Chicken Noodle Soup Averie Cooks Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm, homemade chicken noodle soup. Whether it’s a cold winter day, you’re fighting off a cold, or you’re simply craving a nostalgic meal that feels like a hug from the inside, this dish is an all-time classic. Chicken noodle soup is one of those meals that everyone knows how to make, but when done right, it can take your tastebuds on a journey. One such version that truly elevates this comfort food is the Chicken Noodle Soup from Averie Cooks. It’s not just your run-of-the-mill recipe; it’s packed with flavor, texture, and heartwarming ingredients.

In this deep dive, we’re going to explore everything you need to know about this recipe-from the ingredients to expert tips that will elevate your soup to the next level. Plus, we’ll take a look at some creative variations, so you can make this recipe your own. Let’s get started!

Chicken Noodle Soup Averie Cooks Recipe

Averie Cooks’ version of chicken noodle soup stands out for its depth of flavor and the perfect balance between the rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles. The recipe doesn’t just rely on basic ingredients; it incorporates a few clever tricks to ensure the soup is bursting with savory goodness, without taking hours to prepare.

The magic of this soup lies in the simplicity of its components, but the attention to detail is what makes it truly shine. From the sautéed aromatics to the careful layering of flavors, this soup doesn’t just serve as a meal-it offers a full-on experience of comfort.

Ingredients Needed

To make this Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create the magic:

• Chicken breast or thighs: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Chicken thighs will give you a richer, more flavorful broth, while chicken breasts are leaner and give a lighter taste.
• Egg noodles: Classic for chicken noodle soup, they have the perfect texture and absorb the broth well.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots add color, crunch, and a natural sweetness to the broth.
• Celery: Celery complements the carrots and adds a refreshing, crisp bite to the soup.
• Onion: A must-have for the aromatic base. Onion brings savory depth and a mild sweetness when cooked.
• Garlic: For that aromatic base, garlic adds a bit of sharpness and an essential layer of flavor.
• Chicken broth: The foundation of the soup! Use a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. If you have homemade stock, that’s even better!
• Bay leaves: A subtle herb that imparts a hint of earthiness to the broth.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried, thyme enhances the herby profile of the soup and works beautifully with chicken.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to season the soup, and you can adjust these based on your personal preference.
• Olive oil or butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding richness and flavor to the base.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients lined up, it’s time to get cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious Chicken Noodle Soup:

1. Sauté The Aromatics

   In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add The Chicken And Broth

   Pour in the chicken broth, and add the chicken breasts (or thighs), bay leaves, and thyme. Bring everything to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.

3. Shred The Chicken

   Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot. Shred the chicken using two forks and set it aside. Discard the bay leaves.

4. Cook The Noodles

   While the chicken is resting, add the egg noodles to the broth. Cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.

5. Finish The Soup

   Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve And Enjoy

   Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Enjoy the comforting, soul-soothing warmth of this hearty soup!

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role of each ingredient can help you appreciate how they work together to create this delicious soup. Here’s a closer look at some key ingredients:

• Chicken: Whether you choose chicken breast or thighs, the key is the protein. Chicken thighs, with their higher fat content, add a depth of flavor to the broth that chicken breasts may lack. The chicken absorbs the savory broth and becomes incredibly tender when shredded.
• Egg Noodles: They are specifically chosen for their ability to absorb the rich broth without getting mushy. Their chewy texture complements the tender chicken and vegetables perfectly.
• Aromatics (Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic): These vegetables form the base of the soup and contribute to the overall flavor profile. They provide natural sweetness and earthiness that balance out the savory chicken broth. Sautéing them first helps to bring out their flavors before the soup simmers.
• Herbs: Bay leaves and thyme are classic herbs in chicken noodle soup. Bay leaves impart a subtle, slightly floral taste to the broth, while thyme adds a warm, savory note. Together, they enhance the overall depth of flavor.

Expert Tips

To make sure your chicken noodle soup is nothing short of perfection, here are a few expert tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Noodles can quickly turn mushy if overcooked, so be sure to check them a minute or two before the recommended cooking time on the package.
• Use Homemade Stock: If you have the time, homemade chicken stock will elevate your soup with a richness and depth you just can’t get from store-bought broth.
• Seasoning Adjustments: The seasoning is critical. Always taste your broth before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten it up a bit.
• Make it Ahead: Chicken noodle soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded together. If you’re making it ahead, store the soup and noodles separately to avoid the noodles soaking up all the broth.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Vegetable Twist: Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or peas for a fresh pop of color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy edge.
• Herb Change: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a different herbal flavor profile.
• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking for a richer, creamier version of the soup.

Final Words

Chicken noodle soup is the quintessential comfort food. It’s soothing, nourishing, and always brings a sense of home. Averie Cooks’ version of this timeless classic takes all the best elements of the dish-tender chicken, flavorful broth, and the perfect balance of vegetables and noodles-and combines them in a way that makes it feel like something special. Whether you’re making it for a sick day, a cozy evening, or just because, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.