The Unexpected Ingredient That Will Take Your Chicken Soup Up A Notch

As autumn gives way to the chilled season of winter, the time of crackling fireplaces, heavy coats, and wondering when to turn the heat on is coming upon us. And while winter offers a lot for us to enjoy, one of the best has got to be the food. This is the time of steaming mugs of hot cocoa, warm focaccia just out of the oven, and warm bowls of soup. So in spite of the temperatures, and the ice covering our front windshields in the early mornings, we're still pretty happy knowing some soup will be on the table.

One of the most iconic varieties of stews and soups is a classic bowl of chicken noodle. So in celebration of the season, Daily Meal recipe developer Stephanie Rapone and Daily Meal Staff crafted their own take on this comforting (and quick) meal. Although it retains much of its signature characteristics, from the savory taste of chicken broth to soft spiral noodles, we added one special ingredient that flips the whole recipe on its head. 

The recipe for a good old-fashioned bowl of chicken noodle soup is as old as time. But contrary to what you might believe, there are still a few new ways to approach it. Daily Meal recipe developer Stephanie Rapone gave some insight into what they love about their take on chicken noodle soup, and how it stands out from the rest.

With some fresh additions like thyme, garlic, and black pepper, Rapone says this version is better than anything you'll get in the store. "It's healthier overall and I think it's more tasty, too." Complete with classic wholesome additions like celery, carrots, and onions, it's a perfect boost of immunity. The recipe only calls for a few ingredients too, and according to Rapone, that simplicity is its power. "This chicken noodle soup comes together quickly, but tastes like it simmered on the stove all day," she said. 

One of the best things about this take on chicken noodle soup is that it keeps in the fridge for up to five days, so you can have it all week if you like to meal prep. (Although it's best to store the noodles separately to prevent mushy textures). Lastly, Rapone lets readers in on one secret weapon that sets her soup apart: the iconic spice that you've probably already got in your pantry.

While many elements of our chicken noodle soup remain true, we added one ingredient to bring a truly well-rounded kick of flavor to the dish. Per The Daily Meal, a dash of cinnamon can mean all the difference in the world for your chicken noodle. While the ingredient may seem surprising, recipe developer Stephanie Rapone explains why it meshes so well with the soup's other additions. "It is the secret ingredient. You would never taste it and think "oh, there's cinnamon in this," but it provides a really amazing warm undertone to the soup," she said.

In addition to cinnamon, other ingredients for this chicken noodle soup recipe include the traditional lineup of veggies, butter, garlic, salt and pepper, herbs like thyme and bay leaves, chicken bouillon and broth, and, of course, the chicken itself. So if you're craving the familiarity of a pot of chicken noodle soup this season, but you're still searching for a little something extra, try reaching for some cinnamon.