The Ultimate Comfort Food: A Simple Yet Delicious Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of goodness? Look no further! This recipe for chicken noodle soup is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for a chilly evening or when you're feeling under the weather, this classic soup is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: For that rich, flavorful broth. You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- 12 cups water: Enough to create a generous amount of broth.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Provides a subtle earthy flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds depth and complexity to the broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb pairing for chicken soup. Fresh thyme is even better if you have it on hand!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
- 1 cup egg noodles: Or your favorite type of pasta. Consider using small pasta shapes for a more traditional look.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy-to-follow steps for a perfectly comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup:
Step 1: Preparing the Broth
- Place the whole chicken (or chicken pieces) in a large stockpot. Add the water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through. If using a whole chicken, you'll want to make sure it's cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.
Step 2: Adding the Noodles and Chicken
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add the egg noodles to the broth and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
Step 3: Serving Your Delicious Soup
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer broth: Roast the chicken before simmering it in the pot for a deeper flavor.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or spinach.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk before serving.
- Boost the flavor: Add a bay leaf during the simmering process for an extra layer of flavor, then remove it before serving.
This simple chicken noodle soup recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily customize to your own preferences. Experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your own unique version of this classic comfort food. Enjoy!
