When the weather starts to turn chilly and you’re in the mood for something warm, comforting, and nourishing, there are few meals as satisfying as a bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s a classic favorite, one that has been passed down through generations. If you’ve ever had the chance to try Noodles and Company’s Chicken Noodle Soup, you know it’s not just your average bowl of soup-it’s an experience. Full of rich flavors, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles, this soup is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re being hugged from the inside.
This homemade version brings that same heartwarming experience to your kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and wholesome, and it’s easy to make, especially when you know exactly what ingredients to use and how to bring them together for the best results. We’ll dive deep into the recipe, breaking down the steps, ingredients, and helpful tips that will help you recreate this delicious soup, right down to the last savory spoonful.
Noodles And Company Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Here’s the thing: Noodles and Company has a way of taking the simplest ingredients and turning them into something extraordinary. When it comes to their Chicken Noodle Soup, the combination of perfectly seasoned broth, tender chicken, and a generous amount of noodles is simply comforting. It’s not just any bowl of soup-it’s the bowl of soup you crave when you’re under the weather or just looking for something that’ll give you that cozy feeling.
Let’s break down this recipe to help you make a version that’s just as good (if not better) than the original.
Ingredients Needed
To make Noodles and Company’s Chicken Noodle Soup at home, you’ll need the following ingredients. Don’t worry; none of them are too complicated or hard to find, and you can even make adjustments based on your personal preferences.
- Chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless): Chicken is the star of this dish, and using fresh chicken breasts or thighs helps create that tender, juicy meat we all love in our soup. If you prefer dark meat, thighs will give the soup an extra richness.
- Carrots: These provide natural sweetness and color to the soup, and they also add a nice texture when sliced thinly.
- Celery: Celery adds an earthy, crisp element to the soup. It’s a classic addition that gives the soup its aromatic base.
- Onion: A small onion, finely chopped, will contribute depth to the flavor and help bring out the savory, rich taste of the broth.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves of garlic, minced or chopped, are essential for that fragrant, savory kick that makes all the difference in your broth.
- Chicken broth: Use a good-quality, low-sodium chicken broth as the base of your soup. This is the foundation of flavor for the whole dish.
- Egg noodles: The perfect noodle for chicken noodle soup is an egg noodle, with its slightly chewy texture that soaks up all the flavor of the broth.
- Bay leaves: These add an aromatic depth to the soup that makes the broth feel more complex.
- Dried thyme: Thyme has a savory, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and vegetables.
- Salt and pepper: The seasoning is crucial to bring all the flavors together. You’ll need to taste and adjust as the soup cooks to make sure everything is perfectly balanced.
- Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the vegetables and creating that rich base for the broth.
Cooking Instructions
This recipe is straightforward, but it does take a little time to get all the flavors to develop. Here’s how to make it:
- Prepare your chicken: Start by cooking your chicken. You can either poach it in water or broth until it’s fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes), or, if you prefer, roast it in the oven. Once it’s cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and aromatic. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in your chicken broth and add the bay leaves and dried thyme. Stir to combine, and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, so the flavors can meld together.
- Add the noodles: Once the broth has simmered, add the egg noodles to the soup. You’ll want to cook them until they’re tender, usually around 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the noodles.
- Shred the chicken: While the noodles are cooking, shred your cooked chicken and add it to the soup. Give it a good stir to incorporate the chicken evenly.
- Season to taste: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. You can also add extra thyme or bay leaves if you want more depth of flavor.
- Finish and serve: Once the noodles are tender, and the chicken is heated through, remove the soup from the heat. Serve hot, with a side of warm bread if you like.
Ingredient Insights
- Chicken: While chicken breasts are the leaner option, using chicken thighs can add a richer, more flavorful base to the soup. The skinless, boneless cuts are the easiest for this recipe, as they’re easy to shred and don’t require any additional prep work.
- Broth: The type of chicken broth you use can make a huge difference in flavor. Opt for a low-sodium broth to have more control over the seasoning. If you can find a homemade or artisanal broth, it will elevate your soup’s taste to a whole new level.
- Noodles: The egg noodles are ideal for their soft, chewy texture that holds up well in the broth. While you can substitute with other noodles, egg noodles are traditional for this soup.
- Herbs: Bay leaves and thyme provide subtle, earthy undertones, but you can also experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley for a twist.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the noodles: One of the most common mistakes people make when making chicken noodle soup is overcooking the noodles. They’ll continue to cook once they’re added to the broth, so keep an eye on them to avoid them turning mushy.
- Use a mix of chicken breasts and thighs: For extra flavor, combine the lean chicken breast with a few thighs. The thighs will give you a richer flavor, while the breasts keep the soup light.
- Make it ahead: Chicken noodle soup tends to taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. You can prepare the soup in advance and refrigerate it for a day or two.
- Add greens: If you’re looking to boost the nutrition of the soup, feel free to toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt down and add a pop of color and nutrients.
Recipe Variations
This classic chicken noodle soup can be customized in several ways:
- Add cream for a creamy version: If you love a creamier soup, stir in a little heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking for a rich, velvety texture.
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give your soup a bit of heat. This is a great way to give your soup some extra personality if you’re craving something a little more exciting.
- Gluten-free option: Swap out the regular egg noodles for gluten-free noodles, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option.
- Herb variations: If you don’t have thyme or bay leaves, feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary to match your taste.
Final Words
Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s versatile, warming, and perfect for a variety of occasions-from a rainy day to when you’re feeling under the weather. Making it yourself allows you to customize every part of the soup to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a lighter broth or a richer, creamier version. Plus, there’s something inherently satisfying about stirring up a pot of homemade soup.
This Noodles and Company-inspired recipe gives you the same heartwarming experience without the need to step foot in the restaurant. With a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a bowl of soup that’s just as delicious (if not better) than what you’re used to ordering.
FAQs
What Are The Key Ingredients In Noodles And Company Chicken Noodle Soup?
The key ingredients in Noodles and Company chicken noodle soup include chicken breast, egg noodles, carrots, celery, onion, chicken broth, and a variety of seasonings such as thyme, parsley, and bay leaves.
How Do I Make Noodles And Company Chicken Noodle Soup From Scratch?
To make the soup from scratch, start by sautéing diced onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add cooked chicken breast and egg noodles, cooking until the noodles are tender. Season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken For The Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup in place of freshly cooked chicken breast for a quicker, equally flavorful result.
Can I Make Noodles And Company Chicken Noodle Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make the soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients, including chicken breast, vegetables, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then shred the chicken and add cooked noodles toward the end.
What Type Of Noodles Are Used In Noodles And Company Chicken Noodle Soup?
Noodles and Company chicken noodle soup traditionally uses egg noodles. These soft, broad noodles complement the broth and add a rich texture to the soup.
How Can I Make The Soup Gluten-free?
To make the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles instead of traditional egg noodles. Also, ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free, as some store-bought broths contain wheat.
What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup?
Store leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If freezing, it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles, as they can become mushy upon reheating.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables To The Chicken Noodle Soup?
Absolutely! You can add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to the soup for additional flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the added ingredients.
How Do I Make The Soup Richer In Flavor?
To enhance the flavor of the soup, you can add a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of butter during the sautéing process. Also, using homemade chicken broth or adding a little bit of chicken bouillon can intensify the taste.
Can I Make Noodles And Company Chicken Noodle Soup Without Chicken?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of the soup by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead. You can also add plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for added texture and nutrition.