Chicken Egg Noodle Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of chicken egg noodle soup, isn’t there? It’s one of those timeless recipes that not only warms the body but also soothes the soul. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving a quick and satisfying meal, or simply indulging in a bit of nostalgia, this soup has a way of hitting all the right spots.

What makes chicken egg noodle soup so beloved is its simplicity and versatility. It’s a dish that offers a beautiful balance of flavors-rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and soft egg noodles-all cooked together to create the perfect harmony of texture and taste. And the best part? It’s a recipe that can be customized in so many ways to fit your unique preferences.

In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make the perfect chicken egg noodle soup, from ingredients to variations to expert tips. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade chicken egg noodle soup!

Chicken Egg Noodle Soup Recipe

This is a tried-and-true recipe that delivers the perfect chicken egg noodle soup. The best part? It’s simple enough to prepare for any occasion but packed with flavor to keep you coming back for more. You’ll notice that the recipe has a great depth of flavor thanks to the broth, yet it doesn’t overwhelm the natural goodness of the chicken and noodles.

Ingredients Needed

For a bowl of hearty chicken egg noodle soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. These are the staples that come together to create a comforting, flavorful dish.

• Chicken (Bone-in, skin-on preferred) – The flavor of the chicken really shines through when it’s cooked on the bone. You can use chicken thighs, legs, or even a whole chicken for extra richness in the broth.
• Egg noodles – You want to go for egg noodles because of their delicate, yet firm texture. They hold up well in soup and absorb just the right amount of broth without falling apart.
• Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and color to the soup. You can cut them into thin rounds or julienne them for a more refined presentation.
• Celery – A classic soup ingredient that adds an earthy undertone and crunch. Celery balances out the richness of the broth.
• Onion – For depth and fragrance. It’ll infuse the broth with a savory, aromatic flavor as it simmers.
• Garlic – A touch of garlic makes the broth more aromatic and adds another layer of savory richness.
• Chicken broth – Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought can work too. It serves as the backbone of the soup, giving it that hearty, comforting quality.
• Bay leaves – These leaves add a subtle, herbal flavor that elevates the broth.
• Fresh thyme or dried thyme – Thyme is a wonderful herb that infuses the broth with a touch of earthiness and complexity.
• Salt and pepper – To taste. These two seasonings are essential for balancing the flavors of the soup and ensuring every spoonful is satisfying.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part-cooking! Follow these detailed steps to make a bowl of chicken egg noodle soup that’ll make you feel like a kitchen pro.

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a little bit of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
   • Brown the chicken on both sides for 3-4 minutes. This will give the chicken a nice color and help release flavor into the broth later.
   • Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
   • Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

3. Make The Broth

   • Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth. If you’re using a whole chicken, make sure it’s submerged.
   • Toss in the bay leaves and thyme. Bring the broth to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

4. Shred The Chicken

   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Remove the skin (if desired) and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

5. Add The Noodles

   • Bring the broth back to a simmer. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 7-9 minutes). The noodles will absorb some of the broth and become incredibly flavorful.

6. Finish The Soup

   • Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   • Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for added color and freshness. Serve hot!

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive a bit deeper into why each ingredient in this recipe contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the soup.

• Chicken (Bone-In, Skin-On): Cooking the chicken with the bone and skin creates a richer broth, as the bones release gelatin and minerals while simmering. The skin adds fat, which imparts a smooth mouthfeel to the soup.
• Egg Noodles: The egg noodles are the perfect vehicle for soaking up the broth. Unlike other pasta, egg noodles have a slightly chewy texture, which balances out the tender chicken and vegetables.
• Carrots and Celery: These vegetables are part of the “mirepoix”, a flavor base in many soups and stews. The sweetness of the carrots and the herbal crunch of the celery provide a perfect contrast to the savory broth.
• Chicken Broth: It’s the heart and soul of the soup. A high-quality, homemade chicken broth is packed with flavor, whereas store-bought broth can lack depth. You can even make your own broth ahead of time for the ultimate homemade touch.
• Herbs: Bay leaves and thyme bring out an earthy, savory flavor that complements the richness of the chicken. Fresh thyme, in particular, adds an aromatic quality that makes the broth feel more complex.

Expert Tips

• Homemade Chicken Broth: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth is always the best option. It’s easy to make-simply simmer chicken bones with water, aromatics (like onion, garlic, and celery), and herbs for 3-4 hours. Strain and use the liquid in the soup.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Egg noodles can become mushy if overcooked. To avoid this, cook the noodles just until tender and slightly al dente. If you’re not serving the soup immediately, you can cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup right before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
• Flavor Adjustments: Sometimes, a little extra umami can make all the difference. Adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can really enhance the broth’s flavor.
• Skin-on Chicken: If you’re looking to save time, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can work, but they won’t give the same depth of flavor that bone-in, skin-on chicken provides. If you’re using boneless chicken, consider adding a bit more seasoning or even a touch of chicken bouillon for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

Chicken egg noodle soup is one of those recipes that’s open to all sorts of creative variations. Here are a few ideas to mix it up:

• Creamy Chicken Egg Noodle Soup: For a richer soup, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth just before serving. It creates a velvety texture that makes the soup feel extra indulgent.
• Spicy Chicken Egg Noodle Soup: Add a few dashes of hot sauce, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist. This will heat up the flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Vegetable Boost: Add additional vegetables such as corn, peas, or spinach to give the soup more color and nutrition. If you like a more hearty soup, adding potatoes or sweet potatoes can make it more filling.
• Asian-Inspired Twist: Swap the thyme for ginger and garlic, and replace the chicken broth with a combination of chicken stock and miso paste. Top the soup with a hard-boiled egg, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian-style chicken noodle soup.

Final Words

Chicken egg noodle soup is the perfect balance of simplicity and comfort. With its tender chicken, savory broth, and soft noodles, this soup has all the elements that make a meal satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is easy to follow and will give you a bowl of soup that rivals anything you can get at a restaurant.