If you have a craving for comfort food that’s both nourishing and delicious, you can’t do much better than a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup. This classic dish has soothing elements that make it excellent for those days when you just need a little extra warmth and coziness. But chicken noodle soup doesn’t have to be the only star of the show. Pairing it with the right sides can boost the flavors and make for an even more enjoyable meal. Here are some of the best dishes to serve alongside chicken noodle soup.
Toasted Garlic Bread
A classic that’s always a favorite, garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to chicken noodle soup. The garlic adds both flavor and aromatic depth, while the toasted bread adds a nice crunchy contrast to the deliciously smooth broth. For extra garlicky goodness, sprinkle some extra minced garlic over the bread after it comes out of the oven.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Another quintessential comfort food, it doesn’t get much better than a grilled cheese sandwich. The molten cheese and buttery, golden-brown crust make the perfect accompaniment to chicken noodle soup, and it’s sure to be a favorite with kids. Try adding some extra flavor to your sandwich with some sliced ham, bacon, or even a drizzle of fig jam.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
If you’re looking for a way to dress up your soup and make it a real showstopper, cheesy pull-apart bread is the way to go. This tasty side dish is made with dough, mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs, and it’s baked to golden-brown perfection. Together with the soup, it makes for a dynamic combination that will please the entire family.
Couscous with Peas and Herbs
Looking for something a bit lighter but still filled with flavor? Couscous is an excellent choice. Cooked in chicken or vegetable broth, this dish has lovely hints of garlic and parsley, and the addition of some sweet peas will add a touch of sweetness. Your taste buds and your stomach will both thank you for this delicious side dish.
Greek Salad
What to eat with chicken noodle soup? Greek salad is the perfect addition to chicken noodle soup. The contrast of flavors between the feta, olives, and tomatoes will bring new levels of flavor to the soup, and the addition of crunchy lettuce and cucumbers add a lovely texture.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting is a great way to bring out the natural sweetness of vegetables, and it adds a nice crunchy contrast to your soup. Any variety of vegetables can be roasted, including carrots, potatoes, squash, and Brussels sprouts. For added flavor, toss in some fresh herbes de Provence, garlic, and a splash of olive oil before putting them in the oven.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, creamy, and with a hint of garlic, mashed potatoes make a wonderful side dish for chicken noodle soup. Add a bit of milk, butter, and Parmesan cheese for a comforting flavor, and you have the perfect side for a cozy evening. If you’re feeling creative, roast some cauliflower and fold it into the potatoes for an extra pop of flavor.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? This easy dish is warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious. Make it extra special by adding some smoked paprika to the cheese sauce, and then top it with a layer of buttered breadcrumbs before popping it in the oven. The combination of flavors with the soup will be unbeatable.
While a bowl of chicken noodle soup is a classic and satisfying meal, it doesn’t have to be the only thing on the menu. These tasty side dishes will take your soup to the next level, and make for a satisfying and comforting dinner. So, the next time you’re looking for something warming and delicious, whip up a big pot of chicken noodle soup and try one of these tasty pairings – you won’t be disappointed.
Is chicken noodle soup healthy?
Ah, chicken noodle soup. It’s a classic dish that’s been comfort food around the world for centuries, usually enjoyed a few times a year, or once in a blue moon. But is it healthy, or is it just a tasty bowl of savory broth with a few bits of vegetables, noodles, and chicken?
For those looking to answer this question, the first point to consider is that chicken noodle soup is traditionally made with mostly healthy ingredients. All the elements in the soup chicken, vegetables, and noodles are whole foods, minimally processed, and natural. Even the chicken itself can be healthy, depending on whether it’s organic, free-range, and so on. If you were ever asked is gatorade gluten free, check our old article, it was updated.
Noodles may be whole-wheat, and the vegetables can include cancer-fighting onions, carrots, and celery. As long as salt and fat are kept in moderation and the broth is homemade, this soup can be a delicious and nutritious meal.
On the other hand, many versions of chicken noodle soup available in stores, restaurants, and fast food eateries are made using various additives and flavor enhancers, along with more salt and fat than the homemade variety. This can elevate the sodium and saturated fat levels while remaining tasty. Eating too many of these highly processed versions can potentially lead to health issues over time.
Now, let’s consider the calories in chicken noodle soup. A bowl of the homemade kind will most likely be low in calories, depending on how large the bowl is and how much chicken is added. It could be as low as 150-200 calories, making it a great meal for those looking to lose or maintain their weight. On the other hand, the “easy” version of chicken noodle soup could contain nearly twice as many calories, depending on the serving size.
What about the nutrients? Again, the homemade version of chicken noodle soup offers the most nutritional value, with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and even some protein. Many meals made with chicken noodle soup have been found to have a fairly balanced nutritional profile. The store-bought and fast food versions, however, can be very lacking in nutrition compared to the homemade kind. As these are the versions most often consumed, it’s important to keep nutrition top of mind when eating chicken noodle soup.
Finally, let’s look at the fibrous content of chicken noodle soup. While it’s not particularly high in fiber, whole-wheat noodles can contribute a decent amount of fiber, as can vegetables. Eating chicken noodle soup with a side of leafy greens can help increase the fiber content, as can making your chicken noodle soup with fresh ingredients.
So, is chicken noodle soup healthy? In conclusion, it all depends on the type of soup you’re eating. Unlike the expensive sushi, the homemade kind, made with wholesome ingredients, can be a nutritious and delicious meal, while the store-bought or fast food options are often full of additives and higher in sodium and fat. Eating too much of the highly processed versions can lead to health issues, but a homemade bowl can be a great option for those looking for a low-calorie and nutritious meal.
