Quick & Easy Chicken Noodle Soup: Comfort in a Bowl Feeling under the weather? Or maybe you just need a warm, comforting meal on a chilly day? This quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe is exactly what you need! It’s simple to make, uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and tastes absolutely delicious. Forget spending hours simmering a stock – this recipe delivers fantastic flavor in a fraction of the time. Let’s get cooking! ### Why This Recipe Works This isn’t your grandma’s all-day simmering soup, but it’s still packed with flavor. Here’s why it works so well: Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves tons of time and adds a depth of flavor you just can’t beat. Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients needed! Just your basic chicken soup staples: chicken, noodles, carrots, celery, and broth. Quick Cooking Time: From start to finish, this soup is ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re feeling under the weather. Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your own tastes. Add more vegetables, use different noodles, or spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. ### Ingredients You’ll Need Before you start, gather these ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 8 cups chicken broth 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded 8 ounces egg noodles 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish) ### Step-by-Step Instructions Follow these simple steps to create a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup: 1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. 2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. 3. Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until tender. 4. Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through. 5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill. ### Tips and Variations Want to customize your soup? Here are some ideas: Add More Vegetables: Toss in some chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients. Use Different Noodles: Try using ditalini, orzo, or even gluten-free noodles. Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer soup. Homemade Chicken: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can poach 1-2 chicken breasts in the broth until cooked through, then shred. ### Storage Instructions Leftover chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The noodles may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating. This quick and easy chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. So next time you’re feeling under the weather or just need a warm and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
