There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s the quintessential comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings, cozy Sundays, or when you’re feeling under the weather and need some culinary TLC. I’ve always found myself chasing the soothing embrace of a good soup, and more often than not, my cravings lead me back to the familiar and beloved flavors of Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Noodle Soup.
How to make Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup
Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup is a popular menu item at Chick-fil-A, a fast-food restaurant chain known for its chicken-focused menu. The soup features a hearty combination of shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, sliced carrots, celery, and spices, all cooked together in a savory broth. It’s a comforting and flavorful option, especially during cooler weather or when customers want something warm and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 6 cups of chicken stock
- 2 cups of chopped celery
- 2 cups of chopped carrots
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional – Fresh parsley and thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots, sautéing them until they become soft (usually around 7-8 minutes).
- Next, add the garlic, and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.
- In goes the chicken. Stir to combine it with the veggies, then season with salt and pepper. Allow this to cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the chicken stock into your pot. Increase heat and bring your mixture to a boil.
- As your soup begins to boil, add in the egg noodles. Reduce heat to a simmer and let the noodles cook until tender (generally 8-10 minutes).
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if required. Feel free to add in some herbs of your choice. Parsley and thyme work well with this recipe.
- Once your noodles are cooked and your soup is seasoned to your liking, take it off the heat.
- Serve your homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup garnished with some parsley or thyme (if you like) and warm bread or crackers.
Tips for the Perfect Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup
- If you have extra time, consider making your chicken stock for a more profound flavor.
- Cooking the chicken separately before adding it to the soup can add an extra depth of flavor. Consider marinating your chicken in herbs and spices a few hours ahead.
- Soup is always better the next day. The ingredients have time to come together, and the flavor deepens. So feel free to make this a day ahead.
- Utilize leftover chicken or roasted chicken for a quicker version of this recipe. This also adds different dimensions of flavor to your soup.
- Adding herbs is a personal preference; rosemary, bay leaves, or even a pinch of turmeric can also be great additions.
What to serve with
When serving a classic soup like Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s great to have side dishes that complement its heartiness without overpowering it. Here’s a curated list of accompaniments that will transform your soup into a full-fledged meal worth remembering.
- Crusty Artisan Bread: A freshly baked loaf of artisan bread like sourdough or a baguette offers a crunchy exterior and fluffy interior, perfect for dipping into the broth.
- Garlic Bread: The aromatic flavors of garlic bread will pair beautifully with the soup, adding a subtle hint of garlic and parsley.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy, tangy dressing of a Caesar salad contrasts nicely with the warm, soothing nature of chicken noodle soup.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette will add a crisp, refreshing side that doesn’t compete with the soup’s flavor profile.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A golden, melty grilled cheese sandwich is a classic soup-dipping favorite.
- Chicken Salad Sandwich: Using some of the same herbs and chicken preparation from the soup, you can create a cohesive flavor experience with a chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat or croissant.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli sprinkled with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil is a healthy and vibrant addition.
- Bruschetta: Tomato bruschetta on slices of toasted baguette offers a Mediterranean touch with ripe tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A side of creamy macaroni and cheese makes for an indulgent, comforting accompaniment.
- Roasted Potatoes: Small, herb-roasted potatoes are a hearty and flavorful side that adds substance to the meal.
- Crackers or Croutons: Plain or seasoned, these add a welcomed crunch and are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie, can be a sophisticated yet subtle accompaniment.
- Fruit Salad: End on a light note with a refreshing fruit salad, gently tossed with a bit of honey or mint.
- Lemon Bars: The bright citrus flavor of lemon bars provides a sweet and tart finish that cleanses the palate.
Ingredients Substitute
In every kitchen adventure, it’s common to encounter moments when we don’t have a particular ingredient in hand. Don’t worry! There’s always room for creativity and improvisation when it comes to cooking. Here are some handy substitutes for making your homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup:
Chicken: If you don’t have fresh chicken, canned chicken is a perfectly acceptable replacement. You could also use leftover cooked chicken or even turkey. For a vegetarian version, consider using tofu or a meat substitute, and swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock.
- Chicken Stock: If you don’t have chicken stock, vegetable or beef stock will work just fine. Alternatively, you can use bouillon cubes or granules dissolved in water.
- Celery: While celery gives a unique flavor, it can be replaced with similar green vegetables such as bok choy, fennel, or even green bell peppers.
- Carrots: Parsnips, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash can be good substitutes. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to your soup.
- Onion: If you don’t have onions, you can use shallots, scallions, or leeks. Try a small amount of asafoetida powder or chopped celery for an onion-free alternative for a slightly different flavor base.
- Garlic: Garlic can be substituted with garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon of powder per clove) or a small amount of onion. In a pinch, a tiny bit of asafoetida powder can also work.
- Egg Noodles: You can replace egg noodles with your favorite pasta shape like spaghetti, fusilli, or even penne. In a gluten-free version, noodles made from rice or corn can be used.
- Olive Oil: Other oils like canola, vegetables, or coconut can be used instead of olive oil. You can also use butter for a richer flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy creating (and, of course, eating!) your homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup as much as I do. Happy cooking!
More Chicken Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 6 cups of chicken stock
- 2 cups of chopped celery
- 2 cups of chopped carrots
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional - Fresh parsley and thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots, sautéing them until they become soft (usually around 7-8 minutes).
- Next, add the garlic, and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.
- In goes the chicken. Stir to combine it with the veggies, then season with salt and pepper. Allow this to cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the chicken stock into your pot. Increase heat and bring your mixture to a boil.
- As your soup begins to boil, add in the egg noodles. Reduce heat to a simmer and let the noodles cook until tender (generally 8-10 minutes).
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if required. Feel free to add in some herbs of your choice. Parsley and thyme work well with this recipe.
- Once your noodles are cooked and your soup is seasoned to your liking, take it off the heat.
- Serve your homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup garnished with some parsley or thyme (if you like) and warm bread or crackers.
