If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy bowl to lift your spirits and soothe your soul, look no further than this Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. This delightful soup features tender chunks of chicken swimming alongside wholesome whole-wheat noodles, all infused with the warm embrace of garlic, ginger, and miso. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a nourishing and comforting remedy that’s perfect for those under-the-weather days or whenever you crave a gentle, hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to bringing out the soul-healing magic in this soup. Each element is simple yet carefully chosen to layer flavor, texture, and nourishment, making this homemade soup a true standout.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil: Adds a mild, healthy fat that helps cook the chicken evenly.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces: Provides lean, tender protein central to the soup’s comforting feel.
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic: Delivers a fragrant punch and natural immune benefits.
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger: Lends zesty warmth and aids in digestion and congestion relief.
- 1 tablespoon white miso: Brings subtle umami richness and depth to the broth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 8 cups unsalted chicken broth: The nourishing, clear base that hydrates and soothes.
- 3 cups whole-wheat egg noodles (6 ounces): Adds chewy texture and whole-grain goodness.
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables: Incorporates color, nutrients, and a gentle crunch.
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions: Offered as a fresh, oniony garnish to brighten each spoonful.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Optional kick to gently warm your senses and open your sinuses.
How to Make Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by warming the avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until they lose their pink hue, around 5 minutes. This step locks in moisture, ensuring every bite stays tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Build Aromatics
Next, stir in the finely chopped garlic and fresh ginger. Cook continuously for about 1 minute until their inviting scents fill your kitchen. This quick sauté releases the fragrant oils that give the soup its comforting character.
Step 3: Add Miso and Broth
Mix in the white miso and salt, coating the chicken evenly with their savory goodness. Then pour in the unsalted chicken broth and crank the heat to bring it all to a vigorous boil. This step creates the nourishing and flavorful base that envelops the other ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer Noodles and Vegetables
Once boiling, add the whole-wheat egg noodles and frozen vegetables. Let the soup return to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium to keep a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until noodles are tender and chicken is fully cooked, roughly 8 minutes. This step melds the textures and flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Final Touches
Turn off the heat and stir in thinly sliced scallions along with a pinch of crushed red pepper for just a hint of fire. These finishing touches elevate the soup with freshness and a subtle zing.
How to Serve Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh scallions right at the end gives a burst of color and a mild onion crunch that lifts the whole experience. You can also sprinkle a few extra red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat or add a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the broth even further.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty whole-grain bread or a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. A warm biscuit or garlic toast also makes a wonderful companion to soak up every last drop of that savory broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in pretty mugs for a casual, cozy vibe or ladle it into individual ramekins topped with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can even add a dollop of mild yogurt or sour cream on top to add a creamy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making it a perfect next-day meal that requires minimal effort to reheat.
Freezing
This Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. To preserve texture, store the soup without noodles and vegetables if possible, then add fresh noodles and veggies when reheating. Otherwise, freeze in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Warm the soup slowly over medium heat to avoid overcooking the noodles or drying out the chicken. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and adds depth of flavor. Add it near the end to gently warm through without overcooking.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The miso and aromatics still provide comforting flavor.
Can I use a different noodle?
Of course. Any egg noodle or even rice noodles will work well. Just adjust cooking time to the noodle’s package instructions to keep the right texture.
How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper adds just a gentle warmth to open sinuses without overpowering the delicate flavors. You can easily omit or adjust based on your tolerance.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It keeps well refrigerated and freezes well, making it an excellent option for batch cooking during busy weeks or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Final Thoughts
This Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the kind of soul food that feels like getting a warm embrace from the inside out. It’s easy to throw together, comforting to the core, and packed with the nutrients and flavors your body craves when you need a little extra TLC. Give it a try the next time you want a meal that’s as healing as it is delicious—you won’t regret it!
Print
Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This comforting Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup is a quick and nourishing remedy perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather. Featuring tender chicken breast, flavorful garlic and ginger, and hearty whole-wheat egg noodles, it offers warmth and hydration in just 20 minutes. The broth soothes congestion while the mix of fresh aromatics and vegetables provide gentle healing and revitalization.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon white miso
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 3 cups whole-wheat egg noodles (6 ounces)
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook chicken: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped garlic and 2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger. Cook while stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute, to release their flavors.
- Incorporate miso and salt: Add 1 tablespoon white miso and ½ teaspoon salt to the pot, stirring well to coat the chicken and aromatics evenly.
- Add broth and bring to boil: Pour in 8 cups of unsalted chicken broth and increase heat to high to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Add noodles and vegetables: Once boiling, add 3 cups whole-wheat egg noodles and 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables. Return to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Simmer until cooked: Reduce heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and chicken is fully cooked, approximately 8 minutes.
- Finish with scallions and red pepper: Stir in 2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper for a mild spicy kick. Serve hot and enjoy the soothing soup.
Notes
- Using whole-wheat egg noodles adds fiber and extra nutrients compared to regular noodles.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper to taste or omit for a milder soup.
- For more protein, double the chicken or add shredded cooked chicken at the end.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted with fresh vegetables if preferred.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- To keep sodium low, use unsalted chicken broth and control added salt amount.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean