Name: Sweet Tomatoes Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken drumsticks: 750 g; Egg noodles: 115 g; Chopped carrot: 200 g; Chopped celery: 2 stalks; Chopped onion: 150 g; Water: 2.5 L; Salt: to taste; Ground black pepper: to taste; Whole carrot: 1; Whole onion: 1; Celery stalks: 2; Thyme: 2 sprigs; Rosemary: 2 sprigs; Parsley: 2 sprigs; Peppercorns: 10

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My local Sweet Tomatoes was my happy place. Nothing beats a bowl of their chicken noodle soup. It was my favorite part of every visit. The clear broth, tender chicken, and perfect noodles always made my day better.

When the restaurants closed, I knew I had to make it myself. I worked to get the flavor just right. This Sweet Tomatoes Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe brings back that comfort.

It’s simple, uses basic ingredients, and tastes very similar to the original. Let’s make a pot together.

Why This Chicken Noodle Soup Became a Fan Favorite

This soup became popular for a few simple reasons. First, it always felt light and clean. After eating it, you never felt heavy or too full. The broth was clear and richly flavored, not greasy.

The restaurant used fresh ingredients you could see, like chunks of carrot and celery. Many people found comfort in having this soup as part of their routine. A visit to Sweet Tomatoes felt complete with a bowl of this soup.

People often talk about missing the whole experience, the smell of the bakery, and the fresh salad bar. But this soup is one of the main things they remember fondly. It was a reliable, familiar favorite.

How This Version Stands Apart From Other Chicken Soups

Sweet Tomatoes’ chicken noodle soup stands out because of its broth. It is lighter and cleaner than most regular chicken noodle soups, which tend to be thick and heavy. Sweet Tomatoes uses a clear, tasty broth made from chicken and fresh herbs.

The vegetables are cut into bigger pieces, so you get nice chunks of carrot and celery in every spoonful. The noodles are soft but not mushy. Everything tastes fresh.

Some people think Panera’s chicken noodle soup is similar, but it is thicker, creamier, and feels richer. Sweet Tomatoes’ soup is lighter and simpler.

Other soups, like Chick-fil-A’s chicken noodle soup, also use fresh ingredients, but Sweet Tomatoes has its own special touch. The herbs and the cooking method make it unique.

This recipe aims to recreate that same light and comforting flavor with fresh broth, simple veggies, and classic noodles.

Sweet Tomatoes Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Copycat

How Close This Recipe Is to the Original

This is my best attempt at recreating a beloved soup from Sweet Tomatoes, based on my memories and experiences. I can’t say it’s an exact match because Sweet Tomatoes never shared its official recipe.

I’ve worked hard to get close to that original flavor. Many people online, especially on Reddit, talk about missing this soup. They often mention the clear broth and specific vegetable cuts.

This recipe uses those common tips to guide me. The result is a homemade soup that brings back the familiar taste of Sweet Tomatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Soup

Chicken Drumsticks (750 g): Use these for a rich, meaty flavor in the broth. You can also use chicken thighs or a whole chicken. Chicken breasts have less flavor.

Egg Noodles (115 g): Choose soft, classic egg noodles. You can use wide or thin noodles, or even pasta like rotini or penne.

Carrot (200 g): This adds sweetness and color to the soup. Use baby carrots or cut regular carrots into small pieces.

Celery (2 stalks): This adds a fresh taste to the soup. Celery hearts or a bit of celery root work too.

Onion (150 g): This adds a savory base to the broth. Yellow, white onions, or shallots are good options.

Water (2.5 L): This is the main liquid for your broth. You can use low-sodium chicken stock for more flavor.

Salt: Add to taste to enhance flavor. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.

Ground Black Pepper: Add to taste for spice and warmth. You can use whole peppercorns or crushed black pepper.

For The Broth Extras:

1 Carrot: This adds flavor. You can also use carrot scraps or tops.

1 Onion: This creates a rich, sweet taste. You can leave the skin on for more color.

2 Stalks of Celery: These add freshness to the broth. You can also use celery leaves.

2 Sprigs of Thyme: This is a classic herb for chicken soup. You can also use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.

2 Sprigs of Rosemary: This gives a woodsy flavor. About 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary is a substitute.

2 Sprigs of Parsley: This brightens the broth. Dried parsley works if needed.

10 Peppercorns: These add gentle heat to the broth. Crushed black pepper can also be used as a replacement.

Tools That Help the Process

Stockpot (at least 4.5 L): This is important for making broth.
Carving board: Use this to shred the chicken.
Pot for noodles: Keep the noodles separate in this pot.
Bowl: Use this to hold the shredded meat.
Colander: This drains the noodles clean.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking the Soup

Prepare Your Vegetables

Chop the carrots and celery into small pieces. Also, chop the onion. Set these chopped vegetables aside. Keep the whole vegetables separate from the broth.

Cook and Clean the Chicken

Put the drumsticks in a large pot. Add 1.5 liters of water. Bring the water to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Drain the water and rinse the chicken to get a cleaner broth.

Make the Clear Broth

Put the chicken back in the pot. Add 2.5 liters of fresh water. Bring the water to a boil. Use a spoon to remove any foam that forms. Add the whole carrot, onion, celery stalks, parsley, peppercorns, thyme, and rosemary. Cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

Shred Chicken and Strain Broth

Take the chicken out of the pot. Let it cool, then pull the meat off the bones and shred it. Throw away the bones. Use a colander to strain the broth into a large bowl. Discard the cooked vegetables and herbs.

Finish the Soup

Pour the clear broth back into the pot. Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and shredded chicken. Let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Cook Noodles Separately

While the soup simmers, bring water to a boil in another pot. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked noodles to the soup pot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Heat it through, then turn off the stove. Your Sweet Tomatoes Chicken Noodle Soup is ready.

8 Helpful Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Skip the Double Boil
Boiling the chicken twice may seem like extra work, but it makes the broth clean and clear. The first boil removes impurities. The second boil adds flavor.

Cook Noodles Separately
It may be tempting to put the noodles in the soup pot, but don’t. Noodles absorb broth and become soggy. Cooking them separately keeps them perfect.

Taste as You Go
Don’t wait until the end to add salt and pepper. Tasting the broth after adding the chicken, then the veggies, and before the noodles helps build flavor step by step.

Use Fresh Herbs
Dried herbs are okay, but fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley make a big difference. They smell and taste better. You can find them at most grocery stores.

Don’t Overcook the Veggies
You want carrots and celery to be soft but not mushy. Keep an eye on them during the 20-minute boil. They should be tender but still have a bit of crunch.

Skim the Foam
When you boil the chicken, foam will form on the surface. Skimming it off with a spoon makes the broth clearer and better tasting.

Let the Chicken Cool Before Shredding
Hot chicken is hard to handle. Let it cool for a few minutes to make shredding easier. You won’t burn your fingers.

Add Noodles Right Before Serving
Noodles keep soaking up broth after you turn off the heat. Add them just before serving to prevent them from getting too soft.

Easy Ways to Adjust the Recipe

You can make this gluten-free by using gluten-free egg noodles. They cook like regular noodles. The recipe is already dairy-free, so no milk or cream is needed. If you want it low-sodium, use less salt and be careful with bouillon.

For keto or low-carb diets, skip the noodles or use zucchini strips instead. Rotisserie chicken is a great choice; add it at the end to keep it tender. Other small pastas, like shells, also work well. Feel free to add extra veggies, like peas or more carrots, while keeping the flavor light.

For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and skip the chicken. You can add beans or mushrooms to make it heartier while keeping the original clean feel.

What to Serve With This Soup

This soup is filling on its own, but it tastes even better with side dishes. I like to serve it with warm, crusty bread, such as a baguette, sourdough, or garlic bread.

It’s great for dipping into the soup. A simple green salad also pairs well. Just mix some lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for freshness and crunch.

Cornbread is another nice side. Its slight sweetness complements the savory soup. You can also offer crackers, like saltines or whole wheat crackers, for a bit of crunch that makes the meal feel more satisfying.

Some people enjoy adding a cheeseboard or fruit. Sliced apples, grapes, and cheddar cheese create a light side that won’t overshadow the soup.

A grilled cheese sandwich is another classic choice that works well with the soup.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Guide

You can prepare the broth and chicken a day ahead and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to serve, heat them, add vegetables, and cook the noodles fresh to keep the flavor.

Store the noodles and soup in separate containers. Heat the soup first, then add the noodles to stop them from getting too soft.

Sweet Tomatoes’ chicken noodle soup lasts 3-4 days in an airtight container. Let it cool before you put it in the fridge. The noodles may soften over time, which is normal.

If you want to freeze the soup, do it before adding the noodles. The noodles can become mushy when you reheat the soup. The soup can freeze well for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.

To reheat, use the stove on low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave in 1-minute intervals. If the soup is too thick, add some water or broth.

Choosing the Right Noodles

Sweet Tomatoes used a broad, curly egg noodle that holds broth well and has a nice texture. Kluski noodles can work as a good substitute because they are thick and hearty too.

They chose this noodle style over thin noodles because it makes the soup more satisfying. The best noodles to buy are wide egg noodles or homestyle kluski noodles for that classic feel.

Yield: 6