Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken. You can either poach the chicken or cook it in the pot before starting the soup:
To poach: Place the chicken breasts in a medium pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, and then shred it with two forks.
To cook in the pot: If you prefer, you can cook the chicken directly in the soup. Simply add the chicken breasts to the pot after sautéing the vegetables, and cook them in the broth for about 20 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the soup, shred it, and return it to the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
This step enhances the flavor of the soup by releasing the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Once the vegetables are softened, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed mixture. Stir to coat the vegetables in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes. The flour helps thicken the soup and gives it a creamy consistency once the liquids are added.
Step 4: Pour in the Chicken Broth
Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. As the soup heats up, the flour will begin to thicken the broth, creating a rich base for your soup.
Step 5: Add the Herbs and Seasoning
Add 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Add the Egg Noodles
Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have developed, add the egg noodles (or your preferred pasta). Cook the noodles in the soup, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not overcooked. If the soup becomes too thick as the noodles cook, you can add a little extra chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Step 7: Stir in the Cream
Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. This will give the soup its signature creamy texture. Stir until the cream is fully incorporated, and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed.
Step 8: Shred the Chicken and Add It to the Soup
If you cooked the chicken separately, now is the time to add it back to the soup. Shred the cooked chicken with two forks and stir it into the soup. If you cooked the chicken directly in the pot, simply shred it and return it to the pot.
Let everything heat through for a few more minutes. Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the creamy chicken noodle soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, ideally with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade chicken broth for even richer flavor. However, store-bought low-sodium broth works just as well and is more convenient.
- Chicken Options: You can substitute the chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for an even easier option. Just shred it and add it to the soup in the final steps.
- Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a richer, more indulgent soup, feel free to add extra cream.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and texture. Just add them when the noodles are almost done cooking.
- Thicken or Thin the Soup: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water. If it's too thin, simmer it for longer to let it reduce and thicken up.
Conclusion:
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect dish for warming you up and satisfying your cravings. With its rich, creamy texture, tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth, it’s a comforting meal that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, serving it to guests, or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this soup is sure to be a hit.
In just under an hour, you can have a delicious, creamy chicken noodle soup ready to enjoy, and with a few simple tips and adjustments, you can make it your own. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor a bowl of creamy comfort today!
