Betty Crocker Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something warm, comforting, and nourishing, few things hit the spot quite like a classic chicken noodle soup. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl, with its rich broth, tender chicken, and soft, slurpy noodles. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need a quick meal, or simply want something heartwarming to enjoy, chicken noodle soup is always a great choice. And what better way to make it than with a time-tested, beloved recipe like Betty Crocker’s Chicken Noodle Soup?

Betty Crocker, known for her iconic kitchen wisdom and easy-to-follow recipes, has managed to create a version of this soup that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser. So let’s dive into this classic and break it all down-ingredients, instructions, tips, variations, and more.

Betty Crocker Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This recipe is a cozy and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to whip up a classic bowl of chicken noodle soup. It combines tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, savory broth, and comforting noodles in a dish that’s just the right blend of flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients Needed

To make this hearty chicken noodle soup, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) – These provide the tender, juicy chicken that’s the star of the soup. If you want even more flavor, thighs are a great option.
• Carrots – Sliced thin or chopped into small pieces, carrots bring a nice sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.
• Celery – Adds a refreshing crunch and a slightly peppery flavor that balances the sweetness of the carrots.
• Onion – Yellow or white onions are the most common, and they create the savory base for the broth.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic depth of flavor to the soup.
• Chicken broth – You can go for store-bought or homemade; it’s the foundation of the soup’s base. A good quality broth makes all the difference.
• Egg noodles – The classic noodle choice for chicken noodle soup. They soak up the broth and get perfectly tender when cooked.
• Bay leaves – Just a couple of these can infuse your soup with a subtle herbal note that enhances the overall flavor.
• Thyme – Fresh thyme or dried thyme brings an earthy, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken and vegetables.
• Salt and pepper – These are essential to season the soup to taste. Don’t be shy with the pepper for a little added kick!
• Olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and getting them tender before adding the broth.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients prepped and ready, it’s time to get cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious chicken noodle soup:

1. Prep Your Ingredients

   • Chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if you’re using breasts, or leave it whole if you prefer to shred it later.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.

3. Add The Chicken And Broth

   • Stir in the chicken (either bite-sized pieces or whole breasts/thighs) and cook for 2-3 minutes, just to lightly brown the chicken.
   • Pour in the chicken broth (about 6 cups) and add the bay leaves and thyme. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

5. Add The Noodles

   • Stir in the egg noodles and continue simmering for another 8-10 minutes until the noodles are tender and cooked through.

6. Season To Taste

   • Remove the bay leaves and taste the soup. Add salt and pepper as needed to adjust the seasoning.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you want, you can sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for some color and a burst of freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in Betty Crocker’s Chicken Noodle Soup plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect, comforting flavor.

• Chicken (boneless skinless): Chicken breasts are often used because they cook quickly and shred easily. They absorb the flavors of the broth and add that satisfying protein. If you opt for chicken thighs, you’ll get a richer, more flavorful taste.
• Carrots & Celery: These vegetables not only add texture and nutrition, but they also contribute sweetness and earthiness to balance the salty broth and savory chicken.
• Noodles: Egg noodles are a classic choice because they hold up well in soup. They absorb the broth without getting mushy and provide a comforting bite in every spoonful.
• Herbs (thyme & bay leaves): These herbs add depth to the broth. Thyme’s earthy flavor is the perfect complement to the chicken, while bay leaves infuse the soup with subtle, aromatic notes.
• Garlic and Onion: The foundation of any great soup, these ingredients bring a savory base that deepens the flavor profile and enhances the natural taste of the chicken and vegetables.

Expert Tips

To take your chicken noodle soup to the next level, try these expert tips:

• Use homemade broth if you can. It’s incredibly easy to make and will give the soup an added richness. If you don’t have time, opt for a high-quality store-bought broth that’s low-sodium so you can control the salt levels yourself.
• Don’t overcook the noodles! They will continue to cook in the hot broth even after you’ve turned off the heat, so make sure they’re just tender and not mushy.
• Season gradually. Taste the soup as it cooks and add salt and pepper a little at a time. This will allow you to dial in the perfect seasoning.
• For a creamy variation, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end of cooking for a rich, creamy twist on the classic soup.

Recipe Variations

Chicken noodle soup is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to switch things up depending on your taste or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version. You can add more vegetables like zucchini, corn, or peas for extra flavor.
• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half toward the end of cooking for a velvety, rich broth.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free noodles instead of egg noodles. Rice noodles or quinoa noodles work well in this soup.
• Add fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, or basil right before serving adds a burst of freshness and an extra layer of flavor.

Final Words

Making Betty Crocker’s Chicken Noodle Soup is not just about following a recipe-it’s about creating something that’s both nourishing and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a dish that allows the ingredients to shine, with each one playing an important role in building layers of flavor. It’s a perfect comfort meal for any season, but especially for those cozy, cold days when you need a little extra warmth.