Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a hearty and comforting meal, nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. This classic dish is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to make. And if you’re looking to switch things up, you can try adding a creamy twist to the recipe.

To achieve a creamy texture for your chicken noodle soup, you can blend together butter, flour, and milk to make a roux. This simple technique is the key to creating a rich and velvety soup that’s perfect for chilly nights or when you need a quick and easy meal. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to learn how to make this creamy chicken noodle soup in just a few simple steps.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Making creamy chicken noodle soup is a comfort food that is perfect for a cold night or whenever you’re feeling under the weather. It’s a straightforward recipe that requires only a few basic ingredients and tools.

In this section, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make creamy chicken noodle soup at home. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll have a warm and satisfying bowl of soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Before starting your cooking, it’s essential to have everything you need for the recipe. The ingredients required for creamy chicken noodle soup are:

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 10 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 3 cups uncooked egg noodles
– 2 cups chopped celery
– 2 cups chopped carrots
– 1 cup chopped onion
– 3 cloves minced garlic
– 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste

2. Cook the Chicken

The first step is to cook the chicken, which can be done in two ways: boiling or baking. Both methods work, but we’ll be boiling the chicken in this recipe.

– Place the chicken breasts in a large pot and pour in enough water to cover them entirely. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
– Cook the chicken for approximately 15-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165°F.
– Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board to cool.

3. Cook the Vegetables

The next step is to cook the vegetables. Cooking the celery, carrot, and onion first adds more flavor to the soup.

– In the same pot you used to boil the chicken, add the chopped vegetables to the drippings and cook over medium heat until the vegetables are slightly cooked. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
– Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
– Remove the vegetables from the pot and place them aside.

4. Make the Roux

A roux is a mixture of fat and flour that’s used as a thickening agent in soups and stews. In this recipe, we’ll make a roux using the drippings from the vegetables.

– In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
– Add flour and whisk until combined and smooth. Whisk the mixture regularly for about 3 minutes until it begins to brown slightly.

5. Add Chicken Broth

Once the roux is made, it’s time to add the chicken broth. Adding broth to the roux helps to create a thick and creamy base for the soup.

– Gradually pour the chicken broth into the roux, whisking continuously.
– Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about five minutes, or until it thickens.

6. Add the Vegetables

Now, it’s time to add the cooked vegetables back into the pot.

– Add the vegetables to the pot, stir to combine.

7. Shred the Chicken

While the other ingredients are cooking, shred the cooled chicken breasts into bite-size pieces.

8. Add Chicken and Noodles

The next step is to add the shredded chicken and uncooked noodles to the soup.

– Add the chicken and noodles to the pot, stir to mix with the broth and vegetables.
– Bring the soup back to a boil and then reduce the heat, let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked and tender.

9. Add Heavy Cream

Now, it’s time to add the heavy cream and give the soup a creamy and velvety texture.

– Gradually pour the heavy cream into the pot, then stir and mix well.
– Cook and continue to stir the soup until it starts to simmer.
– Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the soup is cooked, ladle it into bowls and serve hot with your favorite crusty bread. It’s best to serve it immediately, but you can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Conclusion

Knowing how to make a delicious, warm bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup is handy, especially during the cold winter days. This recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few basic ingredients, making it an excellent choice for amateur cooks and seasoned chefs alike. So, follow the above steps and enjoy a warm and nourishing bowl of soup.

Ingredients

The first step in making a creamy chicken noodle soup is gathering all the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients you will need:

Chicken

One of the most important ingredients for chicken noodle soup is, of course, chicken. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, whichever you prefer. Make sure to remove the skin before cooking the chicken. You can either boil the chicken or cook it in a slow cooker until it is tender and falls apart easily.

Vegetables

Along with chicken, vegetables are a must for chicken noodle soup. The classic vegetables used in this recipe are onion, celery, and carrots. Chop them into small pieces and cook them in a pot with butter until they are soft and fragrant.

Broth

The base of this soup is chicken broth. You can use store-bought or homemade broth, whichever you prefer. If you are making the broth from scratch, you can use the chicken bones to create a flavorful broth.

Cream

The cream gives the soup its creamy and rich texture. You can use heavy cream or half-and-half. Make sure to add the cream slowly while stirring to prevent it from curdling.

Noodles

The last important ingredient is the noodles. You can use any type of noodle, but egg noodles or fusilli noodles work best. Cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving.

Herbs and Spices

To add extra flavor and aroma to your soup, you can add herbs and spices. Some of the most commonly used choices are thyme, bay leaves, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Salt

Salt is essential to bring out the flavors in the soup. Make sure not to add too much at once, as you can always adjust the seasoning at the end.

Butter

Butter is used to cook the vegetables and also adds a rich and smooth texture to the soup.

Flour

Flour is used to thicken the soup and give it a creamy consistency. You can use all-purpose flour or cornstarch.

Parsley

Parsley is a great herb to add to the soup just before serving. It adds a fresh flavor and brightens up the overall dish. Make sure to finely chop the parsley leaves before adding them to the soup.

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Making creamy chicken noodle soup requires specific ingredients to give it that delicious taste and creamy texture that we all love. Here are the ingredients you will need:

Chicken Breast as Protein
The chicken breast is the primary source of protein in this recipe. Chicken breast is known to be low in fat and high in protein. It is also a great addition to your diet if you are looking to lose weight, build muscle or maintain a balanced diet. To prepare the chicken, remove any visible fat and cut it into small pieces.

Garlic and Onion As Flavorings:
Garlic and onions are among the main flavorings that give the soup its unique taste and aroma. Garlic is known for its numerous health benefits, including its ability to boost immunity, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and even improve memory. Onions are also rich in nutrients and are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folic acid.

The Roux: What is it and What is it Used For?
A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that is used to thicken sauces and soups. In this recipe, we will use a roux to make the soup creamy. To make a roux, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk the flour and oil together until the mixture thickens and becomes golden brown.

Heavy Cream to Make the Soup Creamy:
Heavy cream is the secret ingredient that gives this soup its creamy texture. Heavy cream is high in fat content, making it a great addition to the soup for those who are looking to add healthy fats to their diet. Add one cup of heavy cream to the pot of soup and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly, until the soup is thick and creamy.

Vegetables as Nutritious Add-Ons:
Carrots and celery are among the many nutritious vegetables that are great additions to this recipe. Carrots are loaded with vitamin A, which is essential for healthy eyesight, while celery is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, and folate. Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot of soup and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

By following these simple steps, you should have a delicious and creamy chicken noodle soup that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

Soup’s On!

Thanks for reading and happy cooking! There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup, especially on a chilly day. I hope this recipe has provided you with some inspiration for your next soup creation and that you’ll come back to visit for more tasty ideas. In the meantime, grab a spoon and enjoy each comforting bite. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and making it your own, so don’t be afraid to mix it up a little. Until next time, happy cooking!