cultures for centuries, commonly used as nourishing and restorative meals.
Cultural Notes
Widely recognized as a universal comfort food.
Advanced Cooking Knowledge Open detailed cooking science and reference notes
Flavor, Texture, and Aroma Profile
- Flavor: Mild, savory, comforting
- Texture: Tender chicken, soft noodles, slightly crisp vegetables
- Aroma: Warm, herbal, slightly garlicky
Flavor Balance
A balanced combination of savory broth, mild sweetness from vegetables, and subtle herbal notes.
Flavor Components
- Sweet: Carrots, onions
- Salt: Salt, broth
- Acid: Optional lemon (in variations)
- Bitter: Minimal
- Umami: Chicken, broth
- Aromatic elements: Garlic, onion
Ingredient Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor if available
- Egg noodles provide traditional texture
Ingredient Science
- Collagen from chicken enriches broth body
- Carrots release natural sugars during cooking
Ingredient Roles
- Chicken: Protein and flavor base
- Broth: Liquid medium
- Vegetables: Flavor and texture
- Noodles: Carbohydrate and body
Ingredient Classification
- Protein: Chicken
- Carbohydrates: Noodles
- Aromatics: Onion, garlic
- Vegetables: Carrot, celery
Preparation Techniques
- Chop vegetables evenly for consistent cooking
- Slice chicken into uniform pieces
Cooking Techniques
- Sautéing aromatics
- Simmering broth
- Boiling noodles
Heat Management
- Low heat stages: Simmering broth
- Medium heat stages: Cooking vegetables
- High heat stages: Bringing soup to boil
- Temperature cues: Gentle bubbling indicates proper simmer
Texture Development
Controlled simmering keeps chicken tender and vegetables slightly firm.
Cooking Time Control
Avoid overcooking noodles to prevent mushiness.
Flavor Pairing Logic
Mild soup pairs well with neutral or slightly crunchy sides.
Global Variations
- Asian: Add soy sauce and ginger
- European: Add cream for richness
- South Asian: Add mild spices
Leftover Ideas
- Use as base for stew
- Add rice for variation
Cooking Safety Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature
- Store promptly after cooling
Sustainability Notes
- Use whole chicken parts to reduce waste
- Utilize vegetable scraps for broth
