Feelgood Chicken Noodle Soup a Bowl of Healthy Comfort

Recipe Introduction: Your Grandma's Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Reimagined

Ever have those days where you just need a big, warm hug? I know I do! And honestly, nothing does the trick quite like a steaming bowl of healthy chicken noodle soup .

This isn't just any chicken noodle soup recipe , though. It's my attempt to recreate that classic comfort food, but with a focus on feeling good afterwards.

Think of it as comfort food recipes healthy !

What is it about Chicken Soup for Cold ?

This homemade chicken noodle soup is inspired by the age-old remedy. We're talking about turning back time with this delicious classic.

Its roots are in providing nourishment and soothing the soul. It is an easy chicken soup recipe that even I can't mess up! Ready in about an hour, it yields enough for 6-8 servings.

Perfect for feeding the family, or having leftovers for lunch.

Why This Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup is Different

Aside from tasting amazing, this soup is packed with goodness. Using bone broth chicken noodle soup will give you the maximum immune boosting soup that's rich in nutrients.

It's a winner for chicken soup for cold . With about 250 calories per serving, it's a guilt free pleasure you can enjoy any time.

Plus, who needs low sodium chicken soup loaded with salt? We're keeping things clean and flavorful with low-sodium broth and fresh herbs.

Ready to get started? The ingredients are simple and wholesome. Let's dive in!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup

Okay, let's talk about what you need to whip up this amazing healthy chicken noodle soup . Honestly, it’s easier than you think! You know, my grandma always said the key to good chicken noodle soup recipe is quality ingredients.

She was right!

Main Ingredients

• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). It should be extra virgin.
• Yellow Onion: 1 large , diced (about 1 cup/150g). Look for firm onions without sprouts.
• Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and diced (about 1 cup/120g). Fresh, firm carrots are best.
• Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 1 cup/100g). Celery should be crisp and not wilted.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh garlic is much more flavorful.
• Dried Thyme: 1 tsp .
• Dried Rosemary: ½ tsp .
• Dried Sage: ½ tsp .
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth : 8 cups (1.9 Liters). Or bone broth chicken noodle soup if you are feeling fancy. Opt for organic broth for less additives.
• Water: 4 cups (950 ml).
• Bay Leaf: 1 .
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.
• Chicken Breast OR Thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g), boneless and skinless. Fresh, pink, and firm to the touch.
• Whole Wheat Egg Noodles : 1 cup (170g) for a healthier twist, or regular if you prefer!
• Fresh Parsley: 1 cup (80g), chopped. Look for bright green, fresh parsley.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp .
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes.

Seasoning Notes

This soup relies on the classic thyme, rosemary, and sage combo. It makes it so comforting! If you don't have rosemary, add a bit more thyme and sage.

For a brighter flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried marjoram. Honestly, don't be afraid to experiment! I sometimes add a dash of turmeric for immune boosting soup benefits and a warm color.

This also is a great chicken soup for cold weather. Need a low sodium chicken soup ? Make sure your broth is low sodium.

Equipment Needed

All you really need are these essential tools.

• Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot: This is a must for simmering the soup.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping those veggies.
• Ladle: For serving up your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup .

A large pot works. A wooden spoon is great for stirring. It also works if you don't have a proper ladle! This easy chicken soup recipe doesn’t require fancy equipment.

This healthy chicken noodle soup is a game changer. You’re going to love how easy it is to make! I hope this recipe becomes one of your favorite comfort food recipes healthy .

Feel Good Chicken Noodle Soup : A Bowl of Healthy Comfort

This healthy chicken noodle soup isn't some boring, bland broth! I'm talking a vibrant bowl of comfort food recipes healthy , packed with good stuff.

We're skipping the crazy amounts of salt, and loading up on lean chicken, whole grains and all the veggies. Think classic chicken soup for cold , but supercharged.

I based it on my grandma’s recipe, but with a few tweaks.

Prep Like a Pro

• Essential Mise en Place: Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic! Have everything ready to go. Trust me, it makes life easier.
• Time Saving Tips: Pre-chopped veggies are your friend! Seriously. Or, chop them the night before. This easy chicken soup recipe is already quick, but this will shave off even more time.
• Safety First: Watch your fingers when chopping. No one wants a bloody soup! And please, be careful with the hot pot.

Cooking Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe : step-by-step

1. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in 1 tbsp olive oil until soft (about 5- 7 minutes ).
2. Add garlic and dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. The smell is just amazing !
3. Pour in 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or bone broth chicken noodle soup and 4 cups water. Add a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add 1.5 lbs of chicken. Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, for 20- 25 minutes . Chicken should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Shred the chicken with two forks. Pop it back in the pot.
6. Add 1 cup whole wheat egg noodles (or gluten-free ones). Cook until tender (about 8- 10 minutes ). Nobody likes mushy noodles!
7. Stir in 1 cup fresh parsley and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Remove the bay leaf.
8. Taste and season more if needed. Serve hot! Oh my gosh , it's ready!

Get Soup Smart: Pro Tips

• Avoid overcooking the noodles. They get gross. Mushy noodles = soup fail.
• For an immune boosting soup , use bone broth . Seriously good for you.
• Don't be scared to add more herbs! Taste as you go!
• You can totally make this ahead. The flavors get even better overnight. Hello, meal prep!
• Common mistake: Adding too much salt. Remember, broth can be salty already.
• For a low sodium chicken soup , find even lower sodium broth or make your own!
• Honestly, nothing beats a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup when you are feeling a bit under the weather. This healthy chicken noodle soup will warm you right up.

This feel good chicken noodle soup recipe will become your new go-to! Give it a whirl and let me know what you think!

Recipe Notes for Your Feel Good Soup

So, you're ready to dive into making this amazing healthy chicken noodle soup ? Fantastic! Before you start chopping those veggies, let's chat about a few little things that'll make your soup experience even better.

Seriously, these notes are gold!

Serving Suggestions: Soup's On!

Okay, presentation time! I always think a pretty bowl of soup tastes even better. When you dish up your homemade chicken noodle soup , consider a little flourish.

A swirl of cream (if you're feeling fancy), or a sprinkle of extra parsley, makes it look extra inviting. I love serving mine with a crusty bit of wholemeal bread.

It is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. If you want to keep it super healthy chicken noodle soup , how about a side salad.

A little vinaigrette brightens everything up. It cuts through the richness of the soup perfectly. Honestly, sometimes I even add a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess! It's my little secret for making it even more comforting.

Storage Tips: Save Some for Later

One of the best things about easy chicken soup recipe is that it keeps well. Honestly, leftovers are a gift.

If you have any soup leftover (unlikely, but hey!), let it cool completely before you pop it in the fridge.

It will be good for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, that works too. Just be aware that the noodles might get a little softer when you reheat it.

I recommend freezing it without the noodles and cooking them fresh when you're ready to eat. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.

I love adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to perk up the flavors.

Variations: Make It Your Own

Honestly, recipes are just guidelines, right? Don't be afraid to play around with this chicken noodle soup recipe ! For a low-sodium chicken soup version, make sure you are using low-sodium broth!

Feel like adding a bit of heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes is excellent. And if you're all about that immune boosting soup vibe, throw in some extra garlic and ginger.

For a seasonal twist, try adding butternut squash in the autumn or asparagus in the spring. You can substitute the broth and make it bone broth chicken noodle soup to add extra nutrients.

Want it gluten-free? Swap the noodles for rice noodles or even some quinoa! It is a simple trick. There's a lot of different combinations that could make this comfort food recipes healthy .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This healthy chicken noodle soup isn't just delicious. It's also really good for you! We're talking lean protein from the chicken, vitamins and minerals from the veggies, and a good dose of fiber from the whole wheat noodles.

It's about 250 calories , 30 grams of protein, and only about 7 grams of fat per serving. Plus, chicken soup is like the classic remedy for a cold.

It's hydrating, soothing, and packed with nutrients to help you feel better. That's why it's perfect when you are looking for chicken soup for cold .

So, go ahead and make this feel good soup. Have fun with it. I just know it'll become a new favorite in your house.

Seriously, it is the easy chicken soup recipe of dreams! Enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this chicken noodle soup even healthier?

That's the spirit! To boost the nutritional value of your healthy chicken noodle soup, consider using bone broth instead of regular chicken broth for extra collagen and minerals. Load up on the veggies! Adding extra carrots, celery, or even some leafy greens like spinach will increase the vitamin and fiber content.

Remember, every little helps!

Can I use leftover roast chicken in this healthy chicken noodle soup recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover roast chicken is a fantastic way to reduce cooking time and use up leftovers. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup after the vegetables have softened and before you add the noodles.

Just make sure it's been stored properly and is still good to eat we don't want any "use by" date dramas!

What's the best way to store leftover healthy chicken noodle soup? And how long will it last?

To properly store your leftover soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months, although the noodles might become a bit softer upon thawing.

A top tip is to store the noodles separately and add them to the soup when reheating to avoid them going mushy.

My healthy chicken noodle soup tastes a bit bland. What can I do to improve the flavor?

Flavour is king! Start by tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper sometimes that's all it needs. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten up the flavour. Don't be shy with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives.

For a deeper, richer flavour, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the mix. You could also sauté some tomato puree with the vegetables before adding the broth for some real umami flavour.

I'm gluten-free. What kind of noodles can I use for healthy chicken noodle soup?

Not a problem at all! There are plenty of gluten-free noodle options available these days. Rice noodles, quinoa noodles, and chickpea pasta all work well in chicken noodle soup. Make sure to check the cooking instructions on the package, as they may differ from traditional wheat noodles.

You could even use gluten-free pasta shapes if you can't find noodles.