The Ultimate Comfort Food: A Simple Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness? Look no further! This recipe for chicken noodle soup is easy to follow, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy night in. We'll focus on making a classic, healthy version, but feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies and spices.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be adaptable to what you have on hand, but here’s a great starting point:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: For a richer broth, bone-in chicken is key!
- 12 cups water: Enough to generously cover the chicken.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Provides a subtle savory note.
- 1 onion, chopped: A foundation for flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent depth.
- 8 cups egg noodles: Your choice of shape and size.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a slightly piney flavor (optional).
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and vibrancy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Broth:
- Combine chicken and water: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through. You can even simmer it longer for a deeper, richer flavor – up to 2 hours!
- Remove chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.
Adding Vegetables and Noodles:
- Add vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the broth. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Stir in noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Season: Stir in the thyme, rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Finishing Touches:
- Add chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips and Variations:
- For a creamier soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, green beans, or peas.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup!
This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken. Remember to share your culinary creations with us – we’d love to see your versions! Happy cooking!
