Slurping on a steaming bowl of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup has always been my ultimate comfort food. There’s just something about the fragrant broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles that instantly transports me back to my childhood. I can still vividly remember the first time my grandma taught me how to make her famous recipe – the way she’d carefully chop the veggies, the mesmerizing sound of the broth bubbling away on the stovetop, and the look of pure joy on her face as she’d watch me try my first spoonful.
That special recipe has become a staple in my own kitchen, and I know it’ll become your go-to Classic Chicken Noodle Soup too. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also remarkably easy to make. Let me share the secret behind creating the most perfect, comforting bowl of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup.
Why This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
The key to making the best Classic Chicken Noodle Soup lies in the slow-simmered broth. By letting the chicken, vegetables, and herbs steep together for an extended period, you’ll end up with a rich, flavorful base that’s the foundation for the entire dish. I also like to add a touch of lemon juice and fresh parsley at the end, which brightens up the soup and gives it an extra layer of flavor. Trust me, this simple trick will make all the difference.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Whole chicken: Using a whole chicken, rather than just chicken breasts or thighs, gives you a deeper, more complex flavor in the broth.
– Carrots, celery, and onion: The classic veggie trio that adds sweetness, crunch, and aromatic depth to the soup.
– Fresh herbs: A combination of parsley, thyme, and bay leaves infuses the broth with herbaceous notes.
– Egg noodles: Wide, sturdy egg noodles are the perfect accompaniment to the hearty broth and chicken.
– Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end balances the richness and adds a bright, refreshing finish.
Step-by-Step Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Making Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is a simple process that requires just a bit of time and patience. You’ll need a large stockpot or Dutch oven, a sharp knife for chopping, and about 2 hours from start to finish. But trust me, the effort is well worth it for the comforting, homemade flavor you’ll end up with.
1- Place 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 45-60 minutes, skimming any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
2- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves to the broth and let it continue simmering for 30 minutes.
3- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, use your fingers to shred the meat off the bones, discarding the skin and bones. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
4- Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The soup should have a rich, savory flavor.
5- Add the egg noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
6- Remove the bay leaves, stir in the lemon juice, and serve the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
– For an even richer broth, roast the chicken bones before adding them to the pot.
– Don’t be afraid to let the soup simmer for longer – the longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop.
– If the soup seems too thick, add a bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
– Be careful not to overcook the noodles, or they’ll become mushy.
Serving and Storing Your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfect Pairings for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Try serving it with a fresh, crisp salad, some warm, crusty bread, or a plate of your favorite crackers. For a heartier meal, you can even add a grilled cheese sandwich on the side. And of course, no bowl of chicken noodle soup is complete without a glass of iced tea or lemonade to balance out the richness of the broth.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Classic Chicken Noodle Soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired amount in a saucepan and warm it over medium heat until it’s heated through. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months – just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or resealable bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Creative Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
While the classic version is hard to beat, you can easily put your own spin on this comforting soup. Try adding some diced potatoes or mushrooms for extra heartiness, or swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or even rice. You can also play around with the herbs and spices, using rosemary or oregano instead of thyme, or adding a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
Making Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Diet-Friendly
For a low-carb or gluten-free take on Classic Chicken Noodle Soup, simply omit the egg noodles and serve the broth and chicken over a bed of spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. You can also make it dairy-free by skipping the butter and using olive oil instead. And if you’re following a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can substitute the chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use a flavorful vegetable broth as the base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken?
A: While you can certainly use just chicken breasts or thighs, I highly recommend using a whole chicken. The bones and skin help to create a much richer, more flavorful broth that really makes this Classic Chicken Noodle Soup special.
Q: How long does the soup need to simmer?
A: The total simmering time for this recipe is around 1.5 hours, with the chicken simmering for 45-60 minutes and the broth simmering for an additional 30 minutes. This slow, gentle cooking is what allows the flavors to really develop and meld together.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Classic Chicken Noodle Soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld together. You can make the entire soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How much does this recipe make?
A: This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings, depending on how hungry your crowd is. It’s a hearty, filling soup, so a single bowl is usually enough for a meal.
Q: What should I do if the soup turns out too salty?
A: If your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup ends up being too salty, you can balance it out by adding a bit more water or low-sodium chicken broth to the pot. You can also stir in a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, which can help to brighten and mellow the flavor.
Comforting Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6
Description
Warm, comforting, and bursting with classic flavors, this homemade chicken noodle soup is the ultimate soul-soothing meal. Made with tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a medley of fresh vegetables, it’s a true classic that’s perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 8 oz wide egg noodles
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried 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. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. – Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. – Add the chicken, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. – Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. – Add the egg noodles and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. – Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. – Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
For a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade Classic Chicken Noodle Soup to warm your soul and bring you back to those cozy, comforting moments from your childhood. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate that nostalgic flavor in your own kitchen, anytime you need a little pick-me-up. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give it a try – I guarantee it’ll become your new go-to comfort food. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
