Chicken Noodle Soup No Veggies Recipe

Ah, chicken noodle soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially when you’re feeling under the weather or need something hearty and soothing. But let’s be real, there are times when you want all the deliciousness without the fuss of vegetables swimming around in your bowl. Maybe you’re craving something a bit simpler, maybe you’re not a fan of certain veggies, or perhaps you just want to experience the pure flavor of chicken and noodles in their most straightforward form. That’s where this Chicken Noodle Soup No Veggies Recipe comes in. It’s clean, cozy, and packed with flavor, minus the distractions of celery, carrots, and peas.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to make this delicious, no-veg version of the classic soup. I’ll even throw in some expert tips and variations so you can really make it your own. Let’s dive into the details!

Chicken Noodle Soup No Veggies Recipe

So, what exactly makes this soup different from your typical chicken noodle soup? Simple: it’s all about the chicken, the noodles, and the broth. The comforting, rich stock comes from the chicken itself, paired with perfectly cooked noodles. With no veggies to take center stage, you can focus on the delicate flavors of the chicken and the depth of the broth. Plus, it’s super quick to make, and you don’t need to worry about chopping up vegetables or dealing with extra steps. Just pure comfort in a bowl!

Ingredients Needed

You don’t need a pantry full of ingredients to make a killer chicken noodle soup. Here’s a basic rundown of what you’ll need:

• Chicken: You can use bone-in chicken (like thighs or breasts) for the best flavor, or go with boneless skinless for a quicker cook. If you’re feeling fancy, a whole chicken adds a little extra magic to your broth.
• Noodles: Classic egg noodles work wonders here, but feel free to experiment with other types like rotini or fusilli for fun texture.
• Broth: You can use store-bought chicken broth (though homemade is always better if you have the time), or make your own from scratch. Either way, this is the base of the soup and where all the flavor begins.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bay leaf (optional) for extra depth.
• Fresh Herbs: A small handful of fresh thyme or parsley to add some freshness.
• Olive Oil or Butter: A little fat to help sauté the chicken and enhance the flavors.

Cooking Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s walk through the steps to make this soup come to life!

1. Cook The Chicken

   Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. If you’re using bone-in chicken, brown it on all sides for about 6-7 minutes until golden. This will help build flavor. If you’re using boneless chicken, just cook it through and shred it later. Once browned or cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside.

2. Make The Broth

   In the same pot, add a couple of cups of chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (those little pieces of flavor). Add more broth if needed. Stir in your seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder) and drop in a bay leaf if you’re using one. Let the broth simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

3. Shred The Chicken

   While the broth is simmering, shred your cooked chicken. If you used bone-in chicken, just pull the meat off the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

4. Cook The Noodles

   Bring the broth to a boil, then add your noodles. Let them cook until tender (about 7-8 minutes, depending on the noodle type). Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking.

5. Combine

   Once the noodles are cooked through, add your shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few more minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.

6. Garnish And Serve

   Sprinkle in some fresh parsley or thyme if you like. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken: Choosing the right cut of chicken can make a big difference in your soup’s flavor. Bone-in, skin-on chicken has more fat and connective tissue, which gives the broth a richer, more complex taste. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a leaner option and cook faster. If you want to take things up a notch, adding a whole chicken to the pot will yield an incredibly flavorful, silky broth. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut that saves time and still delivers great flavor.
• Noodles: Egg noodles are a classic choice because they absorb the broth beautifully and hold up well to reheating. However, other types of pasta like farfalle, fusilli, or even macaroni can give your soup a bit more personality. Just be sure to cook the noodles until al dente, so they don’t get too mushy once added to the soup.
• Broth: Homemade broth will always be the gold standard for any soup. It has a depth of flavor that store-bought broth just can’t match. If you’re short on time, use a high-quality store-bought chicken broth or stock. For an even richer flavor, you can use bone broth instead of regular broth.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the chicken before you add the broth helps develop a deeper, richer flavor in your soup. Those crispy, caramelized bits on the chicken are packed with taste and will infuse your broth with extra depth.
• Season as You Go: Don’t wait until the end to taste your soup! Season the broth as it simmers and adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. A pinch of garlic or onion powder can add an extra layer of flavor if you’re missing the vegetables.
• Broth to Noodle Ratio: Be mindful of the ratio of broth to noodles. Noodles absorb a lot of liquid, so if you’re making the soup ahead of time, don’t add all the noodles at once. You can always cook them separately and add them just before serving to avoid a soggy, thickened soup.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: Once your broth is simmering, avoid a rolling boil, especially once you’ve added your chicken and noodles. Boiling can make the chicken tough and cause the noodles to overcook.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, you can always mix things up:

• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a kick by tossing in some crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a bit of fresh jalapeño.
• Herb-Infused Broth: Experiment with adding different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or sage to give the soup a more aromatic profile.
• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
• Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a bit of fresh grated ginger to the broth for a subtle warmth that’s especially comforting in the winter.

Final Words

This Chicken Noodle Soup No Veggies recipe is a simple, comforting dish that brings warmth to your heart and your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for those who want to enjoy the timeless flavors of chicken and noodles without the extra veggies. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic rendition or you’re interested in putting a twist on the recipe, there’s plenty of room to get creative with your soup.