Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup

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When the weather gets chilly or when you need a little cozy comfort food in your life, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup.

This Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup is like a big hug in a bowl.

It’s hearty, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen.

Plus, it’s made all in one pot—so clean-up is a breeze!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This chicken noodle soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience.

You’ll love how the chicken becomes tender and juicy, infused with all the delicious flavors from the vegetables and herbs.

The aromatic blend will fill your kitchen with comforting scents, reminding you of home.

It’s perfect for sick days, chilly evenings, or just when you need a little pick-me-up.

And don’t forget, it’s super easy to whip together in a Dutch oven!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) light olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced ¼ inch thick
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups (2 liters) low sodium chicken stock
• 1 ½ pounds (680 g) boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, basil, thyme) or 1 ½ teaspoons dried herbs
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 ounces (225 g) egg noodles or other pasta
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon, for serving (optional)

How To Make Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the light olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat.

Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced onion, celery, and carrots.

Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

The aroma is already amazing, right?

Step 2: Add Garlic and Season

Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

It’s important not to burn the garlic, so keep stirring! Now, sprinkle in the ground black pepper and your chopped fresh or dried herbs.

Mix well and let those flavors meld for a minute.

Step 3: Pour in the Chicken Stock

Now it’s time to add some liquid gold—pour in the low sodium chicken stock.

Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

This only enhances the flavor of your soup!

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Bay Leaves

Place the halved chicken breasts into the pot, followed by the bay leaves.

These will infuse your soup with a wonderful depth of flavor.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

This gently cooks the chicken while allowing all the flavors to come together beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

After 20 minutes, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and set them aside on a plate.

Now, add the egg noodles to the soup.

They’ll soak up all the deliciousness while cooking.

Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually around 6-8 minutes.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

While the noodles are cooking, take two forks and shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

It should be juicy and tender.

Step 7: Combine It All

Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Remove the bay leaves and stir everything together.

If it looks too thick, you can always add a little more chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Just before serving, sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

For a zing, squeeze a little lemon juice over each bowl before enjoying.

That bright citrus flavor is the perfect finishing touch!

Expert Tips

• For more depth of flavor, sauté the garlic until it is just golden before adding the stock.
• Adjust your herbs based on what you have on hand; dried herbs work well, but fresh really perks up the flavor!
• Make sure not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy. Add them to the soup right at the end of cooking.
• This soup freezes well, so feel free to double the recipe and enjoy later!

Variations and Customizations

• Swap in different pasta types, such as whole-grain or gluten-free options, to fit your dietary needs.
• Add more vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
• Try using rotisserie chicken for a quicker version; just shred it and add it to the soup after cooking the vegetables.

How to Store Leftovers

Let any leftover soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers.

It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

If you’d like to keep it longer, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Just remember to leave a little extra room in the container since the soup will expand as it freezes!

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat in this soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this soup suitable for a freeze? How do I reheat it?

Yes! This soup freezes well.

When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out a bit.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all the ingredients, except for the noodles, to your slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Add the noodles 30 minutes before serving.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with fresh bread or rolls for dunking, a simple green salad, or even some crackers on the side.

Enjoy!

Conclusion

This Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup is comfort food at its finest—full of flavor, warmth, and love.

It’s the perfect recipe to gather your family around the table or enjoy while cozied up on the couch.

Simple, delicious, and made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

So grab your Dutch oven, and let’s get cooking! You’ll be so glad you did.

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