Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – tastykitchenjoy

A warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for cozying up on a chilly day or comforting someone in need of a hug. This classic recipe is both hearty and delicious, featuring tender chicken and vibrant vegetables that blend beautifully in a creamy broth. Whether it’s a family dinner or a simple weekday meal, this soup brings smiles to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this comforting dish.
Rich Flavor: The combination of spices, chicken, and creamy soup creates an irresistible taste.
Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or paired with crusty bread for dipping.
Great for Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep.
Kid-Friendly: A hit with children and adults alike, it’s sure to please picky eaters.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before starting. Having everything ready will help you move through the steps smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cooking spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups evenly without burning ingredients.
Cooking spoon: A sturdy spoon helps in stirring thick mixtures thoroughly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

A family favorite for cold days or any time you need a hug. It’s a classic recipe made even more delicious. Makes 6 servings.

For the Soup Base

½ cup butter
2 cups chopped carrots (about 3 large carrots)
1 ½ cups chopped celery (about half a head of celery)
1 cup chopped onion (about one medium onion)
¼ cup all-purpose flour

For the Broth and Chicken

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon base
½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (plus additional for seasoning)
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)

For the Noodles and Creaminess

4 ounces of wide egg noodles (about 2 ½ cups)
2 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces each)
¼ cup water or milk
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)

How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Then, add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and the vegetables are tender. Watch the heat to prevent burning.

Step 2: Add the Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to coat them evenly and break up any clumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flour to combine with the butter and vegetables.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Bouillon

Slowly stir in the chicken broth to avoid lumps. Then, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Next, add the chicken bouillon base and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, stirring to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Carefully place the chicken breasts into the pot, fully submerging them in the broth. Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from pot and place on a cutting board. If needed, cook for a few extra minutes until fully done.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Add egg noodles to pot, stirring to combine. Cover and cook on medium-high for 7-10 minutes until noodles are tender. While noodles cook, use two forks to shred chicken into bite-sized pieces on cutting board. Once noodles are done, return shredded chicken to pot.

Step 6: Add Cream Soup

Whisk together two cans of cream of chicken soup with ¼ cup of water or milk in a small bowl. Pour mixture into pot, stirring thoroughly until soup is creamy and well-blended. Taste and add additional pepper and salt if desired.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish if desired. Serve warm.

Enjoy your homemade Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for sharing with family or savoring alone!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette: A slice of warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup.
Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor complements the soup’s richness beautifully.

Add a Salad

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds a refreshing crunch to balance the soup.
Garden Salad: Mixed greens with varied veggies provide a light contrast to the hearty soup.

Top with Extras

Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some cheddar or mozzarella on top for added creaminess and flavor.
Croutons: Add crunchy croutons for texture and a satisfying bite.

Pair with Beverages

Iced Tea: A chilled glass of iced tea offers a refreshing counterpoint to the warm soup.
Sparkling Water: Lightly carbonated water cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Achieving the perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and chicken will provide better flavor than frozen or canned options.
Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper to suit your preferences without overpowering the dish.
Cook Noodles Separately (Optional): For a less mushy texture, consider cooking noodles separately and adding them just before serving.
Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking can help meld flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add comfort alongside the soup.
Cheesy Biscuit Casserole: Fluffy biscuits baked in cheese sauce provide a delightful contrast in texture.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender enhances the meal’s healthiness.
Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, or grains make for a hearty side.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw balances out the rich flavors of the soup with its crunchiness.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful touch of sweetness that pairs well with savory soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s easy to make small mistakes that could affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Skipping the vegetable sauté: Always sauté the vegetables before adding other ingredients. This step enhances their flavors and ensures a rich base for your soup.
Not using low-sodium broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of your soup. Regular broth can make the soup too salty, overpowering other flavors.
Overcooking the chicken: Carefully monitor the cooking time for your chicken breasts. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, ruining the texture of your soup.
Using too much flour: When adding flour, sprinkle it gently and stir continuously. Too much flour at once can create lumps, leading to an undesirable texture in your soup.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving. Adding extra salt or pepper can elevate its flavor significantly and balance all ingredients nicely.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container.
It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

To freeze, place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, usually around 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.

What can I use instead of egg noodles?

You can substitute with gluten-free noodles or whole wheat pasta depending on your preference.

Can I add vegetables to Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, corn, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I thicken Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?

To thicken the soup, you can add more flour or use cornstarch mixed with water as a thickening agent.

Is Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup healthy?

This recipe is quite nutritious if made with lean chicken and plenty of vegetables. Adjusting cream content also helps balance health benefits.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish perfect for cold days or when you’re looking for something warm and filling. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables or noodles based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!