How to Make Homemade Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup From Scratch

Campbell’s chicken noodle soup is a pantry staple beloved by many With its savory broth, tender noodles, and chunks of chicken, this classic soup delivers comforting warmth and satisfaction. While the canned version offers convenience, making chicken noodle soup from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your taste. The result is a fresher, healthier version of this iconic soup.

In this step-by-step guide I’ll share my favorite recipe for homemade Campbell’s style chicken noodle soup. With simple ingredients and easy instructions you’ll be enjoying bowls of homemade goodness in no time.

Overview of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup

Campbell’s chicken noodle soup first debuted in the 1930s during the Great Depression It quickly became popular as an affordable, hearty meal for families The classic red and white can with its signature noodle soup is now iconic and beloved worldwide.

The store-bought version features a savory chicken broth with carrots, celery, chicken, and noodles. While convenient, it also contains a considerable amount of sodium and preservatives.

Making chicken noodle soup at home allows you to control the ingredients. You can create a flavorful, nourishing soup using fresh vegetables, high-quality chicken, and noodles. With a few simple techniques, you can elevate canned soup into a satisfying homemade meal.

Benefits of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

There are several advantages to making chicken noodle soup from scratch rather than using the canned version:

• More nutrients: Homemade soup allows you to pack in fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and spinach for extra vitamins and minerals.

• Less sodium: You control the amount of salt added, creating a healthier lower sodium soup.

• Cost savings: Homemade soup is cheaper per serving compared to canned.

• Customization: Add your own choice of vegetables, spices, herbs, and noodles.

• Richer flavor: Slow simmering homemade chicken broth and fresh ingredients give deeper, more complex taste.

• Satisfaction: The sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with preparing homemade meals.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Follow these simple tips for foolproof chicken noodle soup every time:

• Start with a good broth: For the most flavorful base, use homemade chicken broth or a high-quality low-sodium store-bought broth.

• Cook the noodles separately: Adding noodles directly to the soup pot results in mushy overcooked noodles. Cook them al dente separately.

• Use boneless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs have more flavor than breasts. Take off skin and bone for ease.

• Simmer, don’t boil: Boiling causes broth to turn cloudy. Gently simmer soup instead.

• Skim foam: As broth simmers, fat and scum rise to the top. Use a spoon to skim it off for a clearer broth.

• Season in layers: Add aromatics like garlic and onion at the start. Then season again after adding broth for layered flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Follow this simple recipe for hearty, homemade chicken noodle soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add carrots, celery, thyme, and pepper. Cook 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
4. Add chicken thighs, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Skim off any foam from the top.
6. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to soup.
7. Add noodles and peas. Cook 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
8. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley. Enjoy!

FAQs About Making Chicken Noodle Soup from Scratch

Get answers to some common questions about homemade chicken noodle soup:

How long does homemade chicken noodle soup last?

The soup will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for 3-4 months.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Chicken thighs have more fat and flavor, but you can substitute boneless chicken breasts if preferred. Add a little olive oil to prevent them from drying out.

Is homemade chicken noodle soup better?

Absolutely! The broth and ingredients are fresher and healthier. You also control the amount of sodium and can customize the flavors.

What are good add-ins for chicken noodle soup?

Some tasty add-ins include diced zucchini, bell peppers, leafy greens like spinach or kale, green beans, corn, quinoa or rice.

How can I thicken homemade chicken noodle soup?

For a thicker consistency, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water at the end. You can also blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in to thicken it.

Customize Your Chicken Noodle Soup

One of the great benefits of homemade soup is getting to tailor it to your preferences. Try these fun variations:

• Mexican chicken noodle soup – add diced tomatoes, corn, cumin, cilantro, and lime juice.

• Thai chicken noodle soup – use coconut milk, ginger, lemongrass, chili paste and cilantro.

• Italian chicken noodle soup – add basil, oregano, diced tomatoes, spinach and Parmesan.

• Chicken tortellini soup – replace noodles with cheese tortellini.

• Chicken ramen noodle soup – use ramen noodles and miso paste for an Asian noodle soup.

The possibilities are endless when you make chicken noodle soup from scratch. Have fun with different flavor profiles and ingredients.

Enjoy Bowls of Homemade Comfort

Recreating the classic Campbell’s chicken noodle soup at home is simple and so satisfying. With hearty noodles, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables simmered in a savory homemade broth, you just can’t beat this soup made from scratch.

Whip up a batch on a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather for some cozy comfort food. Make it your own with fun add-ins and custom flavors. Homemade chicken noodle soup is the ultimate feel-good food that warms you up from the inside out.