This Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and cozy, perfect for chilly days! It features tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and gluten-free noodles that soak up all that yummy broth.
Whenever I make this soup, it feels like a hug in a bowl! I love slurping the noodles while the chicken gives me the comfort I need. It’s so easy, even my busy days can’t stop me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing because of its flavor. If you prefer, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil instead. Both will work well for cooking but might add a different taste.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps the soup healthier. You can replace it with vegetable broth for a lighter version or homemade broth if you have some on hand!
Gluten-Free Noodles: Rice noodles or gluten-free pasta make perfect choices. You can also use spiralized zucchini or other veggies for a lower-carb option if desired.
Vegetables: Feel free to add peas or green beans for extra color and nutrients. If you don’t have celery, you can use extra carrots or even bell peppers in a pinch.
How Can I Make Sure My Soup Has Plenty of Flavor?
The key to a flavorful soup is layering flavors throughout the cooking process. Start by cooking the onions until they are translucent, which helps release their natural sweetness. Then, don’t skip sautéing garlic with the veggies; it adds a delicious aroma!
- Cook the veggies long enough to soften them, but not so much that they lose their texture.
- Simmer the broth with the vegetables to let all those flavors mingle, making your soup taste fantastic!
- Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end – a little more salt or pepper can go a long way.
Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 ounces gluten-free noodles (such as rice noodles or gluten-free pasta)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley, plus extra fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take about 10-15 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal that is ready in 30-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step helps to release the onion’s sweetness.
2. Add the Aromatics:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to start softening but still maintain some crunch.
3. Pour in the Broth:
Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are nice and tender.
4. Mix in the Chicken and Herbs:
Add the shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, and dried parsley to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Cook the Noodles:
Meanwhile, cook the gluten-free noodles in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
6. Combine and Season:
Once the soup is ready, add the cooked noodles to the pot and stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Sip, savor, and enjoy your hearty, gluten-free chicken noodle soup!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great in this recipe. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the noodles if you plan on freezing it, as they can become mushy when reheated.
What Gluten-Free Noodles Should I Use?
You can use rice noodles or any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just ensure they’re labeled gluten-free. Cook them separately as instructed on the package and add them to the soup just before serving for the best texture.
How Can I Make the Soup More Flavorful?
For added depth of flavor, consider adding bay leaves while the soup simmers, or a splash of lemon juice right before serving. Tasting and adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper is also key!
