Looking for a soul-warming recipe that brings comfort with every spoonful? Mama Jean’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup 🍲❤️ is a timeless classic that satisfies your craving for hearty, flavorful food made with simple ingredients. Whether it’s a chilly day, a battle against a cold, or simply a need for wholesome comfort, this homemade chicken noodle soup is sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Mama Jean’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
– Easy and Quick: Simple steps using wholesome ingredients.
– Comforting and Nourishing: Loaded with veggies, chicken, and noodles for a cozy, filling meal.
– Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by using gluten-free noodles, adding spinach, or swapping veggies to suit your taste.
– Family Favorite: A delicious, comforting meal that will become a go-to recipe for your loved ones.
Ingredients
– For the Soup Base:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken or leftovers)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– 1 bay leaf (optional)
– For the Noodles:
– 2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
– Optional Additions:
– Juice of 1/2 a lemon (for brightness)
– Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Mama Jean’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
– Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables:
– Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
– Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
– Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
– Step 2: Build the Soup:
– Pour in chicken broth and add thyme, parsley, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Stir well.
– Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until veggies are tender.
– Step 3: Add the Chicken and Noodles:
– Stir in shredded chicken and egg noodles.
– Simmer for an additional 8–10 minutes until noodles are tender. Stir occasionally.
– Step 4: Taste and Finish:
– Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning as needed.
– For an extra zing, add lemon juice and garnish with parsley.
Storage Options
For proper storage, follow these tips:
– Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– Freeze the soup (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
– When reheating, warm on the stovetop over medium heat and add extra broth if the soup thickens.
Variations and Substitutions
– Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles for a wheat-free version.
– Vegetarian Twist: Substitute shredded chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative.
– Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
– Spice it Up: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
What to Serve With Mama Jean’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
– Crusty Bread: Dip into the soup for a perfect combination.
– Crackers: Add a crunchy texture to your meal.
– Side Salad: Fresh greens or a fruit salad make a great side.
– Fruit Platter: Berries, melon, and grapes enhance the meal with a touch of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe ? : Yes, using rotisserie chicken or leftovers works perfectly.
– Can I freeze the soup ? : Absolutely, just omit the noodles before freezing.
– Can I add more herbs for extra flavor ? : Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil.
– How long does the soup stay fresh in the fridge ? : Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
After preparing Mama Jean’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, expect a hearty, flavorful dish that warms your entire being with each spoonful. The aroma of simmering veggies, tender chicken, and delicately cooked noodles will fill your kitchen, inviting you to cozy up with a bowl of love and comfort. This recipe promises a culinary embrace that soothes, nourishes, and leaves you craving more.
Mama Jean’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 large carrots, sliced peeled
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie chicken or leftovers
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1 bay leaf optional
Noodles
- 2 cups egg noodles or any pasta of your choice
Optional Additions
- juice of 1/2 a lemon for brightness
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Soup:
- Pour in chicken broth and add thyme, parsley, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Add the Chicken and Noodles:
- Stir in shredded chicken and egg noodles.
- Simmer for an additional 8–10 minutes until noodles are tender. Stir occasionally.
- Taste and Finish:
- Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning as needed.
- For an extra zing, add lemon juice and garnish with parsley.