This Roasted Garlic and Herb Chicken Noodle Soup is a nourishing and flavorful twist on a classic, perfect for a healthy and comforting meal. You can easily make this hearty soup, even if you are a beginner in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use pre-cooked shredded chicken for a faster preparation.
- Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but whole wheat or gluten-free noodles work well.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion form the classic base. Feel free to add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme add wonderful aroma. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but use less.
- Garlic: Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor and adds a sweet depth.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 ounces egg noodles (or whole wheat/gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Roasted Garlic & Herbs:
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Garlic and Herbs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top quarter off the head of garlic, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then wrap in foil with rosemary and thyme sprigs. Roast for 30-40 minutes until the garlic is soft and fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken
While the garlic roasts, place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large pot. Cover with 6 cups of chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
4. Build the Soup Base
Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Discard the rosemary and thyme sprigs. Add the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth, dried oregano, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add Noodles and Chicken
Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually 7-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir in the shredded chicken and chopped fresh parsley.
6. Season and Serve
Taste the soup and season with salt as needed. Serve your Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup warm and enjoy this comforting meal.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the dried oregano.
- Swap egg noodles for orzo or ditalini pasta.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Roasted Garlic and Herb Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of extra chicken broth as the noodles will absorb liquid. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the point of adding noodles and chicken. Add those components when you are ready to reheat and serve for best texture.
- What if you don’t have fresh herbs? You can use 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme for the roasted garlic step.
- Can you use store-bought rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Skip step 2 and add shredded rotisserie chicken with the noodles.
- Is this soup freezer-friendly? It’s best to freeze this soup without the noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
- How can you make this soup gluten-free? Use gluten-free chicken broth and gluten-free noodles.
- Can you add other vegetables? Yes, feel free to add peas, green beans, or diced potatoes for extra nutrients in your Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup.