Why You’ll Love This
This Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Herbs is warm, comforting, and packed with wholesome flavor. Tender pieces of chicken, soft noodles, and a fragrant broth infused with fresh herbs make this classic soup both nourishing and satisfying. It’s perfect for chilly days, when you’re feeling under the weather, or anytime you want a cozy homemade meal that’s simple yet incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● 1 medium onion, diced
● 2 carrots, sliced
● 2 celery stalks, sliced
● 3 cloves garlic, minced
● 8 cups chicken broth
● 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
● 2 cups egg noodles
● 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
● ½ teaspoon black pepper
● 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
● 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
● 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
● 1 bay leaf
● Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
Preparation Instructions
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Sauté the vegetables. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until the vegetables soften.
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Add garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add broth and herbs. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
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Cook the noodles. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 6–8 minutes.
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Add the chicken. Stir in the shredded chicken and allow it to heat through for about 3–4 minutes.
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Season the soup. Add salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
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Finish with fresh herbs. Remove the bay leaf and stir in fresh parsley and dill.
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Optional brightness. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
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Serve hot. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large soup pot or Dutch oven
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Wooden spoon
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Ladle
Tips
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Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds extra flavor.
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Make it heartier: Add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach.
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Cook noodles separately: If you plan to store leftovers, cook noodles separately to prevent them from becoming too soft.
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Homemade broth: If available, homemade chicken broth makes the soup even more flavorful.
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Herb variations: Try rosemary, chives, or tarragon for a different herbal flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken noodle soup pairs wonderfully with:
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Warm crusty bread
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Garlic toast
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Grilled cheese sandwich
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Fresh green salad
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Buttery crackers
These sides help make the meal even more comforting and satisfying.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze the soup (preferably without noodles) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. If the soup thickens, add a little extra broth or water.
FAQs
1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes. Add raw chicken breasts or thighs to the broth and simmer for about 20 minutes until cooked. Remove, shred, and return to the soup.
2. What noodles work best for chicken noodle soup?
Egg noodles are traditional, but you can also use rotini, spaghetti broken into pieces, or small pasta like ditalini.
3. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Conclusion
Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Herbs is a timeless comfort dish that’s both nourishing and flavorful. With tender chicken, soft noodles, and aromatic herbs, this homemade soup is perfect for family dinners, cold days, or whenever you need a bowl of warmth and comfort.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 250
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Protein: 20 g
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Carbohydrates: 22 g
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Fat: 9 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sodium: 520 mg
(Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
