Growing up, my grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe was always the ultimate comfort food. Whenever I was feeling under the weather or just needed a little extra love, she’d whip up a big batch and bring it over, fresh and steaming. The aroma alone would instantly lift my spirits and transport me back to her cozy kitchen.
I can still picture myself sitting at her table, clutching the warm bowl in my hands as the savory broth and tender chicken noodles nourished my soul. There was just something so soothing and restorative about each spoonful. It didn’t matter what was troubling me – Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe had a way of making everything better.
Over the years, I’ve tried countless Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes, but none have ever quite captured that same homemade magic. That is, until I perfected this version. It’s now my go-to whenever I need a little comfort food pick-me-up (which, let’s be honest, is more often than I’d like to admit!).
Why This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
The secret to this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is in the layering of flavors. It starts with a rich, aromatic broth that simmers for hours, extracting every ounce of goodness from the chicken bones and vegetables. Then, we add in the perfect blend of herbs and seasonings to create a soup that’s both comforting and complex.
But the real magic happens when you add the noodles. Instead of generic egg noodles, I use a combination of wide, ribbon-like noodles and tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken. The interplay of textures and flavors is simply divine. Trust me, one spoonful and you’ll be hooked.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Whole chicken: The foundation of the broth, providing deep, soulful flavor.
– Carrots: Adding a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
– Celery: Lending a refreshing crunch and earthy notes.
– Onion: Imparting savory depth and aroma.
– Garlic: Elevating the overall flavor profile.
– Thyme: Providing a warm, woodsy undertone.
– Bay leaves: Infusing the broth with a complex, herbaceous essence.
– Wide egg noodles: The perfect accompaniment to the rich, chicken-y broth.
Step-by-Step Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a labor of love, but I promise it’s worth every minute. The total cooking time is around 2 hours, but the majority of that is hands-off simmering. All you need is a large stockpot, a sharp knife, and a little patience.
1- Start by placing the whole chicken in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the meat is cooked through and falling off the bone.
2- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
3- Return the chicken bones to the pot and continue simmering for an additional 1-2 hours, until the broth has developed a rich, deep flavor.
4- While the broth is simmering, prepare the vegetables. Peel and slice the carrots, dice the celery, and finely chop the onion and garlic.
5- Once the broth is ready, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the bones and vegetables. Return the broth to the pot and add the shredded chicken, along with the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves.
6- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add the wide egg noodles and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the noodles are al dente.
Pro Tips for Success
– For an even richer broth, roast the chicken bones before simmering.
– Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry to the broth for extra depth of flavor.
– Use a combination of chicken and beef bones for a more complex taste.
– Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Serving and Storing Your Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, but it also makes a great meal any time of year. Serve it with a fresh, crisp salad or some crusty bread for dipping. It’s also delicious alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple side of roasted vegetables.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the perfect dish to make in advance. The flavors actually improve the longer it sits, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Simply store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
You can also freeze the Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed and reheated. Add the noodles when you’re ready to serve the soup.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Creative Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to put your own spin on this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Try swapping the wide egg noodles for small pasta shapes, like orzo or ditalini. You can also add in other vegetables, like spinach, kale, or mushrooms.
For a heartier version, stir in some cooked rice or quinoa. Or, for a Mexican-inspired twist, add diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cumin and chili powder.
Making Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free pasta or noodle of your choice. For a low-carb option, skip the noodles altogether and serve the soup over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
If you’re following a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can easily adapt this recipe by using a vegetable broth instead of chicken. Add in extra veggies, such as mushrooms or potatoes, to make it more filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
A: Absolutely! Using chicken breasts is a great way to streamline the recipe. Simply poach the chicken breasts in the broth and shred or dice the meat before adding it back to the soup.
Q: How long does the soup need to simmer?
A: The key to developing a rich, flavorful broth is to let it simmer for at least 1-2 hours. This allows the chicken bones and vegetables to fully infuse the liquid with their essence.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is actually better when made in advance. The flavors will meld and intensify the longer it sits. Just be sure to store the noodles separately and add them when reheating the soup.
Q: How much does this recipe make?
A: This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, depending on portion size. It’s easy to scale the recipe up or down to suit your needs.
Q: What if my soup turns out too salty?
A: If your Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe ends up being too salty, simply add a bit more water or low-sodium broth to dilute the flavor. You can also stir in a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to help balance the saltiness.
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4
Description
This homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a comforting classic that’s easy to make and perfect for chilly days. Enjoy a bowl of this nourishing soup, made with tender chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles in a flavorful broth.
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 shredded cooked chicken
– 8 ounces egg noodles
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
2. – Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. – Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
4. – Add the cooked chicken and egg noodles to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
5. – Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. – Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
– For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes or rice along with the noodles.
– Swap in gluten-free noodles or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free option.
– Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, and this version is sure to become your new go-to. With its rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a meal that’s sure to nourish your body and soul.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try the next time you’re feeling under the weather or just need a little extra love. Trust me, one spoonful and you’ll be transported right back to Grandma’s kitchen, where everything feels right in the world. Enjoy!
