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Directions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Cook the chicken: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onions become translucent.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the thyme, rosemary (if using), and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Add the noodles: Stir in the egg noodles (or pasta of your choice) and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Step 4: Make the Soup Creamy
- Prepare the creamy base: While the soup is simmering, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk it constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (this will thicken the soup). Be careful not to let the flour brown.
- Add the milk and cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream (and whole milk, if using), whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Combine the creamy base with the soup: Slowly stir the creamy mixture into the simmering soup. Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly and become rich and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
- Add the shredded chicken: Stir the cooked, shredded chicken into the soup. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld all the flavors together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the soup: Ladle the creamy chicken noodle soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. For added flavor, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Use rotisserie chicken: For a shortcut, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding. Simply add the shredded chicken to the soup after the noodles are cooked.
- Customize the veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as corn, peas, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the creaminess: For a lighter soup, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. You can also control the thickness by adjusting the amount of flour in the roux.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
- Leftovers: This soup thickens as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra chicken broth or milk when reheating to reach the desired consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup:
1. Comforting and Hearty
This soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the tender texture of chicken, hearty vegetables, and the rich creaminess of the broth. It’s the kind of dish that can warm you up from the inside out.
2. Customizable
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can switch up the pasta, add your favorite veggies, or even make it with different proteins like turkey or rotisserie chicken. You can also adjust the level of creaminess to suit your taste.
3. One-Pot Wonder
This creamy chicken noodle soup is made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Everything comes together easily, and the leftovers (if any) taste even better the next day.
4. Perfect for All Occasions
Whether you’re feeling under the weather, looking for a comforting dinner, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this soup fits the bill. It’s also a great dish to make ahead and serve to guests for a cozy gathering.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup takes the classic comfort food we all know and love and adds a rich, velvety twist that makes it even more indulgent and satisfying. With tender chicken, soft noodles, and a creamy broth that envelops each spoonful, it’s the perfect bowl of comfort on a chilly day or any time you need a little extra warmth.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or simply treating yourself, this creamy chicken noodle soup is sure to become a go-to favorite. Try it out today, and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors in every bite!
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