Bob Evans Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup, there’s no better choice than chicken noodle soup. It’s a classic that’s been a staple in households for generations-perfect for those cozy evenings, sick days, or just when you need a little love in a bowl. Now, while there are plenty of recipes out there, there’s something particularly nostalgic and heartwarming about the flavor of Bob Evans’ Chicken Noodle Soup. The thick, rich broth, tender chunks of chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles create a dish that hits all the right notes.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to recreate Bob Evans’ signature chicken noodle soup at home-from ingredients to cooking techniques, pro tips, and even some fun variations to make it your own. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or someone who’s just dipping their toes into the world of homemade soups, this recipe is both easy to follow and guaranteed to bring some comfort to your kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Bob Evans Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This recipe is inspired by the beloved Bob Evans’ Chicken Noodle Soup and offers a similar taste with a few tweaks you can personalize based on your preferences. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and heartiness. It’s an all-in-one meal that you can whip up without breaking a sweat, yet it feels like something you’d expect from a restaurant-quality bowl.

Ingredients Needed

Before you get started, make sure you have these basic ingredients on hand. They’re easy to find, and most of them are kitchen staples:

• Chicken (boneless, skinless breasts or thighs) – You can use either, but I recommend thighs for extra flavor and tenderness.
• Egg Noodles – These noodles are a staple in chicken noodle soup. Their tender, chewy texture holds up well in the broth without getting mushy.
• Carrots – Fresh carrots are key. You’ll want them sliced thinly to cook evenly and quickly in the broth.
• Celery – Adds a crisp, slightly earthy flavor that balances the soup’s richness.
• Yellow Onion – For that savory, aromatic base, onion gives the soup depth and sweetness.
• Garlic – Minced garlic boosts the flavor, adding a fragrant kick to the broth.
• Chicken Broth – A high-quality chicken broth makes all the difference. You can opt for low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt content.
• Bay Leaves – They infuse the soup with a subtle, herbal flavor. Just remember to remove them before serving!
• Dried Thyme – A pinch of thyme adds a warm, slightly earthy note that’s synonymous with comforting chicken soup.
• Salt & Pepper – Simple seasonings to taste. The soup needs them to bring out all the other flavors.
• Olive Oil or Butter – You can use either to sauté the vegetables and cook the chicken; both will add a rich flavor to the base.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your soup ready. It’s an easy process that should take no more than 40 minutes of active cooking time. Ready? Let’s begin.

1. Cook The Chicken

   • In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
   • Add your chicken breasts or thighs and cook until golden brown on each side (about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness).
   • Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest. Once it’s cooled enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

2. Sauté Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, then throw in your diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
   • Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.

3. Add The Broth

   • Pour in your chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the broth simmer for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors.

4. Cook The Noodles

   • Add your egg noodles to the pot and cook until they are tender-usually about 7-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

5. Add The Chicken

   • Stir in the shredded chicken, and allow everything to heat through for another 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve

   • Remove the bay leaves and ladle the soup into bowls. Serve hot with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down some of the ingredients in more detail to help you understand their role and how to make the most of them:

• Chicken: The chicken is the star of the soup. Using chicken thighs, instead of breasts, provides a juicier, more flavorful result because thighs have more fat content. If you’re using chicken breasts, make sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly.
• Egg Noodles: The perfect noodle for chicken noodle soup because they’re tender but hold their shape well. If you can’t find egg noodles, any small pasta like rotini or ditalini will work, but egg noodles are traditional for a reason!
• Carrots & Celery: These vegetables add sweetness and crunch, balancing out the savory flavors in the soup. Their natural flavors infuse the broth and elevate the taste, so don’t skip them.
• Bay Leaves: These are often a subtle background flavor that enhance the depth of the broth. Remember, they need to be removed before serving because they are not meant to be eaten whole.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried if you prefer a more robust herb profile. Dried thyme works just as well, though, so don’t feel like you need to run out for fresh herbs unless you want to!

Expert Tips

Want to take your homemade chicken noodle soup to the next level? Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, grabbing a rotisserie chicken from the store is a huge time-saver. It’s already seasoned and cooked, and you can easily shred it into the soup.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Noodles can get mushy quickly, so be sure to cook them al dente. They’ll continue to cook in the hot broth after you’ve removed them from the heat, so err on the side of undercooking them slightly.
• Make it a One-Pot Meal: For less cleanup, cook the chicken, sauté the veggies, and boil the noodles all in the same pot. Just be sure to use a large enough pot to hold everything.
• Adjust Seasoning: Chicken broth can vary in salt content, so be sure to taste your soup before serving. If it tastes a little flat, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of soy sauce to boost the umami flavor.
• Make it Ahead: Like most soups, chicken noodle soup gets even better the next day as the flavors meld together. If you’re meal prepping, keep the noodles separate from the soup, and add them just before reheating. This helps keep the noodles from absorbing too much broth.

Recipe Variations

While Bob Evans’ chicken noodle soup is amazing on its own, you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a half cup of heavy cream or milk to the broth for a creamy version. You can also add a dollop of sour cream just before serving for an extra richness.
• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Want to add some heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or even a splash of hot sauce. It’ll bring a whole new level of flavor to the soup.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more veggies like zucchini, peas, or green beans to bulk it up. Tofu or chickpeas can also be added for protein.
• Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup: Add some fresh lemon juice and lemon zest at the end of cooking for a citrusy kick. A little lemon elevates the broth and brightens the flavors.

Final Words

Bob Evans’ Chicken Noodle Soup is truly a comforting classic. The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and soft noodles creates a dish that’s as warm and satisfying as a hug in a bowl. By following this simple recipe, you can recreate that same rich, flavorful experience at home, no restaurant necessary.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations, making the recipe your own. With a few tweaks, this timeless soup can adapt to fit any taste or dietary need. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a rainy-day snack, you’ll find that chicken noodle soup never goes out of style.