The Ultimate Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Nothing beats a warm bowl of Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe when you need comfort. This classic dish is incredibly simple to make, yet it delivers a depth of flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl. Our recipe focuses on ease and wholesome ingredients, perfect for busy parents and beginners. Get ready to create a truly special homemade chicken noodle soup that warms you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Use a rotisserie chicken for a significant shortcut.
• Ultimate Comfort: It’s the perfect meal for chilly days or when you need a boost.
• Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You likely have most items already in your pantry.
• Easily Adaptable: Customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone at the table will enjoy this classic, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Making a delicious Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe starts with fresh, flavorful ingredients. This list combines classic elements to create a rich and comforting broth base.

• For the Soup Base:
  • 2 tablespoons Country Crock® Original Spread (or butter/oil)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 celery ribs, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
• For the Chicken & Broth:
  • 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• For Finishing & Seasoning:
  • Kosher salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon initially)
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon initially)
  • 8 ounces egg noodles or fusilli, cooked separately
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your preferences. Use unsalted butter or olive oil instead of Country Crock® Original Spread. If you do not have rotisserie chicken, use any leftover cooked chicken or quickly boil and shred two chicken breasts. Feel free to add other vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or a handful of fresh spinach at the end. For noodles, feel free to use orzo, ditalini, or even small elbow macaroni. Remember to cook them separately to avoid a starchy, cloudy broth. According to culinary experts, cooking pasta separately prevents starchy broth and mushy noodles. If fresh thyme is unavailable, use 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking much smoother. You will need just a few basic kitchen items for this easy chicken noodle soup.

• Large pot or Dutch oven (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Instructions

Creating this comforting Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time.

1. Prep Vegetables: Start by dicing your large yellow onion, peeling and dicing the carrots, and slicing the celery ribs. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Having your ingredients ready makes the cooking flow smoothly.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons of Country Crock® Original Spread in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the softened vegetables. Cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Chicken & Broth: Stir in the 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Add the 2 bay leaves and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme. Season the mixture with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper initially.
5. Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when you pierce them with a fork. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Finish & Serve: Carefully remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme stems from the soup. Stir in the 8 ounces of cooked egg noodles or fusilli. Add the 1/4 cup of fresh minced parsley and squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as desired, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot, homemade chicken noodle soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, briefly toast your dry noodles in a separate pan with a tiny bit of butter or oil before cooking them. This adds a nutty depth.
• Prevent Soggy Noodles: Always cook your noodles separately to al dente and add them to individual bowls or the main pot right before serving. This keeps the broth clear and prevents overcooked, mushy pasta.
• Broth Depth: Use a high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth. Homemade broth offers the best flavor. Taste the broth throughout and adjust seasoning.
• Chicken Doneness: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe super fast. If using raw chicken, dice it and cook it in the pot before adding vegetables.
• Herb Freshness: Fresh thyme and parsley make a significant difference in the final aroma and taste. Don’t skip them if possible.
• Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. Broth can vary in sodium content, so season gradually.
• Vegetable Crunch: Avoid overcooking the vegetables during the simmer. They should be tender, but still have a slight bite.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile and comforting soup is perfect for any occasion.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve your warm soup with crusty bread for dipping, a side of simple crackers, or a fresh green salad.
• Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Store cooked noodles separately if you anticipate leftovers, adding them to individual portions when reheating.
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. If you plan to freeze, add noodles after thawing and reheating.
• Chicken Variations: Easily swap rotisserie chicken for shredded leftover turkey, or use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Noodle Variations: Experiment with different small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even small elbow macaroni if egg noodles are not your preference.
• Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutrition by stirring in a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Fresh spinach or kale can also be wilted into the hot soup just before serving.
• Creamy Version: For a richer, creamy texture, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk at the very end, just before serving.
• Spicy Kick: Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot along with the garlic for a subtle, warming heat.

Nutrition Information

Beyond its comforting warmth, studies highlight the impressive nutritional benefits of chicken noodle soup, providing essential hydration and nutrients. Enjoying a bowl of this wholesome chicken noodle soup is a nutritious choice.

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates based on ingredients listed and may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie? Yes, you can! Dice raw chicken breast or thighs and sauté them in the pot until cooked through before adding the vegetables.
• What kind of noodles are best? Traditional egg noodles work wonderfully, but fusilli, orzo, or ditalini are also excellent choices for this comforting chicken noodle soup.
• How long does chicken noodle soup last? Stored properly in the refrigerator, homemade chicken noodle soup will last for 3-4 days.
• Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas for heartiness.
• Why is my soup bland? Make sure you are seasoning adequately with salt and pepper throughout the process, and taste to adjust at the end. Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice also brighten the flavors.
• Can I freeze leftover chicken noodle soup? Yes, you can. It freezes well for up to 3 months, especially if you add the noodles after thawing and reheating.

Conclusion

This Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe offers a perfect blend of warmth, flavor, and ease. It is an ideal meal for busy weeknights, comforting cold days, or anytime you crave a simple yet profoundly satisfying dish. Give this easy recipe a try and rediscover the joy of homemade soup. You’ll love its timeless appeal and how quickly it brings warmth and happiness to your table.

The Ultimate Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This comforting chicken noodle soup features tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a rich, low-sodium chicken broth. It's a perfect hearty and heartwarming meal for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Country Crock Original Spread
• 1 large onion diced
• 2 carrots peeled and diced
• 3 ribs celery sliced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken shredded
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• kosher salt and black pepper to taste (about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper)
• 8 ounces egg noodles or fusilli cooked
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Equipment

• Large pot
• Fork

Method

 

Instructions

1. Melt spread in a large pot, then sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in shredded chicken for another minute.
2. Pour in broth, add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in cooked noodles, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth. Adjust salt and pepper to your personal taste.