There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Soup to chase away those chilly days or simply to warm your soul! This recipe packs in tons of flavor and is super easy to make—perfect for any weeknight meal! Join me as I share my favorite tips and tricks to turn this comforting classic into a delicious feast you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients for Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Soup
Making a delicious Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Soup is super easy and fun! Here’s what you’ll need to gather before getting started. I’ll break it down for you, so you can have everything ready. Trust me, having all your ingredients lined up makes the cooking process smoother than a chicken gliding across the kitchen counter!
Here’s the list of ingredients:
- 1.4 lb (700g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh fillets (for juicy flavor!)
- Salt and pepper (don’t be shy, season generously!)
- 1 – 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning our chicken)
- 2 tsp dried thyme (adds warmth and depth)
- 2 tsp oregano (the ultimate herb buddy!)
- 1 small onion, diced (white, brown, or yellow works!)
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 2 cups celery, chopped (for that nice crunch)
- 2 cups carrots, chopped (sweetness and color!)
- 3 cups chicken broth/stock (the heart of our soup!)
- 3 cups water (to balance things out)
- 6 oz (200g) thick egg pasta (or any pasta you love!)
- Finely chopped parsley for garnish (optional but pretty!)
Pro Tip:
Feel free to add extra veggies! Sometimes, I toss in some broccoli or peas. It’s like giving your soup a colorful makeover!
These ingredients not only create a hearty meal but also fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma! Just imagine the delicious smells wafting through your home as the chicken simmers away! So grab your apron and let’s get cooking! Your stomach will thank you!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Preparation
Ready to whip up some Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Soup? Great! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, delicious bowl of goodness waiting for you in no time. Let’s dive right in!
- Season the Chicken: Start by generously seasoning your bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with salt and pepper. This will help create that amazing flavor we all love!
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your chicken, skin side down. Let it cook until the skin is golden brown, about 1.5 to 2 minutes. This step adds lots of flavor to our soup!
- Flip the Chicken: Turn the chicken over and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. Then, transfer it to a plate for now.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, lower the heat to medium-low. If there’s not enough chicken fat left, add a bit more olive oil. Toss in your diced onion, garlic, thyme, and oregano. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
- Add Celery and Carrots: Next, add the chopped celery and carrots. Stir them in and cook for about 3 minutes. These veggies give your soup that classic comfort food vibe!
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Add the browned chicken back into the pot along with the remaining chicken broth and water.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and ready to shred.
- Add Pasta: While the chicken cooks, you can get your pasta ready! Once the chicken is shredded, toss in the pasta and let it cook until al dente according to package instructions.
And there you have it! A simple, hearty soup that’s just waiting for you to enjoy! Don’t forget to garnish with a little chopped parsley for that final touch! Happy cooking!
Tips for Enhancing Flavor in Your Soup
Let’s talk about how to make your Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Soup absolutely sing with flavor! I’ve got some personal tips that will elevate your soup game and leave everyone asking for seconds!
- Brown the Chicken: One of my favorite tricks is to brown the chicken thighs before adding the broth. This step is so important! Those golden-brown bits at the bottom of the pot? They are packed with flavor. When you mix them into the soup, you bring all that deliciousness into play! Trust me on this—skip it, and you’ll miss out on a flavor explosion!
- Sauté Your Herbs: Instead of tossing in dried herbs directly to the broth, try sautéing them with your onion and garlic first. This little change makes a huge difference! When you cook those herbs in the oil, they release amazing aromas. You’ll be able to smell the magic happening in the pot!
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Be generous with your salt and pepper! It’s easy to forget these simple seasonings, but they are the backbone of flavor. Taste as you go, and remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
- Add Extra Veggies: Want to amp up the nutrition and flavor? Toss in some spinach, peas, or zucchini! They not only add color but also enhance the nutritional value. Plus, who doesn’t love a hearty soup loaded with veggies?
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: At the end, sprinkle in some fresh parsley. It brightens up the soup and adds a lovely freshness!
Using these tips, your Chicken Noodle Soup will become a family favorite that everyone will adore! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions and Nutritional Information
Now you’ve made a fantastic bowl of Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Soup, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Let’s chat about how to serve it up and make it even more enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish Wisely: Sprinkle some finely chopped parsley or even chives on top right before serving. It adds a pop of color and looks super inviting! Plus, it packs a flavor punch!
- Perfect Pairings: I love serving this soup with cheesy garlic bread or soft dinner rolls. They’re perfect for dipping and complement the soup beautifully! It’s like a cozy hug on a cold day!
- Serving Size: This recipe makes about 4 to 5 servings. So, whether you’re feeding the whole family or enjoying leftovers, it’s just right!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect per serving:
- Calories: 437
- Protein: 34.5g (who doesn’t love protein?)
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 15.7g (healthy fats, of course!)
- Fiber: 4.6g
This soup is not only comforting but also nourishing! It’s packed with protein and veggies to keep you feeling great. So go ahead, serve it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy every spoonful! Your taste buds will thank you!