Quickest Chicken Noodle Soup
This is possibly the easiest soup ever. Every kid over the age of eight at my house can make this without help. If you don't happen to care for cabbage and carrots, or don't have time to chop them, try frozen corn or peas. If you happen to have a cup or two of already-cooked chicken in the freezer, or maybe a leftover piece or two of deli chicken, you can prepare this in 10 minutes.
This is possibly the easiest soup ever. Every kid over the age of eight at my house can make this without help. If you don't happen to care for cabbage and carrots, or don't have time to chop them, try frozen corn or peas. If you happen to have a cup or two of already-cooked chicken in the freezer, or maybe a leftover piece or two of deli chicken, you can prepare this in 10 minutes.
- 8 cups water
- 2 pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced or crushed
- 2 tablespoons oil (i like to use sesame oil)
- 1 none carrot shredded
- 1 cup thinly slivered cabbage (like for coleslaw)
- 1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 4 packages chicken- or oriental-flavor ramen noodles
- soy none sauce to taste
- Carbohydrate 0.551 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.00833333333333333 g
- Fiber 0.0349999984105428 g
- Protein 0.106 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00148333333333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (318g)
- Sodium 12.9233333440186 mg
- Sugar 0.516000001589457 g
- Trans Fat 0.00251666666666667 g
- Calories 2 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring water to a boil in a soup pot.
- While water comes to a boil, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Sauté chicken until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Once water comes to a boil, add sautéed chicken, carrot, cabbage, garlic, and ginger to pot. Cook 2 minutes, then add ramen noodles along with only 2 of the flavor packets that come with the noodles.
- Cook 3 minutes and not a second longer – ramen is best when not cooked to death.
- Taste, then add a slosh of soy sauce if you like.
Quickest Chicken Noodle Soup: A Busy Mom's Best Friend
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and preferably something the kids will actually eat without a fight. That's why this Quickest Chicken Noodle Soup recipe has become a staple in our house. It’s so simple, even my eight-year-old can whip it up (with a little supervision, of course!). The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Don't have cabbage and carrots? No problem! Frozen corn or peas work just as well. Leftover chicken? Even better! This soup can be on the table in under 15 minutes, leaving me with more time to focus on the other million things on my to-do list.
The secret ingredient? Ramen noodles. Yes, you read that right! I know, I know, ramen might not scream "gourmet," but it's unbelievably convenient and, let's be honest, kids love it. The key is to not overcook the noodles—that's the trick to perfectly tender, flavorful ramen. And don't feel obligated to use all the seasoning packets; I usually find that half the packets are enough for the flavor I want. The leftover packets? I save them for making broth in other recipes—nothing goes to waste in my kitchen!
This recipe isn't just about speed and convenience; it's also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Broccoli florets, spinach, or even some diced bell peppers would add a nice boost of color and nutrients. You can also swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a quick protein change. This soup is a blank canvas, perfect for adapting to whatever ingredients you have on hand. The best part? My kids actually ask for seconds. It's a win-win—a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. My kids, for example, have a love affair with chicken flavored ramen; the other day, my daughter told me I made the "best" soup ever and wanted me to make it again. This recipe is about making things simple and easy, while being resourceful. So go ahead and use that leftover rotisserie chicken from dinner, or throw in a mix of vegetables to give it your own unique twist.
Beyond the speed and simplicity, what makes this recipe special to me is the connection it represents. It's a dish that brings my family together, a warm and comforting meal shared after a long day. It doesn't require fancy techniques or rare ingredients; its charm lies in its unpretentiousness and its ability to nourish both body and soul. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most cherished moments are the simplest ones, shared around a bowl of delicious, easy-to-make soup.
The beauty of cooking, especially when you're busy, is in finding ways to adapt recipes to your lifestyle and preferences. This soup has become more than just a meal; it's a testament to the joys of simple cooking and the power of resourceful improvisation in the kitchen. And in the end, as my daughter would say, it's simply the "best soup ever", especially for a mom on the go.
