Cicis Pizza Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Cicis Pizza is widely known for its all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, but one dish that often flies under the radar is their Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s a comfort food that delivers warmth and satisfaction, with a hearty, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles. If you’re a fan of this classic soup, you might be wondering how you can recreate it at home. Well, you’re in the right place!

In this recipe breakdown, I’ll walk you through how to make a version of Cicis Pizza’s Chicken Noodle Soup that is just as satisfying as the one served at their buffet. Whether you’re craving a warm bowl on a cold day or want something that’s both filling and nourishing, this homemade rendition will bring the essence of Cicis right into your kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Cicis Pizza Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This homemade version of Cicis’ Chicken Noodle Soup is designed to be rich, flavorful, and comforting. It’s a perfect balance of tender chicken, soft egg noodles, and a savory broth that’s both soothing and satisfying. Here’s how to bring it to life in your own kitchen:

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Egg noodles: 2 cups (traditional or any pasta shape you prefer)
• Broth: 6 cups of chicken broth (you can use low-sodium for a lighter option)
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds or half-moons
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped into small pieces
• Onion: 1 medium onion, diced
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (for a subtle depth of flavor)

• Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust based on broth saltiness)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
• Olive oil or butter: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley: For garnish (optional, but adds a nice touch of color and freshness)
• Lemon juice: A splash (for brightness, optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by poaching the chicken. Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a medium-sized pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes or until it’s fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. The sautéing will bring out the natural sweetness in the veggies, creating a strong base for your broth.
3. Add Garlic & Spices: Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This is the stage where your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
4. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally and cook until the noodles are tender, usually about 7-10 minutes. Be sure not to overcook them, as you’ll want them to retain their texture.
6. Shred the Chicken & Add to Soup: While the noodles are cooking, take the shredded chicken and add it into the soup. Stir it in, making sure the chicken gets coated in the broth. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes.
7. Final Touches: Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like a bit of tang, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
8. Serve & Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs is key for both flavor and texture. Thighs offer a juicier, more tender result, but breasts are leaner. It’s all about personal preference! Poaching the chicken in water before adding it to the soup gives you the perfect shredded texture without overcooking it in the broth.
• Broth: The chicken broth you choose will directly influence the flavor of your soup. A rich, homemade broth will give you a deeper flavor, but store-bought low-sodium broth is an excellent time-saver. Using low-sodium broth helps you control the salt content in your soup.
• Egg Noodles: The classic choice for chicken noodle soup! Their slightly chewy texture and shape are perfect for soaking up the broth. You can use other pasta types like rotini or penne if you prefer, but egg noodles really capture that traditional feel.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are the holy trinity of chicken noodle soup. These aromatics create a robust flavor foundation that makes the soup so comforting. The natural sweetness of carrots pairs beautifully with the savory chicken broth.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the noodles: Noodles can turn mushy if left in the broth for too long. To avoid this, cook the noodles separately if you’re planning to store the soup. This will keep them from absorbing all the liquid and losing their texture.
• Season in layers: Taste as you go! Adding salt, pepper, and seasonings at different stages allows the flavors to develop more evenly. You’ll get a better balance that way.
• Make it ahead: This soup actually gets better after a day or two! Letting it sit overnight helps the flavors meld even more. Just be sure to store the noodles separately to prevent them from getting soggy when reheated.
• Use a slow cooker: If you have a slow cooker, this soup can easily be made in it. After sautéing the veggies, simply combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. You can add the noodles in the last 30 minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This will make the broth rich and velvety.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or a variety of mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the base.
• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat! This is great if you like a little spice in your soups.
• Add Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil to bring a different flavor profile to the soup. Fresh herbs can be added at the end to retain their vibrant flavor.

Final Words

Making a bowl of chicken noodle soup is one of the most fulfilling cooking experiences. It’s simple yet full of rich, layered flavors. And with this recipe, you get the convenience and comfort of Cicis Pizza’s Chicken Noodle Soup, right at home. It’s a great dish for cozy nights, sick days, or whenever you want to enjoy a classic.