Cheap Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

When you’re looking for something warm, comforting, and budget-friendly, few things hit the spot quite like a classic bowl of chicken noodle soup. But let’s face it: sometimes buying ready-made soups or fancy ingredients can be a strain on your wallet. The good news is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a hearty bowl of soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. With just a few simple ingredients and some pantry staples, you can whip up an easy, cheap chicken noodle soup recipe that will taste just like it came from your favorite cozy restaurant.

Chicken noodle soup is not just about soothing your soul when you’re under the weather; it’s also a go-to weeknight meal, a nourishing lunch, or a simple, comforting dish to serve during colder months. It’s a tried-and-true classic, but with the right tips and a little creativity, you can elevate it without the added costs. Let’s break it down so you can make your own version at home-using whatever you’ve got in your kitchen!

Cheap Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

So, what does a "cheap" chicken noodle soup recipe look like? The trick is in the balance-using affordable ingredients that still deliver a tasty, flavorful result. We’re talking about simple but quality ingredients that come together to create that delicious, homey soup we all crave.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken (thighs or breast) – Bone-in or boneless, whichever fits your budget. Bone-in can be cheaper and will give a richer broth.
• Noodles – Egg noodles are the classic choice, but you can use whatever pasta you have on hand, like rotini or even spaghetti.
• Carrots – Fresh or frozen, carrots are a staple that add natural sweetness and color to your soup.
• Celery – A few stalks of celery provide a wonderful, fresh crunch and flavor.
• Onion – A small yellow onion will add depth to the broth.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic or even garlic powder works wonders to boost the flavor.
• Broth – You can use chicken broth, stock, or even vegetable broth for a lighter option.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, bay leaves, and dried herbs like thyme, parsley, and rosemary.
• Olive oil or butter – For sautéing the veggies and chicken at the beginning.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter.
   • If you’re using bone-in chicken, add the chicken to the pot, skin-side down. Sear for a few minutes until the skin is golden brown, then flip to brown the other side. Remove and set aside. If using boneless chicken, just dice it up before adding it to the pot.

2. Cook The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute, making sure not to burn it.

3. Add Broth And Seasonings

   • Pour in your broth (about 6 cups) and stir in bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • If you used bone-in chicken, now’s the time to add it back into the pot. Bring everything to a boil.

4. Simmer And Cook The Chicken

   • Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender. If you’re using boneless chicken, it’ll cook faster-about 10-15 minutes.

5. Shred The Chicken

   • If you used bone-in chicken, remove the pieces from the pot, shred the meat off the bones, and then return the shredded chicken to the soup.

6. Add Noodles

   • Add your noodles to the pot and let them cook in the broth until tender, about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using.

7. Final Seasoning And Serve

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more herbs if needed. Remove the bay leaves, and serve hot!

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive a bit deeper into why these ingredients work so well for a cheap and satisfying chicken noodle soup:

• Chicken: Thighs are often more affordable than breasts and are packed with flavor and moisture. Bone-in chicken also adds more richness to the broth, making it taste like you spent hours preparing it.
• Noodles: Egg noodles are the traditional choice, but any type of pasta can work in a pinch. If you have leftover spaghetti or penne, use it up! The noodles will absorb the broth and contribute to the soup’s heartiness.
• Carrots and Celery: These vegetables are classic ’soup vegetables’ for a reason. Carrots offer a natural sweetness, while celery gives a satisfying crunch and savory undertones. Both are inexpensive, especially if you buy them frozen.
• Broth: Store-bought broth can get pricey, but you can easily make your own if you’ve got some leftover chicken bones or veggie scraps. Homemade broth is often richer and more flavorful than the boxed versions, but in a pinch, low-sodium chicken stock will work just fine.
• Herbs and Spices: Basic spices like salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves are what transform a plain pot of soup into something special. Herbs like parsley or rosemary can give it an extra layer of freshness without costing you much.

Expert Tips

• Make it go further: If you want to stretch the soup even further, try adding beans or potatoes. They’re cheap, filling, and will absorb the flavors of the broth.
• Add greens: A handful of spinach or kale can be tossed in at the end for added nutrition and a pop of color.
• No noodles? Use rice instead! Leftover cooked rice or even instant rice can replace noodles if that’s what you have.
• Freeze it for later: Soup is one of the best things to freeze. You can freeze your soup in portions to enjoy later, or even just freeze the broth, then add fresh noodles when you reheat it.
• Boost the flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end to bring out the brightness and balance the richness of the soup. This little trick can elevate the flavor without adding cost.

Recipe Variations

If you’re in the mood to get a little creative with your cheap chicken noodle soup, here are some fun variations:

• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dollop of sriracha to give the soup a spicy kick. You can also toss in some chopped jalapeños.
• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a scoop of cream cheese towards the end of cooking.
• Herb-Infused Soup: If you have fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage, use them instead of dried ones for an even more aromatic soup.
• Chicken and Rice Soup: Instead of noodles, try substituting cooked rice for a twist on the classic. This variation is especially great if you have leftover rice from a previous meal.
• Vegetable-Heavy Soup: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, peas, or green beans for a heartier soup that still keeps things light.

Final Words

Chicken noodle soup doesn’t need to be expensive to be good. In fact, some of the best soups come from the most basic, humble ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility-whether you’re making a quick lunch or preparing a big batch to feed the family, it works. It’s affordable, satisfying, and can be adjusted to whatever you have lying around your kitchen. Plus, there’s something incredibly nostalgic about a bowl of chicken noodle soup, don’t you think? It’s like a warm blanket for your soul.