Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Introduction

Homemade chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul and fills your home with delicious aromas. Whether you’re battling a cold or just want a hearty meal, this recipe delivers everything you need for a satisfying dish. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, savory broth, and soft noodles, every spoonful feels like a hug in a bowl.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Chicken thigh meat – use about 2 pounds for the best flavor and tender results.
Butter – a couple of tablespoons to sauté the vegetables.
Yellow onion – finely chopped, about 1 medium onion.
Carrots – sliced into rounds, roughly 2 large carrots.
Celery – use about 2-3 stalks, diced.
Garlic cloves – minced, around 3-4 cloves for extra flavor.
Chicken broth – use 8 cups of quality chicken stock for an amazing base.
Bay leaves – 2 leaves add a subtle earthy flavor.
Salt & pepper – season to your taste preference.
Egg noodles – 8 ounces of your favorite egg noodles for a classic texture.
Fresh herbs – parsley or dill for garnish.

Prep Time

Preparing your homemade chicken noodle soup doesn’t take long. Prepping the ingredients—including chopping the vegetables and cooking the chicken—should only take about 15 minutes.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Once everything is ready, you’ll simmer your soup for about 30-45 minutes to develop a flavorful broth and cook the noodles to perfection. The total time to make this comforting dish is approximately one hour. This recipe yields around 6 hearty servings, making it perfect for a family meal or leftovers to enjoy later.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly under running water and remove any excess fat or leftover feathers.
2. Place the chicken in a large Dutch oven or a large stockpot. Ensure the pot is big enough to comfortably fit the chicken along with water and vegetables.

Step 2: Cook the Broth

1. Add whole carrots, celery stalks, half of a large onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves, fresh parsley, and peppercorns to the pot with the chicken.
2. Pour in enough water to completely cover the chicken and vegetables. This should be about 12-14 cups, depending on the size of your pot.
3. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, and skim off any foam that appears on top.
4. Cover the pot with a lid, allowing for a slight vent, and let it simmer for 1.5 hours.

Step 3: Strain the Broth

1. Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set aside to cool.
2. Pour the broth through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a separate large bowl to strain out the solids, discarding the vegetables and seasonings. Return the strained broth to the cleaned pot.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

1. Dice the fresh carrots, celery, and onion required for the soup, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
2. Add the diced vegetables to the strained broth in the pot.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the broth with the vegetables to a simmer over medium heat. Allow the vegetables to cook until tender, which may take around 15-20 minutes based on their size.

Step 6: Prepare the Chicken

1. While the soup simmers, remove the skin, bones, and excess fat from the cooked chicken. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 7: Cook the Noodles

1. Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth with the vegetables. Stir them to ensure they don’t stick together.
2. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, typically around 7-10 minutes.

Step 8: Combine Chicken and Season

1. Add the shredded chicken to the pot with the soup, and stir to combine.
2. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning according to preference.

Step 9: Serve

1. Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove the pot from heat.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Note on Chicken

Using a whole chicken with bones will result in a more flavorful broth compared to just chicken breasts.

Note on Broth

If you want a clearer broth, be vigilant about skimming off foam and impurities as it simmers.

Note on Noodles

If you prefer not to cook the noodles in the soup to avoid them becoming too soft, cook them separately and add them to individual bowls before serving the soup.

Note on Storing

Separate the noodles from the soup before refrigerating to prevent them from soaking up too much liquid. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Note on Freezing

If freezing, do not add the noodles to the soup. Freeze the broth, vegetables, and chicken separately from cooked noodles. Noodles should be cooked fresh when reheating.
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Cook Techniques

Cooking the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken breasts or thighs in a pot of water. This provides cooked chicken for the soup and also creates a flavorful chicken broth as a base.

Mirepoix Preparation

Dice the onions, carrots, and celery into even pieces for consistent cooking. Sauté the vegetables to enhance their flavors before adding them to the broth.

Using Fresh Herbs

Tie fresh herbs like thyme and parsley into a bundle with kitchen twine. This makes it easier to remove them when the soup is done cooking.

Cooking the Noodles

Add the uncooked noodles to the simmering soup towards the end of the cooking process to ensure they do not become mushy.

Shredding the Chicken

After the chicken is fully cooked and cooled slightly, shred it into bite-sized pieces before adding it back to the soup.

Adjusting Seasoning

Taste the soup towards the end of the cooking process and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well if you want to save time. Simply skip the step of cooking the chicken and use store-bought broth instead.

Can I freeze homemade chicken noodle soup?

Yes, you can freeze chicken soup without the noodles. Add fresh noodles when reheating to avoid soggy texture.

What types of noodles are best for chicken soup?

Egg noodles are a classic choice, but you can use other types of pasta like ditalini, small shells, or even gluten-free options.

How long does this soup stay good in the refrigerator?

The soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. However, cook the noodles separately and combine them when reheating.

What can I add to make the soup more flavorful?

In addition to herbs, you can add a bay leaf while simmering or a splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute gluten-free noodles and ensure that any broth you use is certified gluten-free.

Can I use store-bought broth instead of making my own?

Yes, store-bought chicken broth is a convenient option if you don’t want to make your own broth from scratch.

Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for any time of the year. It’s a simple recipe that bursts with flavors and is sure to be a family favorite. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and noodles, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. By using fresh ingredients and a homemade touch, this soup delivers a wholesome and satisfying experience for every meal.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chicken and Rice Soup

Try a hearty chicken and rice soup as an alternative to noodles. It’s flavorful, filling, and equally soothing.

Vegetable Soup

For a lighter option, swap the chicken for more vegetables and create a vibrant, nutrient-packed vegetable soup.

Creamy Chicken Soup

Add a creamy twist to your chicken soup by incorporating heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Replace the noodles with cheese-filled tortellini for a fun and flavorful variation.

Spicy Chicken Soup

Boost the flavors by adding chili flakes or jalapenos for a spicy kick.

Chicken Corn Chowder

Add sweet corn, potatoes, and a creamy base to create a hearty chicken corn chowder.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Infuse the soup with a burst of citrus by using lemon juice and substituting noodles with tiny orzo pasta.

Herb-Infused Chicken Soup

Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill for a boost of fresh aromatic flavors.