Grandmas Huginabowl Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Grandma's Hug-in-a-Bowl: The Easy Chicken Soup Recipe You Need

Feeling a bit rubbish? Or just fancy something proper comforting? This easy chicken soup recipe is exactly what you need.

It’s like a warm hug from your grandma, even if you never met her.

Okay, Right Then: What's so Special About This Chicken Soup?

This isn't just any soup. This comfort food chicken soup takes me back to my childhood. Remember when nan used to make it? This classic chicken noodle soup is wholesome, simple and packed with flavour.

It’s inspired by all the amazing chicken noodle soup recipes out there. Tender chicken, soft egg noodles, and a bunch of veggies simmered in a rich broth.

It’s like a warm hug, guaranteed!

Where Does This Easy Chicken Soup Come From, Anyway?

Chicken soup is basically a global phenomenon. Every culture has its own version! This one leans towards the classic American style, but with a bit of a British twist in my cooking.

This version is super easy, and it takes about an hour. It makes around 6 servings, perfect for the whole family.

What Makes This Homemade Chicken Soup So Good for You?

Honestly, chicken soup is basically a health potion. It's packed with protein and vitamins. It's especially good when you're fighting a cold.

This chicken soup for cold is known to have anti inflammatory properties! I love making this when I'm feeling under the weather.

Let's Get Down to Brass Tacks: The Key Ingredients

You'll need chicken breasts, obviously! Also, olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, a bay leaf, egg noodles, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simple, eh?

Now, onto the good stuff, let's get cooking this quick chicken soup recipe !

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's get down to brass tacks. Want to know what you need for this easy chicken soup ? Okay, right then, let's dive in!

Main Ingredients for the Best Chicken Soup

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). Use good quality olive oil. This helps get the flavours going from the start!
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , diced ( 1 cup/150g ). Sweet onions work too.
• Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and sliced ( 1 cup/120g ). Go for brightly coloured ones.
• Celery: 2 stalks , sliced ( 1 cup/100g ). Use fresh celery.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced ( 2 teaspoons/10g ). Don't skimp on the garlic.
• Chicken Broth: 8 cups ( 1.9 liters ), low sodium preferred. Homemade is best, but store-bought works great too!
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon ( 5g ). Fresh is good too, just double the amount.
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5g ). Again, fresh is alright as well, double the amount.
• Bay Leaf: 1 . This adds depth. Remove it before serving, of course.
• Chicken Breasts: 1 pound ( 450g ), boneless, skinless. Make sure it's fresh!
• Egg Noodles: 1 cup ( 85g ), dried. Wide or thin, your choice!
• Fresh Parsley: 1/2 cup ( 50g ), chopped. Curly or flat leaf, doesn't matter.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Essential!

Seasoning Notes for a Flavorful Soup

Spice it up! Thyme and rosemary are my go-to combo. But don't stop there. A pinch of dried sage can do wonders.

Also, flavour enhancers like garlic powder can boost flavour for this easy chicken soup .

For a quick sub, dried Italian seasoning works. It covers most bases! Remember, taste as you go. Keep in mind this classic chicken noodle soup recipe is forgiving!

Equipment Needed

• Large Dutch oven or stockpot. For me it is more comfortable a Dutch oven.
• Cutting board.
• Chef's knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

That's it! Nothing fancy. A potato peeler works great on carrots too. If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large pot works fine.

Get ready to make some magic! Let's brainstorm some that'll have this easy chicken soup recipe singing! It is like grandma's chicken soup .

Grandma's Hug-in-a-Bowl: Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Honestly, nothing beats a good bowl of chicken soup . It's the ultimate comfort food, right? This recipe is like a warm hug from your grandma.

It's simple, wholesome, and tastes amazing. We're talking tender chicken, soft noodles, and yummy veggies. It's perfect when you're feeling a bit rough or just fancy something cosy.

This easy chicken soup isn't fussy. We're keeping it simple, so even if you're not a pro, you can nail it. The simmering part is super easy too, so don't stress!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Essential Mise en Place : First things first, let's get organised. Dice one yellow onion. Slice two carrots and two celery stalks.

Mince two cloves of garlic. Grab your dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Have your chicken broth ready to go.

Don't forget that fresh parsley!

Time Saving Tips : Chop all your veg at once. This saves a lot of time later. You could even buy pre-chopped veggies if you're feeling lazy. I won't tell.

Safety Check : Watch those fingers when you're chopping. No one wants a finger in their chicken soup ! Remember to wash your hands before you start.

Making Magic: step-by-step Process

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5- 7 minutes . You want them to soften up. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it smells fragrant.
2. Build the Broth: Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth. Add 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary, and 1 bay leaf. Bring it to a simmer.
3. Cook the Chicken : Gently add 1 pound of chicken breasts to the simmering broth. Cook for 15- 20 minutes . The internal temperature should reach 165° F/ 74° C . Remember this folks!
4. Shred the Chicken: Take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. It should be easy to pull apart. Put the shredded chicken back in the pot.
5. Cook the Noodles: Add 1 cup of egg noodles to the soup. Cook for 8- 10 minutes , or until they are nice and soft. Keep an eye on them, we don't want mushy noodles!
6. Season and Serve : Stir in 1/2 cup of fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don't forget to take out the bay leaf before serving.

Pro Tips for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Boost That Flavour : Use good quality broth. Or even better, make your own! It makes a huge difference.

Noodle Ninja : Add the noodles at the end. This stops them from going all gloopy. No one likes gloopy noodles!

Common Mistakes : Forgetting to season. Taste as you go. A little salt and pepper goes a long way.

This recipe brings back childhood memories, honestly. Grandma's recipe was the base of this, I've changed a few things over the years, but it's still a hit. I reckon you'll love it.

If you make it, let me know how it goes, yeah?

Recipe Notes: Your Easy Chicken Soup Survival Guide

Plating Like a Pro (or Just Making it Look Nice)

Right then, presentation matters! A steaming bowl of this comfort food chicken soup looks even better with a few simple touches.

Honestly, I like to sprinkle a bit more fresh parsley on top. You know, make it look all fancy. A slice of crusty bread on the side? Bang on! It's perfect for dunking.

Storage Savvy: Keep That Soup Fresh

Okay, let's talk leftovers. This homemade chicken soup is even better the next day. The flavors have had a chance to meld.

To store, let it cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for up to four days.

Freezing? Absolutely! Just be aware that the noodles might get a bit softer when you reheat it. Portion it into freezer safe containers or bags for easy thawing.

When reheating, do it gently over low heat. This stops the chicken from going rubbery.

Variations: Make It Your Soup

Let’s get down to brass tacks. This recipe is super adaptable. Want to make it gluten-free? Simple! Just swap the egg noodles for rice or gluten-free pasta.

Looking for a lighter version? Use less noodles and load up on the veggies.

If you're feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds a zing. You could also chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Seasonal ingredient swaps? Go wild! In autumn, butternut squash would be amazing.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bowl

This easy chicken soup with vegetables is not only delicious but also packed with goodness. It's a great source of protein from the chicken and vitamins from the veggies.

And that broth? So hydrating! Plus, studies have shown that it might actually help with a cold. One of the best chicken soup for cold recipes.

Conclusion: Soup's On!

So, there you have it. My take on a truly classic Grandma's chicken soup . It's simple, comforting, and totally customisable.

Give it a go, and don't be afraid to put your own spin on it. After all, cooking should be fun! Now go whip up a batch of this easy chicken soup and enjoy! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my noodles don't turn to mush in my easy chicken soup?

Nobody wants a gloopy chicken soup, right? The trick is to add the noodles towards the very end of the cooking process, after the chicken is cooked and shredded. Cook them according to the package directions, and keep an eye on them you want them al dente, not overcooked.

Think of it like brewing a good cuppa timing is everything!

Can I make this easy chicken soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the soup a day in advance can actually improve the flavour. Just prepare the soup as directed, but hold off on adding the noodles. Store it in the fridge, and then add the noodles when you're ready to reheat and serve.

You might need to add a splash of extra broth, as the noodles tend to soak it up, like a sponge!

What are some good variations for this easy chicken soup recipe?

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a brighter, zesty flavour. A pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a nice little kick. For a gluten-free version, swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or even rice. Think of this recipe as your blank canvas get creative!

What if I don't have fresh chicken? Can I still make this easy chicken soup?

No worries, mate! Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken works brilliantly in this recipe. Simply shred it and add it to the soup along with the noodles in step 5. This is a great way to use up leftovers and saves you some cooking time. It's like giving that roast chicken a second act clever, eh?

How do I store leftover chicken soup?

Leftover chicken soup is perfect for lunch the next day! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth, as the noodles will continue to absorb liquid.

Unfortunately freezing chicken soup with noodles isn't the best. The noodles tend to get mushy, so it is recommended to freeze it without the noodles, then add them when reheating.