Chicken noodle soup has long been considered the go-to comfort food for anyone feeling under the weather. It is often the first soup that young children add to their nutritional repertoire but is also the traditional standby that many adults instinctually gravitate towards whenever they’re feeling less than 100%. Unfortunately, the canned soups that stock most pantries are loaded with high levels of sodium – more than half of the recommended daily intake! The negative health consequences associated with high sodium foods can potentially outweigh the health benefits that food can offer. Today we have shared a quick and easy recipe for homemade chicken noodle soup so you can fill your belly and your freezer with this delicious staple, knowing you are truly eating healthy.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 medium carrots, chopped (3/4 cup)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (2/3 cup)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper
- 1/2 cup uncooked alphabet macaroni (3 oz)
- 1 cube of chicken bouillon
- 2 bay leaves
Directions:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion on medium heat until translucent, then add the celery. Add salt, pepper, and spices.
- Add the broth and turn heat up.
- Add 1 bouillon cube.
- Once the broth is almost boiling, add carrots and turn the heat down.
- Add the chopped, cooked chicken (optional).
- Remove from the heat and add alphabet noodles. They will expand and grow 2-3 times in size.
- Once the noodles have cooked, serve and enjoy!
Pro Tip:
Feel free to make this recipe your own by substituting different noodles, rice, or barley for the alphabet noodles. This soup also freezes well, so it is easy to keep some on hand for the next time you are feeling like you need some home-cooked comfort food.
Hot soups in general can help relieve congestion, keep nasal passages moist, thin out mucus, prevent dehydration, and soothe a sore throat, but there is just something special about chicken noodle soup. Aside from the nostalgia this comfort food often stirs, homemade chicken noodle soup is loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants that help you fight off viruses and recover from illnesses more quickly. So you can feel good about filling your belly – and satisfying your soul with this healthy recipe.
Healthy recipes can also be incredibly delicious! Discover the best anti-inflammatory recipes to tempt your taste buds here.
