Craving a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that's both healthy and delicious? Look no further! This simple chicken noodle soup with rice noodles is the perfect easy recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a soothing weekend meal. Forget those complicated, time-consuming recipes; this one is all about simple homemade cooking that delivers big on flavor. It's packed with fresh ingredients and boasts a delightful broth that will leave you wanting more. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1 cup rice noodles
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 cup soy sauce (for a savory boost)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a delicious base for your soup.
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Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, ginger, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Cook the rice noodles: Add the rice noodles to the soup and cook according to the package directions, usually around 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Stir in the chicken: Gently stir in the shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add soy sauce if desired, for a deeper, umami flavor.
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Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious and healthy homemade meal!
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the taste of your soup. Opt for fresh, high-quality vegetables and chicken whenever possible.
- Don't overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles can become mushy. Follow the package directions carefully and check for doneness frequently.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on ingredients used)
- Protein: Around 20-25g
- Fat: Around 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-35g
This simple chicken noodle soup with rice noodles is a fantastic example of a quick dinner idea that’s both healthy and delicious. It's perfect for busy weeknights, and easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy!