How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup Like Campbell’s – A Step-by-Step Guide

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. And when you’re feeling under the weather or just need something warm and soothing, Campbell’s chicken noodle soup hits the spot. But did you know you can easily make chicken noodle soup at home that tastes just as good, if not better, than the canned version?

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have homemade chicken noodle soup ready in under an hour. We’ll walk you through how to make chicken noodle soup just like Campbell’s, with tips for maximizing flavor and adding your own creative twists.

Gather The Essential Ingredients

To make chicken noodle soup like Campbell’s, you’ll need:

• Chicken – boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best
• Chicken broth – homemade or store-bought
• Egg noodles or pasta – such as rotelle, ditalini, or elbow macaroni
• Vegetables – carrots, celery, and onions are classic choices
• Herbs and seasonings – parsley, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper

Some optional ingredients that add even more flavor

• Garlic
• Leeks
• Dill
• Frozen peas

Start With an Aromatic Base

Begin by dicing your aromatic vegetables – carrots, celery, onions, and garlic if using. Sauté them in a large pot with a bit of olive oil or butter over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps develop a rich depth of flavor

Simmer the Broth

Next, add your chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Use anywhere from 6-10 cups of broth depending on how much soup you want to make. Swirling the broth as it heats will help incorporate the cooked veggie flavors.

Season with Herbs

Now is when you’ll add any fresh or dried herbs and classic soup seasonings. Try a bay leaf, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let them steep in the hot broth to infuse their flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Cook the Chicken

While the broth simmers, cook your chicken until no longer pink inside. Boiling or poaching in the broth itself keeps it moist and tender. For flavorful shredded chicken, simmer bone-in pieces right in the soup. For chicken breast, lightly sauté or boil in seasoned water instead.

Once cooked through, shred or dice the chicken and add it to the soup pot.

Cook the Noodles

Now it’s time for the noodles! Cook them separately according to package directions, then add them to the soup right before serving so they don’t get mushy. Egg noodles are classic, but fun shapes like rotelle wheels, ditalini, or alphabets make it feel extra special.

Finish with Fresh Herbs

Right before serving, stir in some chopped fresh parsley, dill, or other soft herbs. This adds a pop of color and bright, aromatic flavor. Other delicious add-ins include lemon juice, frozen peas, or a swirl of heavy cream.

Tips for Maximizing Flavor

• Sauté the veggies well to caramelize them
• Simmer bone-in chicken pieces in the broth for deeper flavor
• Use a mix of chicken broth and water
• Add a Parmesan rind to the broth while it simmers
• Season aggressively with salt, pepper, herbs and let flavors meld
• Stir in a bit of miso paste for savory umami flavor

Fun Variations to Try

The beauty of homemade chicken noodle soup is that you can customize it to suit your tastes. Change it up with mix-ins like:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Wild rice or barley instead of noodles
• Chili garlic sauce or sriracha for heat
• Lemon, lime, or orange zest
• Fresh spinach or kale
• Grated ginger
• Turmeric and cumin for curried chicken noodle soup
• Corn, green beans, or edamame

The options are endless! Use this classic recipe as a base, then get creative with ingredients you have on hand.

Tips for Serving

Chicken noodle soup is good on its own, but also pairs well with:

• Crusty bread or rolls for dipping
• A side salad or coleslaw
• Saltine crackers
• Oyster crackers
• A sandwich made with toasted bread

Ladle piping hot soup into bowls and garnish with parsley. Offer lemon wedges for squeezing over top. Served with simple sides, homemade chicken noodle soup makes a comforting, satisfying meal any time of year.

So next time you get a craving for Campbell’s chicken noodle soup, try making it yourself with this easy homemade recipe. With the ability to customize flavors to your taste, it may become your new go-to when you need some nourishment for body and soul.

To prepare Campbell’s Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup, you can either microwave or heat it on the stovetop. For the microwave, empty the contents of the can into a microwave-safe bowl, add one can of water (or milk for a richer flavor), cover, and microwave on high for 2.5 to 3 minutes. Let it stand for 1 minute, then carefully remove and stir.