Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days, a quick meal after a long day, or simply as a bowl of warm goodness to lift your spirits. But when you think of Chicken Noodle Soup, there’s one version that tends to stand out in the minds of many: the classic, soul-satisfying recipe from Souplantation (now known as Sweet Tomatoes in some locations). This particular version isn’t just your average chicken noodle soup-it’s rich, flavorful, and brimming with fresh vegetables and a savory broth that feels homemade.
If you’re someone who has fond memories of dining at Souplantation and savoring that steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup, you’ll be thrilled to learn how to recreate this recipe at home. Whether you’re trying to revive an old favorite or you just love the idea of making a pot of soup from scratch, this recipe is one that will definitely hit the spot.
Chicken Noodle Soup Souplantation Recipe
This homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Souplantation recipe is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With a mixture of tender chicken, al dente noodles, and a delicious broth that’s aromatic with the right balance of herbs and vegetables, you’ll feel like you’re right there at the restaurant, spoon in hand, enjoying every bite.
Ingredients Needed
To make a batch of Souplantation’s signature Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:
- Chicken (bone-in, skinless): For that savory flavor and rich broth base. You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but bone-in chicken gives the soup a deeper, more complex taste.
- Egg noodles: The traditional choice for this recipe. Egg noodles hold up perfectly in the soup without becoming too soft or soggy.
- Carrots: Fresh, sweet, and crunchy. They add both flavor and a burst of color to your soup.
- Celery: For that nice crunch and an extra layer of flavor that’s essential to the soup’s profile.
- Onion: The classic base for almost any soup, giving the broth a solid foundation of flavor.
- Garlic: For that subtle but aromatic note that makes the broth more fragrant and delicious.
- Chicken broth: This is the heart of your soup. A high-quality, low-sodium broth is essential to get that rich, comforting flavor.
- Bay leaves: These add a subtle herbal flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme (or dried, if you don’t have fresh) adds an earthy, herby note to the soup.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, these seasonings bring out the flavors of the broth and vegetables.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables at the beginning for a deeper flavor.
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Start by boiling your chicken in a large pot. Fill the pot with water, adding a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Sauté the vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in another large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the kitchen is filled with a delicious aroma.
- Build the broth: Once your vegetables are sautéed, add in the chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, letting the broth infuse with the herb flavors for about 15 minutes.
- Shred the chicken: Once your chicken has cooked and cooled slightly, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the broth along with any juices that have accumulated.
- Add the noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and let them cook in the broth for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re tender but still firm.
- Final seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme, if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for added freshness.
Ingredient Insights
- Bone-in Chicken: Cooking with bone-in chicken isn’t just about flavor-it also gives the broth richness from the collagen in the bones, making the soup more velvety. The chicken becomes more tender and flavorful when cooked this way, and you can use it as a base for a truly satisfying meal.
- Egg Noodles: These noodles are the perfect texture for chicken noodle soup. They absorb the broth while still maintaining their integrity, giving every spoonful that satisfying bite. Opt for high-quality, wide egg noodles for the best result.
- Vegetables: The balance of carrots, celery, and onions (often called the ’holy trinity’ in cooking) gives the soup a well-rounded flavor profile. Carrots bring sweetness, celery adds a refreshing crunch, and onions provide a deep savory base.
- Herbs and Spices: Thyme and bay leaves are classic herbs for a reason. They infuse the broth with depth without overpowering the other flavors. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried works just as well!
Expert Tips
- Homemade Chicken Broth: If you have the time and want to take your soup to the next level, make your own chicken broth! You can use leftover chicken bones, add some extra vegetables, and simmer the mixture for a few hours. The result will be a rich, flavorful base that elevates the entire dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Egg noodles can become mushy if left too long in the broth. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness after about 8 minutes of simmering. They should be tender but still a little firm to the bite.
- Shred the Chicken Properly: If you prefer a smoother, less chunky texture in your soup, you can shred the chicken finely. For a heartier, more rustic version, leave the chicken pieces a little larger.
- Storing Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days. If you plan to keep it for longer than that, consider storing the noodles separately, as they may absorb too much broth and become mushy.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this soup, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get that hearty, satisfying feel, just without the meat.
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño pepper to the soup for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce into each bowl for an extra layer of flavor.
- Add Greens: Throw in a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for an extra dose of nutrients. The greens will wilt in the hot broth, adding a fresh, vibrant element.
- Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the soup just before serving for a zesty brightness that will enhance the flavors of the broth and the chicken.
Final Words
Recreating Souplantation’s chicken noodle soup at home isn’t just about making a meal; it’s about recreating that comforting experience. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or sharing it with loved ones, it’s a soup that brings both comfort and joy.