Chicken noodle soup is one of those classic comfort foods that bring warmth, nourishment, and a sense of familiarity. Whether you’re battling a cold or just need something hearty to fill you up, this soup checks all the boxes: savory, satisfying, and simple to make. But what if we told you there’s a way to take this already beloved dish to the next level? Enter Chicken Noodle Soup with Potatoes! By adding tender, creamy potatoes, you not only enhance the flavor but also make it even more filling and soul-satisfying.
This version of chicken noodle soup blends the traditional flavors with an extra layer of heartiness. Imagine perfectly cooked chicken, smooth potatoes, and savory broth, all brought together by the familiar comforting noodles we all love. It’s like giving the traditional recipe a warm, cozy hug.
So, if you’re ready to try something new while sticking to those comforting classics, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will soon become your new go-to.
Chicken Noodle Soup With Potatoes Recipe
This recipe is a delicious twist on the classic chicken noodle soup, adding potatoes for extra texture and richness. The potatoes meld beautifully with the broth, creating a silky-smooth base while the noodles provide the familiar bite we crave. The chicken, seasoned just right, brings everything together in a perfect harmony of flavors.
Ingredients Needed
Before you get started, make sure you have these key ingredients on hand. Each one plays a crucial role in making this soup flavorful and satisfying.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or thighs) – Chicken is the heart of the soup. It provides the protein and savory flavor that will anchor the entire dish. Using boneless, skinless cuts makes it easier to shred later.
- Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet) – The potatoes bring a creamy texture to the soup. Yukon Golds are great because they hold their shape while being creamy enough to melt into the broth. Russet potatoes are starchy and will thicken the soup slightly, giving it more body.
- Carrots – Fresh carrots add a bit of sweetness and crunch to the soup, balancing out the savory chicken and potatoes.
- Celery – Celery provides that familiar aromatic base for the soup. It adds a mild, earthy flavor and helps elevate the broth.
- Onion – Onion gives the broth a rich depth of flavor and contributes to that homey, comforting aroma as it cooks.
- Garlic – A couple of cloves of garlic bring a fragrant richness that will add complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken Broth (or stock) – This is your soup base. Using a high-quality broth or homemade stock will create a more flavorful foundation.
- Egg Noodles – The classic noodle choice for this soup. They’re the perfect texture-soft yet sturdy enough to absorb the broth without falling apart.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing the vegetables and browning the chicken. It adds a smooth richness to the soup.
- Herbs & Seasonings – A blend of thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper for seasoning. You can also use parsley or dill for garnish and a fresh, herby note.
- Lemon Juice (optional) – Just a squeeze at the end of cooking adds brightness and helps to balance out the richness of the soup.
Cooking Instructions
Ready to start cooking? Let’s walk through the process step by step. Don’t worry-this recipe is super easy to follow, and the result is so worth it!
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Prep Your Ingredients
- Chop the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the garlic and set aside.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave whole for shredding later.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
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Cook The Chicken
- Push the sautéed veggies to the side of the pot and add the chicken pieces. Let them cook for 4-5 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown on all sides.
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Add The Broth
- Pour in your chicken broth (around 6-8 cups depending on how soupy you like it) and bring to a simmer. Add your seasonings: thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chopped potatoes and let everything simmer together for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
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Cook The Noodles
- While the soup is simmering, cook your egg noodles separately according to package instructions, then drain them.
- Add the cooked noodles to the soup pot and stir to combine.
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Finishing Touches
- Once everything is cooked, taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like, add a squeeze of lemon juice for some brightness.
- Remove the bay leaves, and the soup is ready to serve!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this recipe serves a specific role, contributing not only to the flavor but also to the texture and overall comfort factor of the dish. Here’s a closer look:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken is the easiest to work with, but you can also use bone-in pieces for a deeper flavor (just make sure to remove the bones before serving). Chicken adds protein and its savory, umami-packed taste anchors the broth.
- Potatoes: The real star in this twist on the classic soup. Potatoes release starch into the broth, which thickens it slightly and creates a velvety texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are waxy enough to stay intact while adding a creamy richness, making them a fantastic choice.
- Broth: Using a homemade broth or high-quality store-bought one is essential. The broth carries the majority of the flavor in this dish, so investing in a flavorful base makes a noticeable difference.
- Egg Noodles: These noodles are traditionally used in chicken noodle soup because they hold their shape and don’t become mushy. Their soft, pillowy texture contrasts nicely with the heartiness of the chicken and potatoes.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh thyme or bay leaves are common in chicken soup for their aromatic, slightly earthy qualities. Fresh parsley or dill sprinkled at the end adds a pop of color and flavor that brightens up the dish.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Potatoes will become mushy if cooked too long. Check for doneness by piercing them with a fork-they should be tender but not falling apart.
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken, this recipe is an excellent way to use it up. Simply shred the chicken and add it in when the potatoes are nearly done.
- Noodle Tip: If you’re preparing the soup ahead of time, cook the noodles separately and store them separately. This prevents them from becoming too soggy when reheated.
- Make It Heartier: If you want even more heartiness, consider adding corn or peas to the mix. These vegetables will blend well with the other flavors and offer an additional layer of texture.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about chicken noodle soup is how customizable it is. Here are a few fun variations to consider:
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a cup of heavy cream or milk for a richer, creamier version. This transforms the soup into something more indulgent and velvety.
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. This gives the soup a warming kick without overwhelming the flavors.
- Herb-Infused Chicken Soup: Add fresh rosemary or sage to the soup for a deeper, more aromatic flavor profile. These herbs pair perfectly with chicken and potatoes.
Final Words
This Chicken Noodle Soup with Potatoes is the kind of dish that can warm you up on a cold day or offer comfort when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s a wonderful combination of flavors and textures, with hearty potatoes, tender chicken, and the classic noodles we all know and love. Plus, it’s easy to make and fully customizable depending on what you have in your kitchen.