Your Mom was probably the first to tell you this. When you are under the weather one of the best foods to eat is a simple Chicken Noodle Soup. There are studies that actually support your Mom. The moistening steam can help to clear your sinuses. Chicken soup also has an anti-inflammatory response that might reduce your symptoms. The fact is it is just soothing and comforting when you have a cold or flu.
So for March, Chicken Noodle Soup is my Soup of the Month. Many people will just grab a can or box when they need some Chicken Noodle Soup. Don’t do that! Chicken Noodle is one of the simplest soups to make. And it doesn’t take a lot of expensive ingredients. You probably have everything you need to make this soup already.
Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup:
Chicken
You have numerous options here. You can start with a whole chicken in your pot or you can use individual pieces. Using chicken thighs would be the least expensive. But frozen chicken breasts would be the easiest. You could also use leftover chicken or even a rotisserie chicken. Over the years I have used all of these types of chicken. I have even used canned chicken when I needed a quick soup.
Broth
Your broth can make or break your soup. Making your own broth provides the best flavor but if you are in a hurry than there are other options. You can purchase canned broth or use granular or cubed chicken bouillon. Choose a lower sodium option if you are purchasing a broth.
Vegetables
Canned and boxed varieties of Chicken Noodle Soup miss out on the healthful properties of vegetables. At the very least you would want onions, celery and carrots in your soup. But there are so many more vegetables that you could add. You could include garlic, green peas or beans, kale, peppers, broccoli or cauliflower. Just about any vegetable could be added to your soup.
Noodles
There are so many noodle options out there. You can choose from tiny vermicelli to thick egg noodles. There are noodle alternatives such as rice noodles and other gluten free options as well.
Herbs and Spices
Generally we tend to keep Chicken Noodle Soup fairly mild especially when we are sick. Adding in some black pepper and parsley are good choices. You could however add in some red pepper flakes, some bay leaves or even cilantro to enhance your soup’s flavor.
A simple soup that is comforting and soothing when you have a cold or flu. This is a great soup even if you aren't sick!
- 1 whole chicken, skin removed (or 2-3 pieces)
- 8 cups water or broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 med. onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp powder)
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 tbsp chicken bouillon granules (Do not add if you used broth)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp dried parsley 1/4 cup chopped if fresh
- 1/2 cup green peas, frozen
- 1 cup noodles uncooked
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Place chicken in large dutch oven or pot. Cover with water or broth. Bring to a boil then simmer until chicken is done (approximately 30-45 minutes). If using chicken pieces, the chicken will cook more quickly.
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Remove chicken and when cool enough to handle, coarsely chop chicken into small pieces. Use about 1/2 of the whole chicken and save other half for a second meal.
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Saute onions, garlic and celery in olive oil. Add these vegetables and carrots to the broth. Add the seasonings to the broth as well. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
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Add in your chicken pieces, green peas and the noodles. Allow to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the vegetables and noodles are tender.
Chicken Noodle Soup is a favorite for Adults and Kids alike. When you need a warm and comforting meal this soup can provide it. When you aren’t feeling well this soup can soothe your symptoms. The next time you are under the weather it is easy to throw a pot together. You could also make it in advance and freeze it for a quick option.