Chicken noodle soup is the quintessential comfort food, offering warmth and nourishment with every spoonful. Whether you’re looking to beat a cold or enjoy a cozy meal, this recipe combines rich, homemade flavors with a hearty dose of nostalgia. Here’s a detailed guide to creating a bowl of delicious, homemade chicken noodle soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For a rich broth:
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, wings, etc.)
- 5 quarts water
- 1 onion (halved)
- 2 cloves garlic (pierced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 fresh thyme sprigs)
For the soup:
- 3 celery sticks (finely diced)
- 2 large carrots (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 12-16 oz egg noodles (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 4 tbsp fresh dill (optional but adds freshness)
Step-by-Step Preparation:
1. Prepare the Broth
The foundation of any great chicken noodle soup is the broth. Start by separating your chicken into parts (wings, thighs, etc.), keeping the skin on for extra richness. Combine the chicken pieces, onion halves, garlic cloves, bay leaves, thyme, and water in a large soup pot. Bring to a boil and skim off any foam that rises to the top. Lower the heat and simmer the broth gently for about 1½ hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to develop and creates a deep, flavorful base for your soup.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
While the broth simmers, finely chop your celery, carrots, and onion. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Strain the broth into a heatproof bowl to remove the solids and any excess fat. Clean the pot, return it to medium heat, and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the chopped vegetables for about 5 minutes until softened but not browned. This will add a fresh layer of flavor to the soup.
3. Add the Chicken and Noodles
After the vegetables are softened, pour the strained broth back into the pot. Season with sea salt and pepper, then bring the broth to a light boil. Shred the cooked chicken and add it back to the pot. Toss in the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-15 minutes. The noodles will absorb some of the broth, thickening the soup slightly and adding a hearty texture.
4. Finishing Touches
Once the noodles are cooked through, stir in the fresh parsley and dill (if using). These herbs give the soup a burst of color and brightness that balances the rich broth. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Your chicken noodle soup is now ready to be served.
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Use Homemade Stock: While store-bought broth is convenient, making your own chicken stock from scratch elevates the flavor to a whole new level. You can use leftover chicken bones or a whole chicken, simmered with herbs and vegetables, to create a base that’s far superior to anything from a box.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: One of the most common mistakes when making chicken noodle soup is overcooking the noodles, which can make them mushy. Be sure to remove the soup from the heat as soon as the noodles are just tender. They will continue to cook slightly in the residual heat.
- Add a Squeeze of Lemon: For a touch of brightness, consider adding a small amount of lemon juice right before serving. It adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the soup’s depth of flavor without overpowering it.
- Storing and Freezing: Chicken noodle soup stores well for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. If you’re making it in advance, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them when reheating, to avoid sogginess. The soup can also be frozen for up to three months.
Nutritional Information:
Chicken noodle soup is not only comforting but also nourishing. A typical serving provides about 232 calories, with 23 grams of carbohydrates, 13 grams of protein, and a balance of vitamins like vitamin A from the carrots.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a medley of vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
- Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
In conclusion, this chicken noodle soup recipe combines the best of traditional techniques with modern tips to ensure a flavorful, satisfying bowl. Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter meal or a comforting dish for when you’re feeling under the weather, homemade chicken noodle soup is always a great choice.
