Ah, chicken noodle soup-the ultimate comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth on a chilly day, soothes you when you’re feeling under the weather, and somehow tastes even better when shared with friends and family. If you’ve ever wandered through Trader Joe’s aisles and spotted their pre-made chicken noodle soup, you know it has this incredible balance of hearty broth, tender noodles, and flavorful chicken that feels homemade, yet is convenient.
The good news? You don’t need to rely on pre-packaged versions to get that Trader Joe’s magic. With the right ingredients, a bit of patience, and a sprinkle of love, you can recreate that perfect bowl at home. This recipe is all about capturing the soul of Trader Joe’s soup while letting you tweak it to your taste.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, here’s a snapshot of what you’re about to create:
- Flavor profile: Savory, lightly seasoned broth with tender chicken, soft yet firm noodles, and the subtle sweetness of carrots and onions.
- Texture: The noodles are perfectly cooked without being mushy, the chicken melts in your mouth, and the vegetables give a gentle crunch.
- Cooking time: About 45 minutes from start to finish, but most of that is just letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s your shopping list, broken down for convenience. Trader Joe’s ingredients are suggested where applicable, but substitutions can work too.
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Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer juicier meat)
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Broth
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (Trader Joe’s Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth is perfect)
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Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, sliced thinly
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- Optional: 1-2 cloves garlic, minced for extra depth
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Noodles
- 2 cups egg noodles (Trader Joe’s Egg Noodles work beautifully)
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Seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of turmeric for color and subtle flavor
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Finishing Touch
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a handful of chopped fresh parsley for brightness
Cooking Instructions
Let’s break this down step by step, in a way that even a newbie cook can follow confidently:
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Prep The Chicken
- Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, sear the chicken over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side to lock in flavor. You don’t need to cook it fully yet.
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Cook The Vegetables
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant. If using garlic, add it in the last minute.
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Build The Broth
- Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth.
- Stir in thyme, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
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Add Noodles
- Remove the chicken temporarily and add the egg noodles to the simmering broth. Cook according to package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes.
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Shred The Chicken
- While the noodles cook, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the soup.
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Final Touches
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh parsley before serving.
Ingredient Insights
- Chicken: Choosing breast or thigh depends on texture preference-breasts are lean and firm, thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
- Egg noodles: They absorb broth beautifully without falling apart. Wide noodles give a rustic feel, while thinner noodles cook faster.
- Vegetables: Carrots and celery are classic, but a handful of peas or corn can add a sweet twist.
- Herbs: Thyme is essential-it mimics that subtle earthy flavor in Trader Joe’s soup, while parsley adds freshness.
Expert Tips
- Always simmer gently after adding chicken. Boiling aggressively can make meat tough.
- Don’t overcook the noodles-they’ll continue softening in the hot broth.
- Use homemade broth if possible. Trader Joe’s is convenient, but homemade broth deepens flavor significantly.
- Add noodles last, right before serving if you want leftovers to last longer. Otherwise, they can get mushy.
- Taste constantly. Chicken noodle soup is all about layering flavors, so season gradually.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy version: Stir in a little half-and-half at the end for a comforting, creamy broth.
- Herbal variation: Swap thyme for rosemary or add a bay leaf during simmering.
- Vegetable-packed: Include zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra nutrients.
Final Words
Making Trader Joe’s Chicken Noodle Soup at home isn’t just about replicating flavor-it’s about creating that cozy, soul-soothing experience that comes from a hot bowl in your hands. You can adjust it to your preference, make it healthier, spicier, or more robust, but the core comfort remains.
A good chicken noodle soup is forgiving-it’s hard to mess up, but with care, it can feel gourmet. The aromas while cooking will make your kitchen smell heavenly, almost like a hug in a pot.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients In Trader Joe’s Chicken Noodle Soup?
Trader Joe’s chicken noodle soup typically contains cooked chicken, egg noodles, carrots, celery, onions, chicken broth, salt, and a blend of herbs such as parsley and thyme.
Can I Make Trader Joe’s Chicken Noodle Soup From Scratch?
Yes, you can replicate Trader Joe’s chicken noodle soup at home using fresh chicken, homemade chicken broth, egg noodles, vegetables like carrots and celery, and seasoning with herbs like parsley, thyme, and black pepper.
How Long Does It Take To Make Trader Joe’s Style Chicken Noodle Soup At Home?
Preparing a homemade version can take approximately 45 to 60 minutes, including cooking the chicken, simmering the broth, and cooking the noodles and vegetables.
Is Trader Joe’s Chicken Noodle Soup Gluten-free?
The standard Trader Joe’s chicken noodle soup contains egg noodles, which are not gluten-free. However, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the noodles with a gluten-free alternative.
Can I Freeze Trader Joe’s Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it, but it’s recommended to freeze the soup without the noodles to avoid them becoming mushy. Cooked noodles can be added freshly when reheating.
How Should I Store Trader Joe’s Chicken Noodle Soup After Opening?
Once opened, the soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 4 days for best quality and safety.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken For Trader Joe’s Chicken Noodle Soup At Home?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken can save time and add flavor. Simply shred the chicken and add it to your soup during the final cooking stages.
Are There Vegetarian Alternatives To Trader Joe’s Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What Herbs And Spices Are Recommended To Match Trader Joe’s Chicken Noodle Soup Flavor?
Common herbs and spices include parsley, thyme, black pepper, bay leaf, and a small amount of garlic powder. These help mimic the mild and savory flavor of Trader Joe’s version.
Can I Make Trader Joe’s Chicken Noodle Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make it in a slow cooker by combining all ingredients except noodles and cooking on low for 6-8 hours. Add noodles in the last 20-30 minutes to prevent them from overcooking.