Creamy Apple-Infused Chicken Noodle Soup
This delightful Creamy Apple-Infused Chicken Noodle Soup offers a unique twist on the classic chicken noodle soup, infusing bright notes of Granny Smith apples and a hint of Calvados apple brandy. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings, providing warmth and nourishment in every spoonful. With tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy finish, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Easy to prepare, you'll have this delicious pot of goodness ready in no time! Serve it paired with crusty bread for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
leek
1 (cleaned and finely diced, including 1 inch of green)
granny smith apple
1 (peeled and finely diced)
calvados (apple brandy)
2 tablespoons (for deglazing)
cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (to add acidity)
chicken broth (stock)
5 cups (homemade or store-bought)
apple juice (or cider)
1 cup (for sweetness)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
12 ounces (cut into 1-inch cubes)
egg noodles
2 cups (dried)
heavy cream
1/2 cup (for creaminess)
gruyere cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
white pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
chives
1/4 cup (finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced leeks and Granny Smith apple, stirring to combine. Cover and simmer until the leeks are tender, about 5 minutes.
2
Uncover the saucepan and pour in the Calvados. Increase the heat slightly and let it reduce until the liquid is nearly evaporated, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cider vinegar, chicken broth, and apple juice, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3
Once simmering, add the cubed chicken and egg noodles to the broth. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the noodles are tender, about 5 minutes.
4
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Gruyere cheese. Allow it to warm gently, seasoning with salt and white pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
5
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with finely chopped chives before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Apple-Infused Chicken Noodle Soup?
It is a unique twist on classic chicken noodle soup featuring Granny Smith apples, Calvados apple brandy, and a creamy finish with Gruyere cheese.
What kind of apples are best for this soup?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness provides bright notes that balance the creamy broth.
Can I substitute the Calvados?
Yes, you can use any apple brandy or omit it and deglaze the pan with a little extra apple juice or chicken broth instead.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
This is a quick recipe; the vegetables sauté for 5 minutes, followed by a few minutes for reduction and a final 5 minutes to cook the chicken and noodles.
What cut of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes.
Can I use a different cheese than Gruyere?
While Gruyere provides a distinct nutty flavor, you could substitute it with Swiss, Emmental, or a mild white cheddar.
Why is apple juice included in a chicken soup?
Apple juice or cider adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tart diced apples and the savory chicken broth.
Which parts of the leek are used?
Use the cleaned and finely diced white part of the leek, including about 1 inch of the light green portion.
Can I use store-bought broth?
Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought chicken broth or stock for this recipe.
How do I prevent the heavy cream from curdling?
Lower the heat before stirring in the heavy cream and cheese, allowing it to warm gently without reaching a rolling boil.
Can I use apple cider instead of apple juice?
Yes, apple cider works perfectly as a substitute for apple juice to provide sweetness.
Do I need to cook the noodles before adding them?
No, the dried egg noodles are added directly to the simmering broth and cooked until tender along with the chicken.
What is the best garnish for this soup?
Finely chopped fresh chives make an excellent garnish, adding a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Is this a good meal for cold weather?
Absolutely, it is described as a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings and providing warmth.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute if you prefer a juicier dark meat.
What type of noodles work best?
The recipe specifies dried egg noodles, which are hearty and hold up well in a creamy soup base.
How do I clean the leeks properly?
Slice the leeks, then rinse them thoroughly in a bowl of cold water to remove any sand or grit trapped between the layers.
What does cider vinegar add to the recipe?
Cider vinegar adds necessary acidity to balance the richness of the heavy cream and the sweetness of the apples.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of butter to melt and sauté the leeks and apples.
What is the texture of the soup?
It has a creamy, hearty texture thanks to the heavy cream, melted Gruyere, and the starch from the egg noodles.
Can I make this alcohol-free?
Yes, simply skip the Calvados and use a little extra chicken broth to deglaze the pan after sautéing the leeks.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is highly recommended to serve this soup with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with simple steps and a short total cooking time.
How much salt and pepper should be used?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and white pepper, but you should adjust to your personal taste.
Can I use dried chives?
Fresh chives are best for garnish, but dried chives can be substituted if fresh are not available.
What size should the chicken be cut into?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Pour in the Calvados after sautéing the vegetables and stir to release the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, though the noodles may absorb more liquid over time, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Is this soup considered a complete meal?
Yes, it provides protein from chicken, carbohydrates from noodles, and fats from cream, making it very nourishing.
What heat level is used to melt the butter?
The butter should be melted over medium heat at the beginning of the recipe.