As a child, I remember the warm scent of chicken noodle soup filling the kitchen every Sunday afternoon. My mom would prepare the soup while my aunt worked her magic on mashed potatoes, creating a comforting meal that would satisfy even the pickiest eaters. But it wasn’t until a trip to my neighbor’s house—a charming Mexican family just down the street—that I first encountered the concept of pairing chicken noodle soup over mashed potatoes. It was an unexpected twist that forever changed my perspective on comfort food.
Background of Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup has long been considered a symbol of comfort, particularly in Western cuisine. The rich, nourishing broth, tender chicken, and soft noodles have made it a go-to dish for those feeling under the weather or seeking a bit of solace after a long day.
Key Ingredients For Chicken Noodle Soup Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients and Tools Needed
Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ to 2 pounds) form the hearty protein base. Simmered in broth, they become tender and flavorful.
Broth – 4 cups of chicken broth serve as the rich, savory foundation of the soup.
Potatoes – About 2 pounds of russet potatoes (around 6 medium), peeled and cut into chunks, create the comforting mashed potato layer.
Carrots – Optional but recommended. A couple of chopped carrots add a subtle sweetness and classic flavor to the broth.
Butter & Milk – Butter and warmed milk bring richness and creaminess to the mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Noodles – Wide egg noodles (6 ounces) absorb the flavorful broth and provide a soft bite. You can also use homemade noodles.
Optional Homemade Noodles – Use ½ cup White Kamut flour and ½ cup water to create a simple dough if you prefer from-scratch noodles.
Peas – Thawed frozen peas (2 cups) add a pop of green color and slight sweetness in the final step.
Techniques for Smooth, Lump-Free Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and cut potatoes into uniform chunks for even cooking.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly before mashing to avoid excess moisture.
- Use warm milk and softened butter for smooth, creamy mashed potatoes. Mix gently until all ingredients are incorporated.
Step By Step Preparation
Step 1 – Cook the Chicken
In a large saucepan, combine the boneless chicken breasts and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside to cool, leaving the broth in the pan.
Step 2 – Boil the Potatoes
Meanwhile, place the peeled and chopped russet potatoes in a separate pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well.
Step 3 – Mash the Potatoes
With the pot removed from heat, mash the drained potatoes using a potato masher or hand mixer. Add the butter, warmed milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
Step 4 – Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Step 5 – Make the Soup Base
Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the reserved broth. Add chopped carrots and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Step 6 – Add the Noodles
When the broth is bubbling, stir in the egg noodles. Reduce heat to medium and cook according to package directions (or 2–3 minutes if using homemade noodles).
Step 7 – Add the Peas
Stir in the thawed peas and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed.
Step 8 – Serve
To serve, spoon a generous mound of mashed potatoes onto each plate or bowl, then ladle the warm chicken noodle soup over the top. Enjoy this cozy, comforting dish right away!
Variations and Add-ins
- Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover turkey adds great flavor and saves prep time.
- Vegetable bouillon can easily replace chicken bouillon for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly twist.
- Short on time? Use store-bought chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.
- Need a quick fix? Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp chicken bouillon for instant broth.
- Better Than Bouillon adds deep, savory flavor—I reach for it whenever I want a boost.
For a different flavor profile, try Chicken Bone Broth Noodle Soup. It features aromatic spices and fresh herbs that add a unique twist to classic chicken noodle soup.
You might also enjoy Puerto Rican Chicken Noodle Soup for more comforting options.
Tips for Chicken Noodle Soup Over Mashed Potatoes
Making the Soup Extra Flavorful
A few small additions can make your chicken noodle soup even better.
Adding a Splash of Lemon Juice or Vinegar
Lemon juice or vinegar can add a delightful zing to the soup, cutting through the richness of the mashed potatoes and balancing the flavors. I love to squeeze a bit of lemon over the soup just before serving for an extra touch of brightness.
The Role of Salt and Pepper in Balancing the Flavor
Salt and pepper are essential for elevating the overall flavor of the soup. Be sure to taste your broth as it simmers and adjust the seasoning to your liking. A pinch of salt can bring out the natural flavors of the chicken, while freshly cracked pepper adds warmth.
How to Customize the Dish
One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Adaptations
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily make chicken noodle soup over mashed potatoes gluten-free by using rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. For a dairy-free version, simply swap the butter and milk in the mashed potatoes for olive oil and plant-based milk.
Spicy Variations for a Bold Kick
If you prefer a bit of heat, add chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a spicy variation. The added kick works beautifully with the rich, creamy potatoes.
Chicken Noodle Soup Over Mashed Potatoes
Chicken noodle soup over mashed potatoes—a warm, hearty twist on a classic comfort dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup warm milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken Noodle Soup:
- 1 pound bone-in chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Peel and chop Russet potatoes. Boil in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Make the Chicken Broth:
In a large pot, simmer bone-in chicken with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper for 45 minutes. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
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You can use store-bought chicken broth instead of making your own.
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Rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly in place of fresh chicken.
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For extra flavor, use Better Than Bouillon chicken base.
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Make it gluten-free with rice noodles and dairy-free with plant-based milk and oil.
Keyword chicken noodle soup, chicken noodle soup over mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes and soup, mashed potatoes with chicken soup, soup over mashed potatoes
Conclusion
chicken noodle soup over mashed potatoes is an excellent way to elevate a classic comfort food. Combining the richness of creamy potatoes with the savory depth of chicken noodle soup creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients and flavors—there’s room for experimentation. Whether you’re adding extra vegetables, using homemade noodles, or introducing a bit of spice, this combination can easily become a new family favorite.
FAQs
Do potatoes go well in chicken noodle soup?
Yes, potatoes pair wonderfully with chicken noodle soup. They absorb the flavorful broth, adding richness and a creamy texture that complements the soup’s savory elements.
What pairs well with chicken noodle soup?
Classic side dishes like crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even some pickled vegetables can complement the flavors of chicken noodle soup. Mashed potatoes, of course, add an extra layer of comfort
How to make your chicken noodle soup better?
To improve your chicken noodle soup, make sure to use homemade broth and incorporate fresh herbs and vegetables. Adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end will brighten up the flavors.
Why lemon juice in chicken noodle soup?
Lemon juice brings brightness to the soup, balancing the richness of the chicken and potatoes. It enhances the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast.
Why add vinegar to chicken noodle soup?
Vinegar cuts through the richness of the broth and potatoes, adding a subtle tang that makes the dish more balanced and flavorful.
