chicken noodle soup recipe

chicken noodle soup recipe

homemade chicken noodle soup, especially on a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather. This classic recipe combines tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory broth. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a soul-soothing masterpiece that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also fill your home with the inviting aroma of a kitchen well-loved.

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

1. 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
2. 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
3. 2 celery stalks, chopped
4. 1 onion, quartered
5. 4 cloves garlic, smashed
6. 1 bay leaf
7. 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
8. Salt, to taste
9. Water, enough to cover the chicken

For the Soup:

1. 2 carrots, sliced
2. 2 celery stalks, sliced
3. 1 onion, finely chopped
4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
5. 8 cups chicken broth (from the cooked chicken)
6. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
7. 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
8. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
9. Salt and pepper, to taste
10. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step 1: Preparing the Broth

Begin by placing the whole chicken in a large stockpot. Add chopped carrots, celery, quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaf, whole black peppercorns, and a generous pinch of salt.

Pour enough water into the pot to cover the chicken completely. This will form the base of your flavorful broth.

Step 2: Simmering the Broth

Place the stockpot on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.

Let the chicken simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bones easily. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during this time.

Step 3: Straining the Broth

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the broth into a large bowl or another pot to remove the vegetables and peppercorns, leaving you with a clear, flavorful liquid.

Step 4: Shredding the Chicken

While the broth is straining, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones, as you won’t need them for the soup.

Step 5: Sauteing Aromatics

In a separate pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and the onions become translucent.

Step 6: Building Flavor

Pour the strained chicken broth into the pot with sautéed vegetables. Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Adding Chicken and Noodles

Once the broth is well-seasoned, add the shredded chicken and cooked egg noodles to the pot. Stir gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on your preference, you may want to add more salt, pepper, or thyme to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 9: Serving Time

Once everything is heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully, your homemade chicken noodle soup is ready to be served. Ladle it into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with a slice of crusty bread for the perfect comforting meal.

Step 10: Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor

Now, sit back, relax, and savor the fruits of your labor. The rich aroma and heartwarming taste of this homemade chicken noodle soup are sure to bring joy to your table and comfort to your soul. Share it with loved ones or savor it as a solo treat – either way, you’ve just created a culinary masterpiece that transcends seasons and brings the timeless magic of homemade goodness to