Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

You should know what I mean, warm, fulfilling and perfectly comforting, talk about creamy chicken noodle soup. It is one of those dishes you reach out to, whenever it’s cold outside, when you are sick, or whenever you just wish to have something comforting. It’s like a classic chicken noodle soup, but with a creamy twist that makes it even more irresistible.

Honestly, this is one of those recipes that feels like a big ol’ hug in a bowl. It’s hearty enough to fill you up, creamy enough to feel indulgent, and easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. For those who like soup or those looking to expand their recipe collection, creamy chicken noodle soup is a must try.

In this post, I’m going to break down everything you need to know about making the best creamy chicken noodle soup ever. From the ingredients and steps to some helpful tips and even FAQs, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

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Why Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?

I understand that you’re thinking: what’s the point when it’s a classic? It’s a good soup and adding cream doesn’t sound to the broth. The answer is straightforward this indeed makes the soup even better. It’s a nice twist to the common chicken noodle soup, especially the beef soup as well.

That is like cranking the best chicken noodle elements all the way up to eleven while adding in more options! Makes it really easy to scope out opportunities! You can make it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep it for the week, or serve it to guests who need a little extra love on their plates.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make creamy chicken noodle soup. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

– The Essentials

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if you overcook them.
• Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand.
• Veggies: Carrots, celery, and onions form the holy trinity of soup-making.
• Chicken broth: Low-sodium broth works best so you can control the saltiness.
• Heavy cream: This is what makes the soup creamy and dreamy.
• Butter and flour: These two make a quick roux that thickens the soup perfectly.
• Garlic and herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and a bay leaf for flavor. Dried herbs work too!
• Salt and pepper: The basics, but so important for seasoning.

– Optional Add-Ins

• Lemon juice: A little squeeze brightens the flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: To make it more tasty, add some freshly grated parmesan cheese.
• Red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick.

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How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Making this creamy chicken noodle soup is easier than you’d think. Let’s break it down into steps so you can follow along effortlessly.

Sauté the Vegetables

Start with a large pot or Dutch oven. Melt butter over medium heat and toss in diced carrots, celery, and onions. Cook them for about 5–7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of your soup.

Cook the Chicken

Add your chicken thighs or breasts directly into the pot with the veggies. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Sear each side for about 3–4 minutes. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet—it will finish cooking in the broth.

Simmer with Broth and Herbs

Pour in your chicken broth, then add garlic, thyme, and a bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This step helps the chicken become tender while the broth absorbs all those delicious flavors.

Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside to add back later.

Create the Creamy Base

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, and cook it for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Add this creamy mixture to the soup pot.

Cook the Noodles

Add egg noodles to the soup and cook them until they’re tender. This usually takes 8–10 minutes, but check your package instructions to be sure. Stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking.

Combine, Season, Garnish, and Serve Your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Once your soup is nearly ready, it’s time to bring all the flavors together and add the finishing touches. This step is where everything truly comes to life. Let’s wrap it up!

Combine and Season

Take the shredded chicken you set aside earlier and return it to the pot. Give everything a good stir to make sure the chicken, noodles, and creamy broth are evenly combined. Now comes the fun part—tasting! Grab a spoon and sample the soup to see if it needs a little extra something.

Maybe a pinch more salt or pepper? Or perhaps a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors? This is your chance to fine-tune it to your taste buds’ liking.

Garnish and Serve

This is the concluding step, once adding specific spices and tucking the soup into the service. To sprinkle some color and provide more freshness, put a dash of parsley on top of the soup. Harvest the delight into bowls, and serve warm.

Interested in the more delectable combination? Or more sound than even crusty bread’s capability for dipping it, and whether the crispiness of a handful of crackers would improve the dip – me, for all its gotta go together. That’s just the general image. Here’s a spoon. Ready? Let’s get stuck into some creamy, dreamy chicken noodle soup – absolute bliss.

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Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

• Don’t overcook the noodles: They’ll keep absorbing liquid even after you take the soup off the heat, so aim for al dente.
• Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time: Just shred it up and add it to the soup—easy peasy.
• Double the recipe: This soup is even better the next day, so make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers.
• Play with the herbs: If you don’t have thyme, try rosemary or sage. They’ll add a different but equally delicious flavor.

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Variations to Try

One of the best things about this soup is how versatile it is. Here are a few fun ways to switch it up:

• Low-carb: Swap the noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free noodles and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
• Spicy version: Stir in some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Dairy-free: Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream.

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Serving Suggestions

This chicken soup is enough for one meal in itself, but if you want to make it special, it has some serving options:

• Sour bread: Scraping the sour liquid isn’t a big issue because the bread soaks it well.
• Cheese toast: The combination has never failed.
• Side salad: Something light and fresh to balance the richness of the soup.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There is no other food that can compare to the chicken noodle soup. It takes negligible effort to cook while being packed with various flavors and is also warm and hearty. Whether you are meal-prepping for the week, cooking for your loved ones, or simply when you want to indulge, this soup is still a winner. So pick your biggest pot, prepare your ingredients and be prepared to savor the best creamy chicken noodle soup you will have ever had. Trust me, one bowl won’t be enough.