The Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: A Comfort Classic
Craft a bowl of soothing soup that warms the soul with every spoonful.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Few dishes capture the comforting spirit of home quite like homemade chicken noodle soup. This classic meal, rich with tradition, warms both body and soul. Whether you’re looking to chase away a chill or soothe a cold, chicken noodle soup brings nourishment and nostalgia to your kitchen, promising deep, savory flavors and a gentle aroma that fills your home.
Why Make Chicken Noodle Soup from Scratch?
While canned soup offers a quick fix, preparing chicken noodle soup from scratch unlocks a vibrant depth of flavor and texture not found in packaged varieties. The careful simmering of chicken with aromatics produces a broth that is as rewarding as it is restorative. Plus, crafting soup at home allows you to adjust ingredients to your preference, ensuring every bowlful is tailored to your taste.
- Control the quality and freshness of every ingredient.
- Customize flavors, herbs, and seasoning to suit your family.
- Assure comfort and nutrition with wholesome homemade stock.
Key Ingredients for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
- Whole chicken or chicken pieces: Forms the flavorful base and provides tender meat for the soup.
- Onion, carrots, and celery: The essential aromatic trio for classic chicken soups, adding natural sweetness and depth.
- Leeks: Optional, for additional subtle, earthy flavor and complexity.
- Herbs: Parsley, thyme, and bay leaf lend freshness and fragrance.
- Egg noodles: The traditional noodle of choice, absorbing the broth and adding satisfying texture.
- Chicken broth: Homemade or high-quality store-bought broth intensifies the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic, salt, and pepper: For balanced seasoning and taste.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Chicken Noodle Soup
Follow this comprehensive guide to create a comforting chicken noodle soup that’s sure to impress.
1. Prepare the Chicken and Broth
- Place a whole chicken or bone-in pieces in a large stockpot.
- Add chicken broth and enough water to cover the meat by an inch.
- Roughly chop some carrots, celery, and onion for the broth base.
- Include aromatics: handfuls of parsley, sprigs of thyme, whole garlic cloves, bay leaf, plus salt and peppercorns for seasoning.
- Bring the stock to a gentle boil, skimming off foam. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 1 ¼ hours, or until the chicken is very tender.
2. Strain and Reserve the Broth
- Carefully lift the chicken from the stock and let it cool on a plate or bowl.
- Strain the broth through a fine sieve into a clean pot or bowl, discarding the vegetable remnants and herb stems.
- Remove and discard any chicken skin and bones, then shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, melt a knob of butter over medium heat.
- Slice fresh carrots, celery, onion, and leeks (if using) into thin pieces.
- Add the vegetables to the pot; cook for about 7 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
4. Build the Soup
- Add the reserved chicken meat and strained broth back to the pot.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, seasoning well with salt and cracked black pepper.
- Cook for about 1 hour until the vegetables are perfectly tender and the soup is aromatic.
5. Add Noodles and Finish
- Stir in the egg noodles and a handful of chopped fresh parsley.
- Simmer for 10 minutes more, or until the noodles are soft and fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning one last time before serving.
Essential Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
- Homemade vs. Store-Bought Broth: Homemade yields the richest flavor, but you can use high-quality broth for speed.
- Use bone-in chicken: Bones add body and richness to the broth.
- Add herbs at the right time: Tie them in a bundle (bouquet garni) for easy removal, or add fresh parsley at the end for a bright finish.
- Don’t overcook noodles: Add noodles toward the end to avoid mushiness.
- Customize your vegetables: Try adding parsnips, peas, or diced potatoes for variety.
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Variations and Recipe Swaps
This classic recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Consider these swaps for personalizing your batch:
- Rotisserie chicken: For a shortcut, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Add it to the soup after the broth and vegetables are ready.
- Herbs: Experiment with rosemary, sage, or dill for unique flavor notes.
- Grain substitutions: Replace egg noodles with brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or even barley for a heartier soup.
- Gluten-free option: Swap regular noodles for gluten-free pasta, rice noodles, or chickpea noodles.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup
- High in Protein: The chicken provides lean, healthy protein necessary for muscle repair.
- Rich in Vitamins: Carrots, celery, and leeks offer vitamins A, K, and several antioxidants.
- Hydrating: The broth delivers fluids and minerals, especially soothing if you’re unwell.
- Balanced Meal: With protein, veggies, and noodles, it’s a complete and satisfying dish.
Serving, Storage, and Reheating Tips
- Serving: Serve piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and warm, crusty bread on the side.
- Storage: Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze soup without noodles (which can become mushy) for up to 3 months. Add fresh-cooked noodles upon reheating.
- Reheating: Simmer gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot, stirring occasionally.
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
| Ingredients | |
|---|---|
| 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds) or equivalent bone-in pieces | 5-7 cups chicken broth, plus water as needed |
| 4 carrots (2 chopped for stock, 2 sliced for soup) | 4 ribs celery (2 chopped for stock, 2 sliced for soup) |
| 2 onions (one for stock, one sliced for soup) | 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced (optional) |
| 2-3 cloves garlic, smashed | 1 bay leaf |
| 2-3 sprigs each parsley and thyme | Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste |
| 8 ounces egg noodles | 2 tablespoons unsalted butter |
Instructions (Summary)
- Make Stock: Place chicken, aromatics, and water/broth in a pot. Simmer, skim, and cook until meat is tender.
- Strain & Prep Chicken: Remove chicken, discard skin/bones, and chop meat. Strain broth and discard solids.
- Sauté Veggies: Gently cook fresh vegetables in butter, then add broth and chicken.
- Simmer: Let the soup cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add Noodles: Add egg noodles and cook until just tender. Serve immediately.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Suggestions
- Prepare the broth a day ahead and refrigerate; skim any hardened fat before continuing.
- The soup (without noodles) can be made in advance and frozen, then finished with freshly-cooked noodles after thawing.
Expert Tips for Flavorful Results
- Use yellow onions for a classic taste and a slight sweetness.
- Dice vegetables evenly for an attractive presentation and uniform cooking.
- Taste and season generously—salt brings out natural flavors in homemade soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use just chicken breasts?
Yes, though using a mix of breasts and thighs or whole chicken with bones gives a richer broth and more flavor. Breasts alone may result in a less flavorful soup but still provide lean protein.
How do I avoid soggy noodles in leftovers?
For best texture, cook noodles separately and add to individual servings. If storing, keep noodles and soup base in separate containers, combining right before reheating.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine chicken, stock, vegetables, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours; shred chicken, return to soup, stir in noodles, and cook until tender.
What other noodles work well in this soup?
Besides classic egg noodles, try farfalle, fusilli, spaghetti (snapped in half), or gluten-free pastas for variation.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Omit chicken, use vegetable broth, and add more hearty vegetables (mushrooms, peas, potatoes). For protein, toss in white beans or diced tofu.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Enjoy with warm crusty bread, classic saltine crackers, or cheese biscuits for dunking.
- Add a colorful green salad for freshness and balance.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill) for extra aroma and color.
Pro Tips and Troubleshooting
- Cloudy Broth? Skim impurities often when simmering the stock, and avoid letting it boil vigorously.
- Lacking flavor? Add a splash of extra stock concentrate or finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and more herbs.
- Too Salty? Dilute with more unsalted broth or water as needed.
More Classic Soups You May Enjoy
- Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup
- Creamy Potato Leek Soup
- Rustic Tomato Basil Soup
- Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
References
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a1870/homemade-chicken-noodle-soup-3996/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCCYLvGemqQ
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC3mUgmeiKo
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a16572138/ultimate-chicken-noodle-soup-recipe/
- https://www.cozycountryliving.com/homemade-chicken-noodle-soup/
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Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.
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