Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

What's better than chicken noodle soup? Homemade chicken noodle soup! It's a chilly, dreary day here in Central Kentucky. Actually, we have quite a few of those days in the winter. So, today I am making a big pot of chicken noodle soup. 

This soup can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stove. I have time this afternoon, so I'm doing it the old fashioned way on the stove in a Dutch oven. I will post both recipe options below. This is one of those meals that the whole family loves. It can be served with some fresh homemade bread or a store-bought baguette or as my husband likes it, with crackers. It's super easy to make and tastes amazing.

There's more to this dish than just tasting great. It is very healthy and especially good for you if you aren't feeling well. It's easy to digest and can be soothing to the throat. According the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, chicken noodle soup has some healing power in it and can actually help to relieve cold symptoms. Carrots, onion and celery strengthen your immune system and help fight off viruses and speed recovery. Chicken broth is hydrating, has electrolytes, and also can help clear our nasal passages. Chicken supports our immune system. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Lemon juice adds more vitamin C. Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation. Thyme can help alleviate coughing. (I make a cough syrup with honey and thyme that works great! I'll save that for another post.) So, now we know why our grandparents and parents would always give us chicken noodle soup when we didn't feel well. 

I use zucchini noodles in my soup. The rest of the family likes it when I use Spaetzle in their soup. You can use any kind of noodle here, or even leave the noodles out and just have a hearty chicken soup. If you aren't going to add noodles, I would double the amount of carrots and celery.

Enjoy and let me know how your family likes it.

Picture is with Zucchini Noodles

Click here for recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup