There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup on a chilly day. It just has this way of instantly transporting me back to my childhood, when my mom would simmer a big pot of her famous soup on the stove. The aroma of the simmering vegetables and herbs would fill the entire house, and I’d come running to the kitchen, eager to dig in.
These days, I try to recreate that nostalgic feeling with my own plant-based version of Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup. And let me tell you, this recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s so authentic in flavor, you’d never guess it’s completely meat-free and dairy-free. In fact, I’ve had so many non-vegans rave about this Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup, they can’t believe it’s not the real thing.
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Why This Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
The secret to this Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup’s incredible taste lies in the combination of ingredients and techniques. First, we’ve got tender chunks of plant-based chicken that mimic the texture and mouthfeel of the real thing. Then, we’ve got a rich, savory broth made with a blend of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices that truly capture the essence of traditional chicken noodle soup.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the way we cook the noodles. Instead of boiling them separately, we simmer them right in the broth, allowing them to soak up all that delicious flavor. The result is a perfectly al dente noodle that’s practically bursting with taste in every bite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Vegan chicken: This is the star of the show, providing that signature chicken-like texture and flavor.
– Carrots: For sweetness and a pop of color.
– Celery: Adds that classic aromatic flavor to the broth.
– Onion: Provides a savory, umami backbone.
– Garlic: Enhances the overall depth of flavor.
– Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and bay leaves lend that signature herb-y aroma.
– Broth: Vegetable or “no-chicken” broth creates the perfect savory base.
– Noodles: Wide egg-free noodles or your favorite pasta shape work great.
Step-by-Step Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
This Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup comes together in just about an hour, making it the perfect comforting meal for any night of the week. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to bring everything together, as well as a few basic kitchen tools like a knife and cutting board.
1- Start by chopping your onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly in the broth.
2- In your pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until it becomes nice and aromatic.
4- Pour in the vegetable broth and toss in the fresh thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
5- Once simmering, add in the vegan chicken pieces and the uncooked noodles. Let everything cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
6- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then ladle the piping hot Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup is to not overcook the noodles. Keep an eye on them and pull the pot off the heat as soon as they reach your desired texture. You also want to make sure you’re using a high-quality vegetable or “no-chicken” broth to provide that authentic chicken soup flavor.
Another pro tip is to let the soup sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the noodles to soak up even more of that delicious broth.
Serving and Storing Your Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfect Pairings for Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
This Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs beautifully with simple sides like crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich. For a heartier meal, you could serve it alongside a protein-packed grain like quinoa or farro.
And of course, no bowl of Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup is complete without a big ol’ hunk of crusty bread for dipping! I like to toast up some sourdough or ciabatta to soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup recipe makes a big batch, so you can enjoy it all week long. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This soup also freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
Creative Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
While this classic Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is pretty hard to beat, there are lots of fun ways you can mix it up. Try adding different veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You could also swap out the noodles for rice, quinoa, or even dumplings.
For a creamier version, stir in a bit of non-dairy milk or plant-based cream cheese towards the end of cooking. And if you’re a fan of spice, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Making Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Diet-Friendly
This Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is already dairy-free and gluten-free, but you can easily make it suitable for other dietary needs as well.
For a low-carb version, simply swap the noodles for spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles. You can also omit the noodles altogether and serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice.
If you need to make it soy-free, use a soy-free vegan chicken alternative. And for a nut-free option, just be mindful of any nut-based broths or chicken substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular chicken instead of vegan chicken?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not following a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can certainly use shredded rotisserie chicken or cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How can I thicken up the broth?
A: For a thicker, heartier broth, you can make a simple roux by melting a bit of vegan butter or olive oil in a small saucepan. Whisk in an equal amount of all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes before stirring it into the soup.
Q: Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
A: Definitely! This Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for the slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients except the noodles to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked noodles.
Q: How long will the leftovers keep?
A: Leftover Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw completely before reheating.
Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic comfort of Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup, a hearty and healthy twist on the beloved dish. Packed with tender vegetables, chewy noodles, and a savory broth, this recipe is sure to warm your soul.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 yellow onion, diced
– 3 celery stalks, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 package (12 oz) plant-based chicken, shredded or cubed
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 8 oz wide egg noodles
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. – Add the garlic and plant-based chicken, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. – Pour in the vegetable broth and add the egg noodles, bay leaves, thyme, and parsley. Bring the soup to a boil.
4. – Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. – Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. – Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Notes
For a heartier soup, add in 1-2 cups of frozen peas or corn. You can also use a variety of plant-based chicken alternatives, such as shredded seitan or chopped tofu.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot bowl of Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food – it’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s completely plant-based, so everyone can enjoy it.
I hope this Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup becomes a new go-to in your household. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below, and be sure to share your photos on social media using the hashtag #VeganChickenNoodleSoup. Enjoy!
