This Dairy-Free Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and comforting, perfect for chilly days! It’s packed with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and noodles, all in a tasty broth.
Making this soup feels like a big hug in a bowl! I love how easy it is—just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. Plus, it’s a hit with everyone, even the dairy lovers! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This brings a nice flavor to sauté your vegetables. You could use avocado oil or coconut oil if you prefer a different taste or if you’re avoiding olive oil.
Chicken Broth: A good quality, low-sodium chicken broth is key. You can use homemade broth or try vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Just make sure it’s labeled dairy-free!
Vegetables: Yellow onion gives sweetness, but you can substitute with shallots or green onions. Carrots and celery add great texture, but feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers or peas.
Noodles: Look for gluten-free or egg-free noodles if needed, but feel free to use any pasta you enjoy. Just check the packaging to ensure they are dairy-free!
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Perfectly Cooked?
For the right texture in this soup, sautéing your vegetables is important. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat and add your olive oil.
- Cook the onions for about 2-3 minutes until they are soft before adding garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Stir and let everything sauté together until they are tender and fragrant, about another 5-7 minutes.
- This step builds flavor that forms the base of the soup!
Remember, you can adjust how cooked you want your vegetables. If you love a bit of crunch, cook them for less time!
Dairy-Free Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (dairy-free, low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 6 ounces egg-free or regular wide egg noodles (check for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley, plus extra fresh parsley for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: Crispy bacon bits (ensure no dairy), fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need around 20-25 minutes for cooking. So, in total, set aside about 40 minutes to have a warm and delicious pot of soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the sliced carrots and celery. Continue to sauté everything for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender, and the onions look translucent.
2. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. This will create a nice, flavorful base for your soup.
3. Season the Soup:
Once the broth is boiling, add the dried thyme, parsley, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
4. Cook the Noodles:
Add the egg noodles to the boiling broth. Cook according to the package instructions until they’re al dente, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes.
5. Stir in the Chicken:
Once the noodles are nearly cooked, add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it in to warm through. This step adds protein and makes the soup hearty!
6. Final Adjustments:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You want it to be just right!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup hot in bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy bacon bits if you like. This adds a lovely crunch and extra flavor!
8. Enjoy!
Pair your comforting chicken noodle soup with some dairy-free bread or crackers if desired. Bask in the warmth of this cozy meal!
Enjoy your creamy-tasting yet dairy-free chicken noodle soup!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor to your soup. Just make sure to shred off the skin and bones before adding it to your pot!
What Noodles Can I Use for a Gluten-Free Version?
If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Many brands offer a variety of styles that work wonderfully in this recipe, so just check the labels to ensure they’re gluten-free!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. If the noodles absorb too much broth upon reheating, you can always add a splash of more broth or water to bring back its consistency.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your soup with vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn. Just add them a few minutes before the noodles finish cooking so they don’t get overcooked!
