Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. It is known for its soothing qualities, making it a go-to dish when feeling under the weather or in need of a warm, hearty meal.

This soup combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, fresh vegetables, and noodles, creating a dish that is both nourishing and delicious. In this recipe, we will walk you through the steps to create a homemade chicken noodle soup that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For the Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 10 cups of water
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 3 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 2 large carrots, cut into chunks
• 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (from the homemade broth or store-bought)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (from the homemade broth)
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Cook the Chicken: Place the whole chicken in a large pot and add 10 cups of water. Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, carrot chunks, celery chunks, bay leaf, black peppercorns, and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Skim off any foam that rises to the top during cooking.

Strain the Broth: Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, discarding the solids. Allow the broth to cool slightly, then skim off any excess fat from the surface.

Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Soup

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the homemade chicken broth (or store-bought if preferred) and bring to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken to the pot.

Cook the Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and dried thyme. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes.

Season and Serve: Add the dried parsley and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Chef’s Note

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Broth: While homemade chicken broth provides a richer and more authentic flavor, store-bought broth can be a convenient alternative if you are short on time. Just make sure to choose a high-quality, low-sodium option to control the seasoning of your soup.

Noodle Choices: Egg noodles are traditional for chicken noodle soup, but you can substitute with other pasta shapes such as ditalini, orzo, or even gluten-free noodles if preferred.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as peas, corn, or green beans. These can add extra flavor and nutrients.

Storage: Chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well; just be sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more broth as the noodles can absorb the liquid over time.

Adjusting Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, simply add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Vitamin A: 90% DV
• Vitamin C: 10% DV
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

Conclusion

Chicken noodle soup is more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of warmth and comfort. By following this recipe, you can create a hearty, delicious soup that brings a sense of home and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Whether enjoyed on a cold day, when feeling unwell, or simply as a wholesome meal, this chicken noodle soup is sure to please. Happy cooking!

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