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December 10, 2024
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any time of the year. Whether you are feeling under the weather or simply in need of some warm and tasty goodness, this homemade recipe is sure to hit the spot. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles, it’s a dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
One of the great things about making your own chicken noodle soup is that you can control the ingredients. By using fresh, high-quality chicken and a variety of vegetables, you can ensure that you are getting a nutritious meal that is free from any unwanted additives or preservatives. Plus, you can adjust the seasonings to suit your personal taste preferences, making each bowl of soup truly your own.
In addition to being delicious and customizable, this homemade chicken noodle soup is also a breeze to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a pot of steaming hot soup ready to enjoy in no time. Whether you are an experienced home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to whip up a comforting and satisfying meal for themselves or their loved ones.
“A warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup is like a hug in a bowl. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating this comforting dish from scratch, so grab your apron and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!”
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking homemade chicken noodle soup, you need to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them properly. Follow these steps to ensure your soup turns out delicious:
1. Chicken
Start by selecting a whole chicken or chicken parts like breasts or thighs. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat and skin. If using a whole chicken, cut it into pieces to make it easier to cook.
2. Vegetables
Wash and peel the vegetables for your soup. You will need carrots, celery, and onions. Chop the carrots and celery into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the onions.
3. Herbs and Spices
Prepare the herbs and spices that will give your soup its delicious flavor. You will need fresh parsley, thyme, and bay leaves. Chop the parsley and pull the leaves off the thyme stems. Gather the bay leaves.
4. Noodles
If you prefer using fresh noodles, you can make them from scratch before starting the soup. Otherwise, prepare the packaged noodles according to the instructions on the package.
5. Broth
Make sure you have chicken broth or stock on hand. You can use pre-made broth or make your own by simmering chicken bones and vegetables in water for several hours.
By properly preparing your ingredients, you will be well on your way to creating a delicious homemade chicken noodle soup that will warm your soul.
Gathering the Ingredients
To make a delicious homemade chicken noodle soup, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken: You will need about 2 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, such as thighs or breasts.
- Chicken broth: Use 8 cups of chicken broth to create the flavorful base for your soup.
- Carrots: Peel and slice 3 medium-sized carrots.
- Celery: Chop 3 stalks of celery into small pieces.
- Onion: Dice 1 medium-sized onion.
- Garlic: Mince 3 cloves of garlic for added flavor.
- Egg noodles: You will need about 8 ounces of egg noodles to add heartiness to your soup.
- Fresh herbs: Gather a handful of fresh parsley and dill for aromatic flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Ensure that you have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking your chicken noodle soup. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Chopping the Vegetables
Before you start chopping the vegetables for your homemade chicken noodle soup, make sure to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need carrots, celery, and onion.
Begin by peeling and chopping the carrots into small, even-sized pieces. The size of the carrot pieces will depend on your personal preference, but it’s usually best to keep them around 1/4 to 1/2 inch in thickness.
Next, move on to chopping the celery. Make sure to wash the celery thoroughly and remove any dirt or debris. Then, cut off the ends of the celery stalks and discard. Proceed to chop the celery into small, bite-sized pieces.
Finally, chop the onion. Peel the onion and cut it in half. Lay one half flat on the cutting board and make horizontal cuts across the onion, being careful not to cut through the root end. After making the horizontal cuts, make vertical cuts to dice the onion into small pieces. Repeat with the other half of the onion.
Once you have finished chopping the vegetables, set them aside and move on to the next step in the recipe, which is preparing the chicken broth.
Cooking the Soup
To start cooking the homemade chicken noodle soup, you will need a large soup pot. Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high.
In the pot, melt butter and sauté chopped onions and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.
Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook them for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and water into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
While the soup is simmering, you can prepare the chicken. You can use either cooked chicken or raw chicken. If you are using raw chicken, add it to the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes until it is fully cooked through. If you are using cooked chicken, you can shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot.
Once the chicken is cooked, add the egg noodles to the pot. Simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any additional herbs or spices that you prefer, such as thyme or rosemary.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool for a few minutes before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup!
Cooking the Chicken
To start making homemade chicken noodle soup, you will need to cook the chicken first. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the whole chicken to the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using a fork.
Set the shredded chicken aside until you are ready to add it to the soup. Cooking the chicken separately allows you to remove any impurities and enhance the flavor of the chicken broth.
Boiling the Noodles
Once the chicken and vegetables have simmered to perfection, it’s time to cook the noodles. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly cooked, tender noodles for your homemade chicken noodle soup:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of egg noodles
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-12 minutes.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare an ice bath in a large bowl by filling it with cold water and ice cubes.
- Once the noodles are al dente (tender but still firm), drain them in a colander.
- Immediately transfer the drained noodles to the ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
- Let the noodles sit in the ice bath for a few minutes, then drain them again.
- Rinse the noodles under cold water to remove any excess starch and prevent them from sticking together.
Now that the noodles are perfectly cooked and cooled, they are ready to be added to your homemade chicken noodle soup. Stir them into the soup just before serving to ensure they stay tender and don’t become mushy.
While boiling the noodles, it’s important to keep an eye on them and test for doneness frequently. Overcooking can result in mushy noodles, while undercooking can leave them too firm. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the package instructions and your desired level of tenderness.
A well-cooked, flavorful noodle is the perfect complement to the hearty chicken and vegetable broth in homemade chicken noodle soup. Enjoy!
Assembling the Soup
Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked and tender, it’s time to assemble the soup. This final step brings all the delicious ingredients together to create a comforting and hearty chicken noodle soup.
Start by removing the cooked chicken from the pot and placing it on a cutting board. Use a fork or your hands to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside.
Next, strain the broth to remove any small bones or vegetable remnants. Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and carefully pour the broth through. Use a spoon to press down on the vegetables and chicken in the strainer to extract any extra liquid.
Return the strained broth to the pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, along with any vegetables you’d like to include in the final soup.
Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are al dente, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help prevent them from becoming mushy in the soup.
Add the cooked egg noodles to the pot of broth and chicken. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. If the soup looks too thick, you can add more chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. You can also add any additional herbs or spices to enhance the flavor, such as fresh parsley or dried thyme.
Once everything is well combined and seasoned to your liking, remove the soup from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the homemade chicken noodle soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a comforting meal. Enjoy!
FAQ
Can I use leftover cooked chicken to make chicken noodle soup?
Yes, you can definitely use leftover cooked chicken to make chicken noodle soup. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the soup towards the end of the cooking time. This is a great way to utilize leftover chicken and add extra flavor to the soup.
How long does it take to cook homemade chicken noodle soup?
The cooking time for homemade chicken noodle soup can vary, but it usually takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour. This includes the time to cook the chicken, sauté the vegetables, and simmer the soup. However, if you prefer a longer cooking time for more flavorful broth, you can let the soup simmer for up to 2 hours.
Can I freeze homemade chicken noodle soup?
Yes, you can freeze homemade chicken noodle soup. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top as the soup will expand as it freezes. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.