Hearty Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup - The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like a cozy bowl of chicken noodle soup. Whether it’s a chilly winter afternoon or you’re feeling under the weather, this classic comfort food has a way of warming you from the inside out.

But for those of us with food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions, even simple comforts can feel out of reach. After my celiac diagnosis, I went years without enjoying a true bowl of chicken noodle soup. I tried chicken and rice soup - delicious, yes - but it just wasn’t the same and I longed for those big, hearty noodles.

Eventually, like so many other foods I missed, I decided to make my own gluten free version. Once I figured out how to make homemade noodles, I finally got to enjoy comforting and nourishing bowl of chicken noodle soup again.

Gluten-Free Egg Noodles

Growing up, the noodles were always my favorite part of chicken noodle soup. Not thin noodles, but thick, hearty noodles that you can really sink your teeth into. So when I set out to recreate this classic, homemade gluten free egg noodles were a must.

Homemade egg noodles only require three simple ingredients and a little elbow grease. You can find my gluten free egg noodle recipe here. The noodles can be made while the soup is simmering or ahead of time and stored in the freezer.  I often make a double batch and freeze half so I always have some on hand. I share tips for freezing and storing the noodles in that recipe. 

Bone Broth

The base of this delicious soup is a nourishing chicken bone broth. Yes, you can buy broth and stock at the store, but you must always check for certified gluten free broths and many of these also come with a higher price tag.

Here’s the best kept secret: homemade bone broth is incredibly easy to make, budget friendly, and you can control every ingredient. It’s practically “free”, made from the scraps of vegetables and chicken bones. For more details see my Easy Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth recipe here. You will love having a deeply flavorful broth that’s perfect for soups, gravies, sauces, and more. I promise that once you get in the habit, you’ll never want to go back to store bought.

Chicken

Now that we’ve talked about the bones, let’s talk about the meat. I usually use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe. Soup is one of my favorite ways to clean out the refrigerator. Roasted whole chicken or store-bought rotisserie chickens are economical and give us both the meat and the bones for broth. Win win! You can find my recipe for Easy Spatchcocked Roasted Chicken here.

No leftover chicken? No problem. Use your favorite method to cook 3 chicken breasts, dice or shred the chicken and add to the soup.  You could cook the chicken in the soup, but you will get those white protein “floaters” that are not very appetizing so I do not recommend cooking the chicken this way. 

Vegetables

I like to keep things simple and easy, so for this soup I stuck the to traditional mirepoix of onion, carrots and celery.  Please feel free to add any other vegetables you may like or have on hand or like to add to your chicken noodle soup. Again, soup is always a great way to use up those leftovers! 

Here are some ideas of other vegetable additions or ways to change the flavor of the soup:

Peas = Sweet Addition

Corn + Peppers = Mexican kick

Cabbage = Asian flair

Tomatoes + Mushrooms = a hearty Fall treat

My recipe can be made as-written or use it a base to start from and then make it your own.

Herbs and Seasonings

Herbs and aromatics can really elevate the flavors and health benefits of this soup. 

Garlic – Tastes great and has anti-microbial properties

Turmeric and Black Pepper - Anti inflammatory benefits

Dry parsley, thyme, and/or marjoram – Adds a fresh brightness to the soup and let’s you reduce your salt without compromising flavor

Tamari, Rice Wine Vinegar and sesame oil – Adds a simple Asian flair

Lime, Cilantro and Tajin – Bring in some warmth and Mexican flavors

I hope this comforting, gluten free version of chicken noodle soup brings as much warmth to your home as it does to mine. Use the recipe as written or customize it so it reminds you of your favorite version of chicken noodle soup – nourishing, gluten free and easy!