It’s officially flu season here and it seems like everywhere I go, someone is sick with the flu. We’ve had one of the coldest weeks here in Alberta so it’s officially soup season, and I love making lots of soups, especially easy soups like this flu fighter chicken noodle soup. This soup is loaded with anti-oxidant rich vegetables, loads of chicken and noodles. I made this soup with already cooked chicken to speed it up, but if you have the time, I strongly recommend cooking your own chicken and using that broth.
But does it really fight the flu?
Ever wonder why chicken soup is so commonly eaten when sick? Well this soup is chock full of nutrients, especially when the broth is homemade. All that bone marrow packed with white blood cells releases into your soup and makes for a hearty broth. My recipe is also teeming with those classic veggies, like carrot and celery. Lots of hot soup can also help clear out congestion, meaning it’s a great option for allergy season too!
Not your soup next door
You’ll find a few different ingredients in this soup, like the hot sauce, soy sauce and herbs de Provence but trust me when I say you will not want to skip those ingredients. It’s what makes this soup special and gives it that wonderful flavor. A bowl of this soup and you’ll feel so much better! I used some egg noodles I had, but feel free to use the pasta of your choice.
Veggies – Just the classic 3 today: carrot, celery, and onion. Chicken – Cooked or roasted chicken all chopped up, don’t worry about holding onto the bones or skin today. Spices – Herbs de Provence is what we’re using for extra dimension today. It’s a blend of herbs that typically include marjoram, savory, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Herbs – Fresh dill, green onion, and parsley – believe me these herbs were invented to be put in chicken soup! Garlic – Use as much or little as you like. Broth – We want low sodium today – super important as we want to control the sodium content off our soup! Remember you can always add more salt but it’s hard to take away once it’s been incorporated! Sauces – Just a bit of hot sauce and some soy sauce. Noodles – Some egg noodles, I like something that cooks up super quick and doesn’t overpower some of those simpler flavors we have going on. Seasoning – Just a bit of salt and pepper. Red pepper flakes – Totally optional but they will lend a bit more heat to your soup.
How to make Flu Fighter Chicken Noodle Soup
Other cooking methods
You don’t just have to make this hearty, good for the soul flu fighter soup on the stove top, you can most definitely make it with some of the other kitchen gadgets you’ve been itching to use.
Slow cooker
Set it and forget it! This recipe is super minimal effort required and can be made while you’re busy at work, just follow my recipe right here on the blog for chicken noodle soup in the crock pot.
Pressure cooker
Chicken noodle soup in under 15 minutes? And I’m not talking any of that pre made stuff, no I mean the real illness fighting deal. Whip it up in my flash with my recipe here.
Want to make your own stock?
Well I won’t fault you for it, and neither will your taste buds after they’ve tried the deliciousness that is homemade broth! Here’s how to make your own very own home made chicken stock.
Some tips
Keep in mind that your fresh herbs are delicate! Keep an eye on them after incorporating them into your soup, especially the dill. If you notice your dill is wilting too quickly feel free to save it for the end. If you use dried herbs keep in mind that they are more flavor concentrated than fresh, one tablespoon of fresh equals one teaspoon of dried. Reserve some of the rich broth separately and freeze for illness fighting power whenever you need it!
Leftovers
Homemade chicken noodle soup will last 3 – 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. This flu fighter chicken noodle soup freezes amazingly as well! Just be sure to pack up to store before adding any noodles as they tend to turn mushy when thawed. Stored in an airtight container this soup will stay fresh frozen for 4 – 6 months. Just thaw it overnight in it’s container in the fridge before reheating on the stove.
Craving more delicious soup? Try these recipes:
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Chicken and Dumplings Red Lentil and Chicken Soup Lasagna Soup Broccoli Cheese Soup Italian Wedding Soup Chicken Potato Soup Chicken Gnocchi Soup Mulligatawny Soup Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Beef Noodle Soup
