The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl
Chicken noodle soup. The very name conjures images of warmth, comfort, and healing. It’s the quintessential remedy for a cold, a rainy day pick-me-up, or simply a delicious, nourishing meal. But not all chicken noodle soups are created equal. This recipe aims to be the *ultimate* chicken noodle soup, packed with flavor, loaded with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles, and brimming with nutritious vegetables. We’ll walk through each step, from building the perfect broth to ensuring your noodles don’t turn to mush. Get ready to experience chicken noodle soup like never before!
## Why This Recipe is the Ultimate
What makes this chicken noodle soup stand out from the crowd? Several key factors contribute to its exceptional flavor and texture:
* **Homemade Broth:** The foundation of any great soup is the broth. We’ll create a rich, flavorful broth from scratch using a whole chicken, aromatic vegetables, and herbs. This process extracts maximum flavor, resulting in a broth that’s far superior to store-bought varieties.
* **Perfectly Cooked Chicken:** We’ll use the same chicken that makes the broth to provide tender, juicy shredded chicken for the soup. The chicken will be cooked gently, ensuring it remains moist and flavorful.
* **Fresh, Vibrant Vegetables:** A generous mix of fresh vegetables adds sweetness, depth, and essential nutrients to the soup. We’ll use a combination of carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, and you can customize it with other vegetables you enjoy.
* **Perfectly Cooked Noodles:** Nobody likes mushy noodles! We’ll use a simple trick to prevent overcooking and ensure the noodles are perfectly al dente.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is a guideline, not a rigid set of rules. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking. Add different vegetables, herbs, or spices to create your own signature chicken noodle soup.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need to create the ultimate chicken noodle soup:
**For the Broth:**
* 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), giblets removed (reserve neck and giblets for broth, discard the liver)
* 1 large onion, quartered
* 2 carrots, roughly chopped
* 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, smashed
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 8-10 cups water (or enough to cover the chicken)
* 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning chicken, optional)
**For the Soup:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 carrots, diced
* 2 celery stalks, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups homemade chicken broth (from above)
* 8 ounces egg noodles (or your favorite type of noodle)
* 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from above)
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
**Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:**
* **Chicken:** A whole chicken is ideal for making broth, as it provides maximum flavor and collagen. However, you can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks. If using chicken pieces, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Leeks, parsnips, turnips, and mushrooms are all great additions.
* **Herbs:** Fresh herbs are always a plus, but dried herbs work just fine. If using fresh herbs, add them towards the end of the cooking process.
* **Noodles:** Egg noodles are the classic choice for chicken noodle soup, but you can use any type of noodle you like. Wide egg noodles, fine egg noodles, ditalini, and rotini are all good options. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
* **Broth:** While homemade broth is highly recommended, you can substitute store-bought chicken broth in a pinch. Look for a low-sodium variety to control the salt content.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions for making the ultimate chicken noodle soup.
**Part 1: Making the Chicken Broth**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help it brown better. If desired, lightly brown the chicken on all sides in a large stockpot with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Browning adds extra flavor to the broth, but this step is optional.
2. **Add Aromatics:** Add the quartered onion, roughly chopped carrots, roughly chopped celery, and smashed garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant.
3. **Add Water and Seasonings:** Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black peppercorns to the pot. Pour in 8-10 cups of water, or enough to completely cover the chicken and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. **Simmer the Broth:** Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1.5 to 3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the meat is falling off the bone. The longer you simmer the broth, the more flavorful it will become.
5. **Remove the Chicken:** Carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place it on a plate or cutting board to cool slightly.
6. **Strain the Broth:** Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (optional) into a large bowl or pot. Discard the solids (vegetables, herbs, and peppercorns). This step ensures a clear, smooth broth.
7. **Shred the Chicken:** Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones using two forks or your fingers. Discard the skin and bones.
8. **Defat the Broth (Optional):** If desired, you can defat the broth by skimming off the fat that rises to the surface. This can be done while the broth is still hot, or after it has cooled in the refrigerator. Cooling the broth makes it easier to remove the solidified fat.
**Part 2: Making the Soup**
1. **Sauté the Vegetables:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent.
2. **Add Garlic:** Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, or until fragrant.
3. **Add Broth:** Pour the homemade chicken broth into the pot and bring to a simmer.
4. **Cook the Noodles:** Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package directions, or until the noodles are al dente. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they will continue to cook in the hot soup. For best results and to prevent mushy noodles, cook the noodles separately in a different pot of salted boiling water and add to the soup only when serving.
5. **Add Chicken:** Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken.
6. **Season to Taste:** Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the broth is already seasoned, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
7. **Garnish and Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if using). Serve with lemon wedges (optional) for squeezing a burst of fresh flavor.
## Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** When making the broth, use a pot that is large enough to comfortably hold the chicken and vegetables without overcrowding. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the broth and prevent the flavors from developing properly.
* **Simmer, Don’t Boil:** Simmering the broth gently allows the flavors to meld together without making the chicken tough. Avoid boiling the broth, as this can result in a cloudy broth and a less tender chicken.
* **Salt Gradually:** Add salt to the broth and soup in small increments, tasting as you go. It’s always easier to add more salt than to remove it.
* **Cook Noodles Separately (Optional):** To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, you can cook them separately in boiling water and add them to the soup just before serving. This is especially helpful if you’re planning to store the soup for later.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.
* **Add a Touch of Acidity:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can brighten the flavors of the soup and add a touch of acidity. Add it at the end of the cooking process.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your soup. Use fresh, high-quality chicken, vegetables, and herbs for the best results.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** This recipe is a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique version of chicken noodle soup.
* **Make a Big Batch:** Chicken noodle soup is even better the next day, so make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
## Variations and Additions
The beauty of chicken noodle soup is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions to customize your soup:
* **Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a touch of heat.
* **Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup:** Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the soup for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup:** Add a knob of grated ginger to the soup for a warm, aromatic flavor.
* **Mushroom Chicken Noodle Soup:** Add sliced mushrooms to the soup along with the other vegetables.
* **Spinach or Kale Chicken Noodle Soup:** Add fresh spinach or kale to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Add Beans:** Add cooked beans, such as cannellini beans or chickpeas, to the soup for added protein and fiber.
* **Add Rice:** Substitute rice for noodles for a gluten-free option.
* **Add Corn:** Add frozen or canned corn to the soup for added sweetness and texture.
* **Add Peas:** Add frozen peas to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a little broth or water to thin it out.
* **Freezing:** Chicken noodle soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion during freezing. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
**Important Note About Noodles When Freezing:** Noodles tend to become mushy when frozen and thawed. For best results, cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup after reheating, or omit the noodles altogether and add them when you’re ready to serve.
## Serving Suggestions
Chicken noodle soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of accompaniments:
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping in the broth.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing that’s perfect for a comforting lunch.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad adds freshness and balance to the meal.
* **Crackers:** Saltine crackers or oyster crackers are a traditional accompaniment to chicken noodle soup.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*
* Serving Size: 1 cup
* Calories: 200-250
* Protein: 15-20 grams
* Fat: 8-12 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
* Fiber: 2-4 grams
Chicken noodle soup is a relatively healthy meal, providing a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also a good source of hydration, which is especially important when you’re feeling under the weather.
## Conclusion
This ultimate chicken noodle soup recipe is a labor of love, but the result is well worth the effort. From the rich, homemade broth to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles, every element of this soup is designed to deliver maximum flavor and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a remedy for a cold or simply a delicious, nourishing meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience chicken noodle soup like never before! Enjoy!