Weeknight Chicken Noodle Soup
A quick weeknight Chicken Noodle Soup recipe loaded with flavor
A quick weeknight Chicken Noodle Soup recipe loaded with flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 large carrots cut into half moons
- 3-4 stalks celery cut into large dice
- 1 large white or yellow onion diced
- 64 oz chicken stock
- 8 oz your favorite noodle (i always go for the curly o
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill
- Carbohydrate 11.4315824327803 g
- Cholesterol 39.689332369 mg
- Fat 5.22369950119316 g
- Fiber 0.6495890530642 g
- Protein 19.2902256673386 g
- Saturated Fat 1.16448023874302 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -10 bowl (338g)
- Sodium 456.917353753841 mg
- Sugar 10.7819933797161 g
- Trans Fat 0.446818983813097 g
- Calories 174 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375F degrees.
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, sweet paprika, oregano, salt and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove from oven and shred with two forks.
- While the chicken is cooking, heat remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stock pot. Add carrots, celery and onion and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes until veggies are soft and onion is translucent. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more.
- Add chicken stock and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Add noodles and cook 8 minutes. Add reserved, shredded chicken and cook 5 minutes more until noodles are fully cooked and chicken is heated through. Add lemon juice, fresh dill and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm with lots of crusty bread or saltine crackers to soak up the liquid!
My Go-To Weeknight Comfort Food: Chicken Noodle Soup
As a busy working mom, time is a luxury I don't often have. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present need to get dinner on the table without resorting to takeout. That's why I've become a master of quick, easy, and delicious recipes, and my go-to comfort food is hands down, chicken noodle soup. It's nourishing, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make even on the busiest of evenings.
This recipe isn't your grandma's chicken noodle soup (though I'm sure hers was delicious!). It’s a streamlined version that cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. The key is roasting the chicken first. Roasting adds a depth of flavor that you just can't get from boiling chicken. Plus, it's practically foolproof; just toss the chicken with some olive oil and spices, pop it in the oven, and forget about it for 30 minutes. While the chicken roasts, you can chop the vegetables – another task that can be done quickly and efficiently.
Once the chicken is cooked, shredding it is a breeze. I usually just use two forks, making this a completely hands-free task. Then, it's just a matter of sautéing the vegetables, adding the broth, noodles, and the shredded chicken. Within minutes, you'll have a steaming bowl of delicious, comforting soup ready to serve. I always add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end – it brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of zing. Fresh dill is another must-have ingredient; it adds a vibrant, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the broth.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Add some spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients, or throw in some mushrooms for an earthy flavor. You can also customize the noodles; I usually opt for curly egg noodles, but any kind will do. Even the spices can be adjusted to suit your preferences. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the amount of garlic powder.
Serving this soup is a simple affair. A warm crusty bread is the perfect complement to soak up the delicious broth. For a lighter option, I sometimes serve it with saltine crackers. This soup is a weeknight staple in our home; it's always a hit with everyone in the family, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. It's the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, both literally and figuratively. It’s a simple gesture, a comforting ritual, and a perfect way to end a busy day.
I often think about how much this recipe has evolved. It started as a simple attempt to recreate my mother's chicken noodle soup recipe, but over the years, I've tweaked it to fit my busy lifestyle and family's preferences. Every adjustment, every addition, tells a story – a story of family dinners, busy weeknights, and the simple joys of a comforting home-cooked meal. It's more than just a recipe; it's a tradition.
So next time you find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to make for dinner, remember this simple, yet incredibly satisfying chicken noodle soup. It's a recipe that will quickly become a go-to in your own kitchen. Its quick preparation and versatile nature make it perfect for a busy weeknight, leaving you more time to spend with loved ones. Enjoy!
