Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of deliciousness? This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is not just any ordinary soup; it’s like a cozy hug on a chilly day! Packed with real ingredients,crispy bacon,and crunchy croutons,you’ll want to savor every spoonful and maybe even share it with a friend—if you can resist the temptation!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Noodle soup
Let’s start with the fun part — gathering the ingredients for my creamy Chicken Noodle Soup! This recipe is filled with goodies that make it hearty and flavorful. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breast: About 400g (10 oz), cut in half to form thin steaks. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer!
- Bacon: Four strips of streaky bacon for that savory flavor. Streaky bacon is perfect because it’s packed with fat that adds taste to the soup.
- Unsalted Butter: 30g (about 2 tablespoons) for cooking the vegetables. Butter makes everything better!
- Onion: One medium onion, finely diced, to create a flavorful base.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced, because who can resist the smell of garlic cooking away?
- Carrot: One, chopped into small pieces for a hint of sweetness.
- Celery: Two stalks, chopped, giving that classic soup crunch and flavor.
- Thyme: If you have it, add two sprigs for some herby goodness!
- Frozen Peas: About ¾ cup; they add color and sweetness. You can toss them in right from the freezer!
- Corn: ¾ cup, frozen or canned (drained) is fine. It adds a nice pop of flavor.
- Flour: Four tablespoons, just plain all-purpose flour to thicken the soup.
- Milk: Three cups; full-fat works best, but low-fat or non-dairy options are cool too!
- Chicken Stock/Broth: Two cups, either homemade or store-bought — the choice is yours!
- Salt and Pepper: A little seasoning goes a long way. Use one teaspoon of salt and to your taste for pepper.
Gather all these colorful ingredients, and let’s cook up something amazing. I can already smell the deliciousness! Who’s ready to bring some comfort to the table?
Cooking the bacon and Chicken for Flavor
Now, let’s get into the delicious part — cooking the bacon and chicken! This step is where all the magic happens, and believe me, you won’t want to skip it. The combination of crispy bacon and juicy chicken will create a flavor explosion in your soup!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:
- Start with Bacon:
– Grab a large pot and place the streaky bacon in there. No need to add oil as the bacon has plenty of fat that will render as it cooks.
– Turn the heat to medium-high and let that bacon sizzle! Cook for about 2–3 minutes on the first side until it’s golden and crispy. Flip it over for another 1–2 minutes. The goal is to get it nice and crunchy!
- Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain the excess fat. Trust me, you’ll want that crispy bacon for later!
- Cook the Chicken:
- Now, using the same pot with the leftover bacon fat, it’s time for the chicken! Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) right into that flavorful fat. Cook them for 1.5 minutes on each side.
– Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through — they’ll finish cooking in the soup later! Once done, set the chicken aside to cool a bit.
- Chop It Up:
– After the chicken has cooled, chop it into small, bite-sized cubes. This makes it easy to eat and perfect for a cozy soup!
that’s it! You’ve just cooked the bacon and chicken that will add layers of flavor to your creamy chicken noodle soup. The delicious aromas filling your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s cooking! Can’t you just smell the heavenly scent of bacon? I know I can! Now, let’s move on to the next step where we’ll bring everything together into that creamy goodness!
Making the Creamy Broth and Noodles
Alright,it’s time to make that creamy broth that will tie our soup together! This is where all the delicious flavors combine,creating a comforting bowl of goodness. Plus, we’ll also add the noodles so they get perfectly cooked in that rich broth. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
– In the same pot you cooked the bacon and chicken, melt 30g of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted,toss in the finely diced onion,minced garlic,chopped carrots,and celery. Cook these for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent. Can you smell that? It’s heavenly!
- Thicken with Flour:
- Next, sprinkle in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir it in and let it cook for about a minute. This step helps to remove the raw flour taste and sets the base for a creamy consistency.
- Add the Milk and Broth:
– Now, carefully pour in 3 cups of milk while continuously stirring. This will keep the mixture smooth and prevent lumps.Then, add in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken stock and 2 cups of water. Time to bring all those flavors to life!
- simmer and Season:
– Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add 1 teaspoon of salt (and more to taste later) plus a dash of pepper.Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Cook the noodles:
– it’s noodle time! Add 1 and 1/3 cups of broken angel hair pasta (or whatever small pasta you prefer). Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 5 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on it, as pasta can absorb the broth quickly!
And there you have it! You’ve created a creamy, comforting broth that’s just waiting for those final touches. I can’t wait for you to experience the warm, cozy feeling of enjoying this soup!
Garnishing with Croutons and Crispy Bacon Bits
Now for the final touch that will make your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup a showstopper! Garnishing is the part where we add a bit of flair and flavor, making the soup not just tasty but also visually appealing. Let’s sprinkle on some crunchy croutons and crispy bacon bits!
Preparing the Croutons:
- Start with the Bread:
- You can use any bread you have on hand! I love using sourdough for its chewy texture, but regular sandwich bread works just fine too. Cut about 1 cup of crustless bread into small cubes (about ¼ inch).
- Season and Bake:
– Toss the bread cubes in a bowl with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. This will help them get nice and crunchy while baking.
– Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and pop them into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.Keep an eye on them,as they can go from perfect to burnt in a flash!
Finishing Touches with Bacon:
- Remember that delicious bacon you cooked earlier? now it’s time to put it to good use! Take the chopped crisp bacon and set it aside for garnishing. It adds a salty,savory crunch that complements the creamy soup beautifully.
Serving Up:
Once your soup is ladled into bowls, it’s time to finish it off! Sprinkle a generous amount of those crunchy croutons and crispy bacon bits on top. For an extra touch of color and flavor, feel free to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you have it on hand!
And there you have it! Your soup is now a masterpiece! Dive in and enjoy the delightful textures and flavors. I can’t wait for you to taste the magic of that creamy broth paired with the crispy toppings! Happy slurping!