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Serving suggestion: Pair the soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also add extra richness to the soup.
Storing: Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more broth to adjust the consistency, as the noodles will absorb some of the liquid during storage.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Variants
Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup: For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a dash of red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or a bit of hot sauce to give your soup some heat.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a richer version, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking to create a creamy texture.
Asian-Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup: Swap the egg noodles for ramen or udon noodles, and replace the thyme and bay leaf with ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil for an Asian twist.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, frozen chicken can be used! Just make sure to thaw it beforehand, or you can cook it in the broth from frozen and shred it once cooked.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, chicken noodle soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will actually improve as it sits.
3. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with any type of pasta such as fusilli, penne, or rice noodles. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different noodles may require more or less time to cook.
4. What can I do if my soup is too salty?
If the soup turns out too salty, you can dilute it with a bit more water or low-sodium broth. Another trick is to add a peeled potato to the soup while simmering, which can absorb some of the saltiness.
5. Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Yes, chicken noodle soup can be frozen. However, it's best to freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. When reheating, you can add fresh noodles if desired.
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