There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of homemade creamy chicken noodle soup. This timeless classic brings warmth to the soul and is perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Our recipe combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a rich, creamy broth to create a soup that is both satisfying and nutritious. Follow our detailed guide to create a delightful homemade creamy chicken noodle soup that will impress family and friends.

Ingredients

To make the best homemade creamy chicken noodle soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), or 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Vegetables: 2 large carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 large onion, and 3 cloves of garlic
• Noodles: 8 ounces of egg noodles or your preferred type of noodles
• Broth: 8 cups of chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half
• Herbs and Spices: 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste
• Flour and Butter: 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken: Place the whole chicken or chicken breasts/thighs in a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked (about 45 minutes for a whole chicken, 20-25 minutes for breasts/thighs).
2. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones and skin if using a whole chicken. Set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

1. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the carrots, celery, and onion into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Making the Soup Base

1. Add the Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
2. Incorporate the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the pot. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   
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Step 4: Adding the Noodles and Cream

1. Cook the Noodles: In a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a bit of the soup broth to create a slurry. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup to thicken it.
3. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serving the Soup

1. Combine Noodles and Soup: Add the cooked noodles to the pot of soup, stirring gently to combine.
2. Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Homemade Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

• Homemade Broth: Using homemade chicken broth can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. Simmer the chicken carcass with vegetables and herbs for several hours to create a rich, flavorful broth.
• Creaminess Level: For a richer soup, use heavy cream. For a lighter version, opt for half-and-half or even whole milk.
• Noodle Choice: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can experiment with other types of pasta such as ditalini, rotini, or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or mushrooms to diversify the texture and flavor.
• Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to freeze it, consider keeping the noodles separate and adding them when reheating to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Nutritional Information

While this delicious homemade creamy chicken noodle soup is indulgent, it can also be quite nutritious. Here’s a general breakdown of its nutritional profile per serving (based on a standard recipe serving size):

• Calories: Approximately 350-400
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Fiber: 2-3 grams

Adjusting the recipe by using lighter cream or more vegetables can tailor it to fit various dietary needs.

Conclusion

Our homemade creamy chicken noodle soup recipe offers a perfect blend of comfort and flavor. By following these steps and incorporating our tips, you can create a hearty, delicious soup that stands out. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a cold evening or bringing it to a potluck, this soup is sure to be a hit.

For those who love experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe provides a solid foundation with plenty of room for customization. Embrace the joy of cooking and the warmth of a bowl of homemade soup.