Additionally, tips for selecting the finest store-bought broth to enhance flavor.

bowl of chicken noodle soup — LauriPatterson

With cold winter days upon us, nothing beats coming home to a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s the ultimate cure for cold weather blues—or, let’s face it, just a bad day. While traditional chicken noodle soup can take hours to simmer, this 30-minute shortcut recipe delivers all the flavor in a fraction of the time. The secret? Store-bought chicken broth and pre-cooked chicken make the base, while fresh vegetables and herbs add a touch of homemade goodness. And better yet, this one-pot wonder is easy to store, making it ideal throughout the week. Here’s how to make it with minimal effort.

Reasons this chicken noodle soup recipe is effective

Traditional chicken noodle soup often involves simmering a whole chicken for hours to extract flavor. While delicious, that’s not always practical. This recipe simplifies the process by using high-quality store-bought broth as a flavorful base. By adding fresh ingredients like herbs, carrots, celery and onions, you get that authentic taste without the extra time commitment.

Additionally, utilizing leftover or pre-cooked chicken can significantly speed up this recipe. Whether you have rotisserie chicken available or some leftover shredded chicken from a prior dish, it reduces preparation time while ensuring each spoonful is filled with tender, juicy pieces.

Broth Basics: Selecting the Perfect Foundation

When discussing chicken noodle soup, the broth plays a crucial role in defining the dish. But what distinguishes broth from stock? Stock is created by simmering bones and connective tissues for an extended period, producing a thick, gelatinous liquid packed with rich flavors. Conversely, broth is usually prepared by simmering meat—often accompanied by vegetables and spices—for a shorter duration, yielding a lighter and more adaptable liquid. For a quick 30-minute soup, opting for a high-quality chicken broth is perfect, as it comes pre-seasoned and is immediately ready for use.

When choosing a store-bought broth, opt for one marked as “low sodium” to manage the salt content in your soup. Review the ingredient list for natural flavors and steer clear of brands that include artificial additives or high sugar levels. A broth with a rich golden color and hints of roasted chicken or vegetables will provide your soup with that depth of flavor that suggests hours of simmering. For a creative twist, consider boosting the taste by incorporating a crushed garlic clove, a bay leaf, or a dash of lemon juice.

Here are some helpful tips for making the perfect chicken noodle soup: 1. Choose the Right Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for richer flavor. A whole chicken or thighs are great options. 2. Start with a Flavorful Broth: Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery before adding water or stock. This builds a solid flavor base. 3. Season Generously: Add herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance the taste. 4. Simmer Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer gently to extract maximum flavor from the chicken and vegetables. 5. Cook Noodles Separately: To prevent them from becoming mushy, cook noodles separately and add them just before serving. 6. Add Fresh Ingredients Last: Include fresh herbs and greens like spinach or kale at the end to retain their color and nutrients. 7. Adjust for Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce. 8. Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. 9. Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together. 10. Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store the soup and noodles separately to maintain texture. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and comforting chicken noodle soup that everyone will love!

pot of chicken noodle soup with fresh vegetables and ingredients — Rudisill

Perfecting a speedy chicken noodle soup hinges on mastering the right techniques. Here are some helpful suggestions to guarantee your soup is delicious and fulfilling:

Use fresh vegetables
Fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, and garlic contribute both sweetness and texture to the soup. Begin by sautéing them to unlock their inherent flavors.
Cook noodles separately
When storing leftovers, it's best to cook the noodles separately and place them in individual bowls before serving. This way, the noodles won't absorb all the broth and turn mushy.
Season generously

Remember to include salt, pepper, and fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. They enhance the soup's flavor and unify all the ingredients. If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried ones can be a suitable alternative.

Quick Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Components: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 6 cups chicken broth - 2 cups egg noodles - 1 cup carrots, sliced - 1 cup celery, chopped - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Instructions: 1. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. 2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. 3. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-10 minutes. 4. Stir in the shredded chicken and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. 5. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through. 6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your quick and comforting chicken noodle soup!

two bowls of shortcut chicken noodle soup with bread — bhofack2

This easy recipe from Fifteen Spatulas makes up to eight servings and uses classic egg noodles (because short pasta doesn’t cut it in this soup). If you don’t like thyme, fresh rosemary works too.

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Components:

1 Tbs. olive oil
1½ cups chopped celery
1½ cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped yellow onion
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
10 cups chicken broth (I like Imagine Organic and Swanson brands)
10 sprigs fresh thyme
3 cups finely chopped chicken breast or thighs seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper
8 oz. egg noodles, cooked

Instructions:

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Heat a soup pot over medium heat, then add the olive oil, celery, carrots, onion, salt and black pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, until softened.
Add the chicken broth and thyme, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer over low heat.
Simmer for 10 minutes, then add the chopped chicken and simmer for three minutes, until the meat is cooked through.
Taste the broth and make any necessary seasoning adjustments. Depending on the salt content of the broth you use, it may need additional salt.
Ladle the soup in bowls over a handful of noodles added to each one. Garnish with fresh parsely.

Tips for Preparing and Storing Food in Advance

I don't need to explain to fellow meal prep enthusiasts how effectively chicken noodle soup can be stored. After it cools down, simply pour the soup into airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to store it for a longer period, freeze it in separate portions, making sure to omit the noodles to avoid them getting mushy.

When warming up, incorporate fresh noodles into each serving and allow them to simmer in the hot broth for a few minutes before enjoying.

Combining egg and lemon creates a silky smooth consistency in this traditional Greek chicken soup.

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