Nourishing and Comforting: Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes

When feeling unwell or simply craving comfort, a bowl of chicken noodle soup can be incredibly soothing. Here are some healthy chicken noodle soup recipes, packed with nutritious ingredients and comforting flavors, perfect for any occasion.

The Healing Power of Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is more than just a tasty meal; it's a time-honored remedy for colds and flu. Its benefits come from a combination of factors:

• Hydration: The broth helps keep you hydrated, which is crucial when you're sick.
• Nutrients: Vegetables like carrots and celery provide vitamins and minerals that support the immune system.
• Comfort: The warm broth and familiar flavors can ease congestion and soothe a sore throat.

Key Ingredients for a Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup

Many variations of chicken noodle soup exist, but some key ingredients contribute significantly to its health benefits and comforting qualities.

• Chicken: Provides protein, essential for immune function and tissue repair. Using rotisserie chicken is a great timesaving ingredient.
• Bone Broth: Rich in collagen and minerals, bone broth is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and support gut health.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are classic additions, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties.
• Turmeric: Has fantastic inflammation-fighting properties.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley add flavor and potential health benefits.
• Noodles: Provide carbohydrates for energy. Old fashioned egg noodles are great for chicken soup.

Recipe 1: Quick and Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

This recipe focuses on speed and simplicity without compromising on flavor or nutrition.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Butter
• Onion, chopped
• Shallots, minced
• Garlic, minced
• Celery, sliced
• Carrots, sliced
• Fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sherry
• Chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• Bay leaf
• Parmesan rind (optional, for added flavor)
• Cooked chicken (shredded rotisserie chicken works great)
• Egg noodles
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Melt olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook another 3-5 minutes. Add the shallots, garlic, celery, carrots, thyme, sage, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Cook another 5 minutes.
2. Pour in the sherry and broth, and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the chicken, bay leaf, and if you have one - a parmesan rind. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. At this point, the soup can also simmer on low for up to 4-6 hours.
3. Shred the chicken, remove the parmesan rind and bay leaf. Taste, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup back to a boil, then add the noodles and cook 6-8 minutes, until soft. Stir in the parmesan and parsley.
4. Serve the soup topped with additional parmesan, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• For a richer flavor: Use homemade chicken stock.
• Add lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and add beans or lentils for protein.

Recipe 2: 30-Minute Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nourishing meal in a hurry.

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Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Onion, chopped
• Carrots, chopped
• Celery, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Bay leaves
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Pasta (fusilli, rotini, or egg noodles)
• Fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook onion, carrots, celery and garlic for 5-6 minutes or until onion is translucent and fragrant. Add the thyme and cook for an additional minute.
2. Next, add the chicken broth and bay leaves. Turn the stove up to high and bring broth to a boil.
3. Add chicken breasts, turn the stove down to medium low and simmer the chicken for 15 minutes.
4. Next, add the pasta to the pot and simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender and chicken has cooked through and is no longer pink inside.
5. Remove chicken breasts to a bowl and shred using two forks. Add shredded chicken back to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Tips and Variations:

• Use pre-shredded chicken: To save even more time, use pre-shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
• Add more vegetables: Include other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free noodles.

Recipe 3: Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

This recipe is ideal for those who prefer a hands-off approach, allowing the flavors to meld together over several hours.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Butter
• Onions, chopped
• Shallots, minced
• Garlic, minced
• Celery, sliced
• Carrots, sliced
• Fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sherry
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaf
• Parmesan rind (optional)
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Egg noodles
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. In the bowl of your crockpot, combine the olive oil, butter, onions, shallots, garlic, celery, carrots, thyme, sage, and rosemary.
2. Pour in the sherry and broth. Stir in the chicken, bay leaf, and if you have one - a parmesan rind. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cover and cook 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low.
4. Crank the heat to high. Shred the chicken, remove the parmesan rind and bay leaf. Taste, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the noodles and cook 10-15 minutes, until soft. Stir in the parmesan and parsley.
6. Serve the soup topped with additional parmesan, if desired.

Recipe 4: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

This recipe uses the pressure cooker to create a flavorful soup in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Butter
• Onions, chopped
• Shallots, minced
• Garlic, minced
• Celery, sliced
• Carrots, sliced
• Fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sherry
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaf
• Parmesan rind (optional)
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Egg noodles
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. In the bowl of your instant pot, combine the olive oil, butter, onions, shallots, garlic, celery, carrots, thyme, sage, and rosemary.
2. Pour in the sherry and broth. Stir in the chicken, bay leaf, and if you have one - a parmesan rind. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cover and cook 8-10 minutes on high pressure, release the steam.
4. Shred the chicken, remove the parmesan rind and bay leaf. Taste, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Switch to sauté. Add the noodles and cook 10 minutes, until soft. Stir in the parmesan and parsley.
6. Serve the soup topped with additional parmesan, if desired.

Making Bone Broth at Home

Bone broth is a nutritional powerhouse that can elevate your chicken noodle soup. It's easy to make at home using leftover chicken bones.

Instructions:

1. After roasting a chicken, save the carcass and any leftover bones.
2. Place the bones in a slow cooker or large pot.
3. Add chopped carrots, onion, and celery for flavor.
4. Cover the bones and vegetables with water.
5. Add a splash of vinegar (this helps extract minerals from the bones).
6. Slow cook on low for 12-24 hours.
7. Strain the broth to remove the bones and vegetables.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Storage:

• Bone broth can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

• Don't overcook the noodles: Add the noodles towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Season generously: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a bright, vibrant flavor.
• Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your perfect chicken noodle soup.
• Add acidity: If you feel the soup is slightly bland, stir in a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chicken noodle soup with a side of crusty bread, crackers, or homemade rolls.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
• For a complete meal, serve with a side salad.

Freezing and Storing Chicken Noodle Soup

• To Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken noodle soup in airtight containers and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To Freeze: You should leave out the noodles because defrosting them will cause them to get mushy and overly soft. Instead, make the soup without the noodles, and add them once you’ve defrosted the soup and heated it to a simmer. Allow the soup to cool completely and store it in a freezer safe container for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or over medium heat on the stove.

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