Ingredients
- 2 frozen chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed)
- 1 family-size can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) of butter
- Poultry seasoning, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bag dry egg noodles
Construction (Steps)
1. Prepare the Base
- Place the frozen chicken breasts in a slow cooker or large pot.
- Add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, butter, poultry seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours (or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked).
3. Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return them to the pot.
4. Add the Noodles
- Stir in the bag of dry egg noodles.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the noodles are tender.
5. Adjust Consistency
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Variations
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add diced carrots, celery, or peas for more nutrients and flavor.
- Herbal Twist: Use fresh thyme or parsley for a fresher taste.
- Creamier Version: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk just before serving.
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time, reducing the cooking time to about 1 hour.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free egg noodles or rice in place of regular noodles.
Tips
- If using fresh or thawed chicken, reduce cooking time to about 2-3 hours on high.
- To prevent noodles from overcooking, check them frequently after 30 minutes.
- For a richer flavor, sauté onions, garlic, and celery in butter before adding to the pot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove, adding a bit of broth if needed.
Conclusion
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s simple to prepare. Packed with rich flavors and tender noodles, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick meal on chilly days. Enjoy tweaking this recipe with your own variations for a personalized touch!