Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Hearty Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Crafting a heartwarming dutch oven chicken noodle soup transforms an ordinary meal into a comforting embrace.

Grandma’s classic recipe whispers memories of cozy kitchen moments.

Layers of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and silky noodles create a symphony of flavors.

Aromatic herbs dance through the broth, promising warmth with every spoonful.

Rich and nourishing, this soup feels like a culinary hug that melts away winter’s chill.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

You’ll find yourself craving this soul-satisfying dish that turns an average evening into something magical.

What Makes Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup So Comforting

  • Craft Comfort Quickly: Dive into a hearty chicken noodle soup that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying meal.
  • Versatile One-Pot Wonder: Prepare everything in a single Dutch oven, reducing cleanup and making this recipe an ideal solution for lazy cooking days and quick family dinners.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the soup by swapping herbs, adjusting vegetable quantities, or adding extra protein to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • Nutritious Homemade Goodness: Pack your meal with protein-rich chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a wholesome dish that nourishes body and soul without complicated techniques.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Noodle Soup Perfection

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides substantial, tender meat for the hearty soup.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix blend that creates a rich, flavorful base for the soup and adds nutritional depth.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Rosemary, Thyme, Bay Leaves, Fresh Parsley: Aromatic herbs that provide complex, layered flavor profiles to the soup.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Stock: The primary liquid that forms the soup's foundation and adds rich, savory flavor.
  • Water: Used to adjust the soup's consistency and volume if needed.
Noodles:
  • Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that adds comforting texture and substance to the chicken soup.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide a smooth cooking medium and contribute to the soup's depth of flavor.

Simple Steps for Hearty Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken breast into small, bite-sized chunks. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Set aside your seasoned chicken pieces.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and reaches a safe internal temperature. Remove chicken and keep warm.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In the same pot, add olive oil and butter. Melt together and scrape up the delicious browned bits left from the chicken cooking.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add onions and sprinkle with salt. Cook until they become soft and see-through.

Toss in:
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Continue cooking until vegetables start to soften. Quickly stir in garlic and cook for a brief moment.

Step 5: Build the Soup Foundation

Return cooked chicken to the pot. Sprinkle in:
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Black pepper
  • Bay leaves

Stir everything to combine and distribute flavors evenly.

Step 6: Simmer and Cook

Pour in chicken stock and add egg noodles. If the soup looks too thick, splash in some water.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a soft simmer. Cook until noodles become tender according to package instructions.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Ladle into bowls and serve alongside crusty bread or crispy crackers for a heartwarming meal.

Best Tips for Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Optimize chicken cooking by ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption and maximum flavor.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality egg noodles and adjust liquid levels to achieve desired soup thickness without diluting taste.
  • Enhance soup depth by scraping browned chicken bits from the Dutch oven, which adds rich, caramelized flavor to the base.
  • Experiment with herb variations like adding dried thyme or fresh rosemary to customize the soup's aromatic profile.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, noting that noodles might absorb more liquid during refrigeration.

Chicken Noodle Soup Variations You’ll Love

  • Southwestern Spice Soup: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and a dash of chili powder for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Soup: Incorporate oregano, basil, and lemon zest to give the soup a bright, aromatic Mediterranean touch.
  • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup: Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, luxurious Italian-style variation.
  • Asian Ginger Noodle Soup: Replace herbs with fresh ginger, add a splash of soy sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions for an Eastern-inspired version.

Delicious Sides to Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty sourdough or hearty whole wheat bread to soak up the rich, savory broth, adding delightful texture and warmth to each spoonful.
  • Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the soup's delicate herb flavors and cut through the richness of the chicken.
  • Herbal Iced Tea Refresher: Brew a subtle mint or chamomile iced tea to provide a cool, soothing contrast to the warm, comforting soup, balancing the meal's temperature and flavors.
  • Tangy Side Salad: Toss a quick green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and acidity, creating a perfect counterpoint to the soup's hearty and creamy profile.

Keep Your Chicken Noodle Soup Fresh and Flavorful

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months, ensuring a tight seal to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.
  • Microwave Reheating: Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly. Check temperature before serving.
  • Stovetop Reheating: Pour soup into a pot, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, preventing noodles from becoming mushy.

Your Chicken Noodle Soup Questions Answered

  • Can I use other types of chicken for this soup?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast with rotisserie chicken, thighs, or leftover roasted chicken. Just ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces.

  • Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Absolutely. If using dried herbs, use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs. So if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, use 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also include additional protein by adding beans or lentils to boost nutritional value.

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Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Heartwarming Dutch oven chicken noodle soup brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and silky noodles. Warm bowls invite you to savor classic homestyle goodness with each comforting spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 45 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cups water (optional, to reach desired consistency)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Chop chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized cubes and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Warm olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat, then sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked at 165°F. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
  3. In the same pot, combine remaining olive oil and butter, allowing it to melt while extracting flavorful browned chicken residue.
  4. Introduce diced onions with a pinch of salt, sautéing until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
  5. Incorporate carrots and celery, cooking until vegetables begin to soften. Quickly add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
  6. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the pot and sprinkle in rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir thoroughly to distribute herbs evenly.
  7. Pour chicken stock into the pot, then add egg noodles. If the liquid seems insufficient, supplement with water to achieve desired soup consistency. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until noodles reach perfect tenderness.
  8. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley and serve piping hot alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers.

Notes

  • Make sure to cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F, preventing potential foodborne illness.
  • For gluten-free version, swap traditional egg noodles with rice noodles or zucchini spirals to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Fresh herbs elevate flavor profile significantly, so avoid dried herbs if possible and add parsley just before serving to maintain vibrant color and fresh taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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