If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through TikTok, you’ve probably encountered the culinary sensation that is Alix Earle. Known for her relatable yet chic style, Alix has captured the hearts of millions, not just through her beauty and lifestyle content but also for her effortless cooking. Her take on comfort food is especially popular, and one recipe that stands out is her Chicken Noodle Soup. A perfect combination of hearty and soothing, this soup is a favorite for cozy nights or when you need a little pick-me-up.
What makes this version of Chicken Noodle Soup so special? Alix’s approach is both simple and elevated, perfect for anyone looking to whip up a bowl of homemade goodness without needing to be a professional chef. It’s a recipe that brings together the warmth of tradition with the ease of modern cooking. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a dinner party, or just indulging in a comforting solo meal.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Alix Earle’s Chicken Noodle Soup-from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips and variations that will make this dish your new go-to. Let’s dive in!
Alix Earle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This recipe is one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. Imagine the soothing aroma of simmering chicken, garlic, and fresh herbs, all blended together into a nourishing soup that feels just as good as it tastes. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious, heartwarming dish at home.
Ingredients Needed
You don’t need to spend hours at the grocery store for this one. Alix’s Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is all about fresh, accessible ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful base.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs – Alix uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and tender protein. You can also opt for thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Carrots – Fresh carrots provide a sweet, earthy flavor and add a pop of color to the soup.
- Celery – Celery gives the soup its signature crunch and a subtle, slightly peppery flavor.
- Yellow Onion – A classic base for most soups, the onion adds a savory depth to the broth.
- Garlic – A key aromatic, garlic brings a subtle richness to the overall flavor.
- Egg Noodles – These noodles hold up well in the broth and are perfect for slurping.
- Chicken Broth – The base of the soup. You can use store-bought broth or homemade if you’re feeling extra ambitious.
- Fresh Thyme – A herb that imparts an earthy and aromatic note to the soup.
- Bay Leaves – A must-have for creating that classic soup flavor.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing the vegetables and browning the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavor of each ingredient.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get down to business and make this soul-warming soup! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
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Prep Your Ingredients
- Chop the carrots, celery, and onion into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the garlic and set aside.
- Cut the chicken breasts (or thighs) into smaller chunks, about 1-inch pieces.
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Cook The Chicken
- In a large pot, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides. This step adds flavor and texture to the chicken.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside.
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Sauté The Veggies
- In the same pot, add another drizzle of olive oil if necessary.
- Toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer The Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the bay leaves and fresh thyme sprigs to the pot. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to develop the flavors.
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Cook The Noodles
- After the soup has simmered, add the egg noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- You can add the chicken back into the pot at this point, allowing it to reheat in the broth.
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Season And Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.
Ingredient Insights
Here’s a closer look at some of the key ingredients and why they matter:
- Chicken – Using chicken breast makes the soup lean and light, but if you’re looking for something with more flavor and richness, chicken thighs are a great alternative. The key here is to brown the chicken to develop a deep, savory flavor before adding it to the broth.
- Egg Noodles – These noodles are perfect for absorbing the broth while still holding their texture. They’re quick to cook, making them ideal for a speedy weeknight meal.
- Carrots & Celery – These two classic vegetables are often referred to as the ’holy trinity’ in many soups. They create a balanced flavor base and add essential vitamins, making this dish as nutritious as it is comforting.
- Fresh Thyme – This herb is one of those subtle yet essential ingredients. Its earthy, slightly floral flavor enhances the broth without overpowering it, making it the perfect complement to the chicken.
Expert Tips
Want to elevate your Chicken Noodle Soup even further? Here are a few expert tips to make sure it turns out just right:
- Don’t Skip the Browning Step: Searing the chicken before adding it to the soup is a game-changer. It adds a depth of flavor that simply cannot be achieved by just simmering raw chicken in the broth.
- Season Throughout: Don’t wait until the end to season your soup. As you go along, taste and adjust the salt and pepper. This helps each layer of the dish develop its full flavor potential.
- Let It Simmer: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors will meld together. If you have the time, simmer it for at least 30 minutes to get the full effect of all the ingredients.
- Add Extra Herbs: Try tossing in a bit of fresh parsley or dill just before serving for added freshness and color.
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth takes this soup to the next level. It’s richer, more flavorful, and packed with nutrients.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few variations that you can try based on your preferences:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This creates a delicious vegetarian twist on the classic soup.
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a richer, creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth before serving. This gives the soup a comforting, velvety texture.
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add some heat by incorporating a chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes into the sautéed veggies. For extra warmth, a dash of smoked paprika would give the broth a subtle smokiness.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles to make the soup completely gluten-free.
- Herb-Heavy Version: If you love fresh herbs, feel free to experiment with rosemary, basil, or oregano in place of or alongside the thyme. Each herb will give the soup its own signature twist.
Final Words
Alix Earle’s Chicken Noodle Soup recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort and warmth. With its perfectly balanced flavors, simple ingredients, and easy-to-follow steps, this dish has all the elements of a classic-plus a few little twists to make it feel extra special. Whether you’re dealing with a cold, need a cozy meal, or just want something hearty, this soup is the perfect solution.