Slurping on a steaming bowl of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe always takes me back to cozy winter nights at Grandma’s house. The comforting aroma would fill the air as she stirred the pot, humming softly to herself. I can still picture the way she’d carefully ladle the piping hot broth into our bowls, making sure to include plenty of tender chicken and hearty noodles.
It was the kind of meal that just seemed to have the power to mend any ailment, whether it was a nasty cold or simply a case of the winter blues. There was something so soothing and nourishing about each spoonful. Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe was the ultimate hug in a bowl, and I looked forward to it all season long.
Nowadays, I find myself craving that nostalgic flavor more than ever. But rather than waiting for Grandma to work her magic, I’ve perfected my own Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe that’s just as comforting and delicious. In fact, it’s become a go-to staple in my household – the recipe I turn to anytime I need a little extra warmth and comfort.
Table of Contents
Why This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
The key to this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is all in the broth. Rather than settling for store-bought stock, I make my own flavorful base by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs together for hours. This low and slow cooking process extracts every last bit of richness and depth of flavor, resulting in a broth that’s truly out of this world.
But the secret weapon is the addition of a Parmesan rind. As the broth bubbles away, the rind melts into the liquid, imparting a subtle umami note that takes the whole dish to the next level. It’s a trick I learned from my Nonna, and it’s what makes this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe stand out from the rest.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Chicken bones or carcass: The foundation of the flavorful broth.
– Carrots, celery, and onion: The classic trio of aromatic vegetables that add sweetness and depth.
– Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, and bay leaves: For fragrance and seasoning.
– Parmesan rind: The secret ingredient that lends an incredible savory note.
– Chicken breasts: Tender chunks of protein that make this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe truly satisfying.
– Egg noodles: The perfect accompaniment to soak up all that delectable broth.
Step-by-Step Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is surprisingly easy to make, with just a little bit of hands-on time and a whole lot of simmering. In total, it takes about 2 hours to prepare, but the majority of that is hands-off cooking time. You’ll need a large stock pot or Dutch oven to bring everything together.
1- Start by placing the chicken bones or carcass in the pot, along with the carrots, celery, onion, and herbs. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil.
2- Once the pot reaches a rapid boil, reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer gently for 1-2 hours, skimming any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
3- After the broth has simmered, carefully remove the chicken bones and discard. Add the Parmesan rind and chicken breasts, then continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes.
4- The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and easily shreds apart with a fork. At this point, you can remove the chicken from the pot and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
5- Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth and cook for 8-10 minutes, until tender.
6- Finally, return the shredded chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the steaming Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe into bowls and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
– Use a whole chicken carcass or a combination of bones for the best, most gelatinous broth.
– Let the broth simmer low and slow to extract maximum flavor – the longer, the better.
– Add the Parmesan rind early on so it has time to melt and infuse the broth.
– Don’t overcook the noodles, or they’ll turn mushy.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Serving and Storing Your Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. A crusty piece of warm, buttered bread is a classic choice for dipping and sopping up every last drop of that delectable broth. A fresh green salad or a simple side of roasted vegetables also makes a lovely complement.
And of course, no bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is complete without a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top. It adds a lovely pop of color and a bright, herbaceous note that ties the whole dish together.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe holds up incredibly well in the fridge and freezer. Once cooled, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
This recipe also freezes beautifully. I like to portion it out into individual servings or family-sized containers so I can pull them out one at a time as needed. Frozen Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe will keep for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Creative Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Variations
While this classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is tough to beat, there are so many delicious ways to switch it up. In the spring, try adding fresh peas or asparagus. For a heartier version, stir in some wild rice or barley. You could even go Tex-Mex and top each bowl with shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime.
And if you’re craving something a little spicier, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can liven things up in a hurry.
Making Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can try. For a low-carb version, simply omit the egg noodles and serve the broth and chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead.
Looking for a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free egg noodles or skip the noodles altogether and serve it over quinoa or brown rice. And for a vegan or vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, simply use vegetable broth in place of the chicken and leave out the Parmesan rind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and tender than breasts, so they’ll make a great addition to the soup.
Q: How long does the broth need to simmer for best flavor?
A: I recommend simmering the broth for at least 1-2 hours, but you can certainly let it go longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will concentrate and the broth will become richer and more gelatinous.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
A: Yes, this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How much does this recipe make?
A: This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe will yield approximately 6-8 servings, depending on how hungry your crowd is. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs.
Q: What should I do if the soup turns out too salty?
A: If your Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe ends up tasting overly salty, you can try diluting it by adding more broth or water. You can also stir in a bit of lemon juice or vinegar, which can help balance out the saltiness.
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Enjoy a heartwarming and comforting bowl of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soothing broth. This easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
– 8 ounces egg noodles
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. 2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. 3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. 4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cooked chicken, egg noodles, bay leaves, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. 6. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a heartier meal, serve the Chicken Noodle Soup with a side of crusty bread. You can also add diced potatoes or other vegetables to the soup. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and restorative about a steaming bowl of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that instantly transports you back to those cozy moments from childhood, when a warm hug in a bowl was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Now that I’ve perfected my own signature Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, I find myself craving it more than ever. The rich, flavorful broth, the tender chunks of chicken, the hearty noodles – it’s a winning combination that never fails to hit the spot. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience that same sense of comfort and nostalgia for yourself. Bon appétit!
