If you're looking for comfort food on a chilly day, a bowl of chicken noodle soup can be just the ticket. This small serving has 110 calories, making it a low calorie and low fat option for a light meal.

In addition to its low calorie count, this soup is also a good source of protein and several key vitamins and minerals.

In this article, we'll explore some of the ingredients, preparation instructions, and health benefits of chicken noodle soup, as well as some serving suggestions to help you enjoy it to the fullest.

Ingredients

The key ingredients in chicken noodle soup are chicken, noodles, and broth. In addition to these staples, many recipes also call for vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, as well as herbs and spices like parsley, thyme, and garlic. The exact ingredients and proportions will vary depending on the recipe you use. To make a basic chicken noodle soup, you'll need to start with a pot of chicken broth. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme. Simmer the vegetables until they are tender, then add diced or shredded cooked chicken and cooked egg noodles. Heat the soup until it is heated through, adjusting the seasoning as needed. There are countless variations on this basic recipe, from adding extra vegetables to using different types of noodles or adding a dash of hot sauce for a little extra kick.

Preparation Instructions

To make a pot of chicken noodle soup, start by heating a pot of chicken broth over medium heat. Add diced vegetables like carrots and celery, along with minced garlic and a pinch of thyme if desired. Simmer the vegetables until they are tender, then add diced or shredded cooked chicken and cooked egg noodles. Cook the soup until it is hot and the flavors have melded together, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crackers or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for cold weather or when you're feeling under the weather. Serve it hot with crackers or a piece of crusty bread for a simple but satisfying meal. For a heartier meal, pair this soup with a fresh green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich. You can also customize the soup with different veggies and seasonings to suit your taste.

Health Benefits

Chicken noodle soup has several health benefits, starting with its low calorie and low fat content. It is also a good source of protein, as well as key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and potassium. The vegetables in the soup also add fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, soup has been shown to help soothe sore throats and other mild cold symptoms, making it a go-to choice when you're feeling unwell.

Calorie Count

A small serving of chicken noodle soup, which is typically 227 g, has around 110 calories. This makes it a good choice for a light lunch or dinner.

Vitamin Content

Chicken noodle soup is a good source of several key vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. These vitamins play important roles in immune function, bone health, and blood clotting, among other things. The soup's vegetables are particularly rich in these vitamins, providing a boost of nutrition with every spoonful.

Mineral Content

In addition to its vitamin content, chicken noodle soup is also a good source of several important minerals. These include potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are essential for healthy bones, muscles, and nerves. Chicken itself is a good source of zinc and iron, two minerals that play a key role in immune function and oxygen transport throughout the body.

Protein Content

Chicken noodle soup is a good source of protein, providing around 14 grams per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and also plays a key role in immune function and hormone regulation. The chicken in the soup is the primary source of protein, but the egg noodles and vegetables also contribute some protein to the mix.

Fat Content

Chicken noodle soup is a low fat food, with around 2-3 grams of fat per serving. This makes it a good choice for those watching their weight or trying to eat a healthy diet. Of the fat in the soup, most comes from the chicken itself, which is a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Carbohydrate Content

A serving of chicken noodle soup has around 15 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the egg noodles and vegetables in the soup. These carbs provide energy for the body, and are an important part of a healthy diet. The soup also has around 2 grams of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal.