My children have always turned to my chicken noodle soup when feeling under the weather, and with good reason. Experts agree that chicken noodle soup may ease cold symptoms by boosting immunity, rehydrating the body, and promoting digestion. This recipe is packed with nutrient-rich veggies like carrots, celery, and onions—all excellent sources of vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and essential minerals. It’s the perfect meal to warm both body and soul when you need it most. It’s also gluten free!
Recipe serves 10
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 8 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
- 2 lbs carrots (diced; baby carrots work well)
- 2 cups low-sodium cream of chicken soup
- 16 cups chicken broth or homemade stock (recipe below)
- 1 rotisserie chicken (2 1/4 lbs), skin removed, trimmed, and deboned
- 1 lb dry potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup brown rice
- 1/4 tsp sea salt & black pepper, or to taste
- Garnished with fresh, chopped parsley
Homemade Chicken Stock
- 1 gallon filtered water
- 3 tbsp chicken bouillon powder (reduced sodium)
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp each: sage, rosemary, thyme
- Chicken bones from rotisserie chicken
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken Stock:
Debone the rotisserie chicken and set the meat aside.
Place the chicken bones in a large stock pot along with 1 gallon of filtered water, bouillon powder, poultry seasoning, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 2 hours (longer for richer flavor). Strain the stock and set aside. - Sauté Vegetables:
Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped celery and onions, sautéing for 8–10 minutes until softened and aromatic. - Combine Ingredients:
Pour the prepared chicken stock into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
Stir in the low-sodium cream of chicken soup and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. - Cook the Rice and Carrots:
Add the brown rice and diced carrots to the pot.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender. - Add Chicken and Gnocchi:
Stir the deboned chicken into the soup.
Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, rinse, and add to the soup. - Season and Serve:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 315
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 5g
Net Carbs: 31g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 27g
This version keeps the soul-soothing essence of the original while emphasizing a homemade touch, a lower-sodium option, and thoughtful presentation. Enjoy this wholesome soup, whether you’re under the weather or simply craving a hearty meal!
