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Cozy Thermos Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Easy Hot School Lunches

cozy thermos chicken noodle soup - featured image

A comforting and easy chicken noodle soup designed to stay warm and tasty in a thermos, perfect for hot school lunches and busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) water
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (or fresh parsley)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (about 10 oz) cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup (3.5 oz) uncooked small egg noodles
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, water, diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, celery, dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. While the broth simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (6-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  3. If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach chicken breasts gently in simmering water for about 15 minutes until cooked through. Remove and shred with two forks.
  4. Remove bay leaf from broth. Stir in shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh lemon juice if using.
  5. To pack, pour hot broth and chicken mixture into the thermos first, then add noodles on top just before sealing to prevent sogginess.
  6. If desired, pack a small container of chopped fresh parsley to sprinkle on top at lunchtime.

Notes

Preheat your thermos by filling it with boiling water for 5 minutes before adding soup to keep it warmer longer. Pack noodles separately or add just before sealing the thermos to avoid sogginess. Use small egg noodles for better fit and texture. Use low-sodium broth and control salt for a healthier option. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; freeze broth and chicken separately for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken noodle soup, thermos soup, school lunch, easy soup recipe, homemade chicken soup, comforting soup, kid-friendly lunch