Nutritious and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Hello, soup lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share my twist on a classic chicken soup recipe – Nutritious and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup. As a professional chef and nutritionist, I’ve crafted this recipe to be both nourishing and delicious, perfect for any time you need a warm, soothing meal.
This homemade chicken noodle soup uses fresh ingredients and a simple cooking process, ensuring a flavorful and healthy bowl every time. Make your unique soup bowl every time.
Before the recipe let’s dive into the health benefits of each key ingredient.
Ingredients and their health benefits
This soup is a simple meal that brings so many flavors and memories. Let’s find out why this combination works so well.
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is a lean source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and maintenance. Chicken protein is low in fat, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain or build muscle while keeping calorie intake in check. Additionally, chicken is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins and selenium, which support metabolism and immune function.
Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Carrots are also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion, and antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage.
Celery
Celery is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium. It is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. The fiber in celery supports digestive health, making it a great addition to soups.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its potent medicinal properties, which are attributed to the sulfur compounds that form when garlic is chopped, crushed, or chewed. These compounds have been shown to boost the function of the immune system. Garlic is also beneficial for heart health, as it can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Red chillies
Red chilies are a rich source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function. They contain capsaicin, a compound that provides spicy heat and has been shown to boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and help with pain relief.
Rice noodles
Rice noodles are a gluten-free option that provides a good source of energy due to their high carbohydrate content. They are low in fat and calories, making them a great addition to a balanced diet. Rice noodles are also easy to digest and can be a suitable choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Step-by-step: Chicken Noodle Soup
Get all your ingredients ready and let’s get started.
Prepare the Chicken Broth
Boil the Broth: Bring 500ml of homemade chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
Cook the Chicken
Simmer the Chicken: Add 150g of thinly sliced chicken breast to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Add the Vegetables
Add Vegetables: Add 50g of chopped carrots, 50g of chopped celery, and 50g of chopped onions to the pot. Continue to simmer for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the Noodles and Finish
Add Noodles and Finish: Add 100g of rice noodles, 1 minced clove of garlic, green peas, and optional red chili. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the noodles are ready. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or coriander.
Customization Ideas
- Noodle Options: Use any type of noodles, such as egg noodles, whole wheat pasta, or gluten-free noodles. It also works pretty well vermicelli, but they do cook much quicker.
- Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables like sweetcorn, bell peppers, or courgettes for more nutrition and flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or basil for added flavor.
- Add whole Egg: For additional protein and flavor, add a row of eggs 5 minutes before the soup is ready.
- Umami flavor: Soy sauce and fresh lime or lemon juice give an extra kick of flavor.
Nutritious and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Course: LunchCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy2
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
150g chicken breast
500ml chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
100g noodles (your choice, could be egg noodles or whole wheat for extra fiber)
50g carrots, chopped
50g celery, chopped
50g onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 large egg (optional, for extra protein)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breast in a pot and add cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, let it cool, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add a little oil and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery (and garlic, if using) until they start to soften.
- Add broth and noodles: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chicken: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer everything together for a few more minutes until the soup is heated through.
- Egg drop twist: If adding an egg for extra protein, beat the egg lightly and slowly drizzle it into the simmering soup, stirring gently with a fork to form thin strands of cooked egg.
- Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown:
About 350 calories per serving.
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 30g
Nutrient Sources:
- Chicken Breast: Provides high-quality protein and essential minerals like iron and zinc.
- Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and nutrients.
- Noodles: Supplies carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestive health.
- Carrots: Adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Celery: Provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Onions: Adds flavor and beneficial nutrients.
- Garlic: Enhances flavor and offers health benefits.
- Red Chili: Adds heat and antioxidants.
- Green Peas: Adds fiber, vitamins, and protein.
- Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and vitamin E.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances flavor without significant calories.
- Fresh Parsley or Coriander: Adds flavor and additional nutrients.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought chicken broth?
Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth if you don’t have homemade stock. Opt for low-sodium versions to control the salt content. But nothing beats a homemade stock.
What other vegetables can I add to my chicken noodle soup?
You can add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, sweetcorn, and zucchini to enhance your soup’s nutritional value and flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes it is, rice noodles are gluten-free. So if you are changing noodles, make sure they are gluten-free if needed.
Wrap Up
Settle in with a bowl of this timeless chicken noodle soup! Rich with tender noodles, succulent chunks of chicken, and a comforting, savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a touch of home-cooked warmth, this soup is a classic that never disappoints.
Craving more? Check out my blog for other chicken recipes that are simple, tasty, and designed to keep you feeling your best.
Let’s continue this delicious journey together and remember TAKE IT EASY – ONE BITE AT A TIME!
