The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Noodle Soup: A Hearty and Delicious Recipe Review
Chicken noodle soup. Is there anything more comforting, more soul-soothing, or more universally loved? It’s the ultimate remedy for a cold, a dreary day, or just a craving for something warm and delicious. And when it comes to classic comfort food, The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, rarely disappoints. Her version of chicken noodle soup promises a hearty, flavorful, and relatively straightforward dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying cozy leftovers. In this detailed review, we’ll dive deep into The Pioneer Woman’s chicken noodle soup recipe, breaking down each step, offering tips and tricks, and ultimately deciding if it lives up to the hype.
Why The Pioneer Woman’s Recipe?
Ree Drummond has built an empire on approachable, family-friendly recipes that don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Her cooking style resonates with home cooks because it’s practical, flavorful, and often involves generous portions – perfect for feeding a family. Her chicken noodle soup recipe reflects these qualities, promising a comforting and satisfying meal that’s relatively easy to prepare. It’s a recipe that focuses on fresh, simple ingredients, resulting in a robust and deeply flavorful soup.
The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before we begin, let’s outline the ingredients you’ll need. (Note: This is based on Ree Drummond’s published recipe, but we’ll also suggest some possible variations later on.)
**Ingredients:**
* 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
* 12 cups chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cups chopped carrots
* 2 cups chopped celery
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* 8 ounces egg noodles
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Chicken:** This is the foundation of your soup, so it’s important to get it right. There are a few ways to cook the chicken, and we’ll cover them all.
* **Stovetop Method (Recommended):** Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the chicken broth. The broth should completely cover the chicken; add water if necessary. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the meat is easily shredded. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Oven Method:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Slow Cooker Method:** Place the whole chicken in a slow cooker. Add the chicken broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
2. **Shred the Chicken:** Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot (or roasting pan/slow cooker) and place it on a cutting board to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones. Set the shredded chicken aside.
3. **Prepare the Broth (if using the stovetop method):** If you cooked the chicken on the stovetop, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander to remove any solids. Return the strained broth to the pot. (If you used the oven or slow cooker method, you may want to skim off any excess fat from the surface of the broth before proceeding.)
4. **Sauté the Vegetables:** In the same pot (now containing the broth), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
5. **Add the Chicken and Noodles:** Add the shredded chicken to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then add the egg noodles. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. **Adjust Seasoning and Serve:** Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, thyme, or rosemary to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Detailed Breakdown and Tips for Success
Now, let’s delve into each step of the recipe with more detail and offer some helpful tips to ensure your chicken noodle soup is a resounding success.
**1. Choosing the Right Chicken:**
* **Whole Chicken vs. Chicken Pieces:** While the recipe calls for a whole chicken, you *can* use chicken pieces like bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a combination of thighs and drumsticks. However, using a whole chicken imparts more flavor to the broth. The bones and skin contribute richness and depth.
* **Organic vs. Conventional:** Opt for organic chicken if your budget allows. Organic chickens are raised without antibiotics and often have a better flavor.
* **Size Matters:** Aim for a 3-4 pound chicken. A larger chicken might require a longer cooking time.
**2. Broth is King:**
* **Homemade vs. Store-Bought:** Homemade chicken broth is always superior in flavor. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own broth using the chicken carcass after you’ve shredded the meat. Simply simmer the carcass with some vegetables (onion, carrots, celery) and herbs for a few hours, then strain. However, good quality store-bought chicken broth is perfectly acceptable, especially if you’re short on time. Look for low-sodium varieties so you can control the salt content of your soup.
* **Low-Sodium is Key:** Using low-sodium broth allows you to adjust the salt level to your preference. Regular broth can be quite salty, which can overpower the other flavors in the soup.
* **Enhancing Store-Bought Broth:** Even with store-bought broth, you can enhance the flavor by adding a bay leaf, a sprig of thyme, or a few peppercorns while simmering the soup. Just remember to remove them before serving.
**3. Perfecting the Chicken Cooking Process:**
* **Stovetop Simmering:** This is the most traditional method and the one Ree Drummond uses. The key is to simmer the chicken gently, not boil it vigorously. A gentle simmer allows the chicken to cook evenly and release its flavor into the broth without becoming tough.
* **Oven Roasting:** Roasting the chicken before making the soup adds a deeper, more roasted flavor. You can roast the chicken with some vegetables for added flavor, then use the roasted chicken and vegetables to make the soup.
* **Slow Cooker Convenience:** The slow cooker is a great option for busy weeknights. It’s hands-off and produces tender, flavorful chicken. However, the broth may not be as rich as with the stovetop method.
* **Internal Temperature:** Regardless of the cooking method, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
* **Resting the Chicken:** Let the chicken rest for at least 10-15 minutes before shredding it. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more moist and flavorful meat.
**4. Vegetable Prep and Sautéing:**
* **Consistent Chopping:** Chop the carrots, celery, and onion into roughly the same size pieces. This ensures they cook evenly.
* **Sautéing is Essential:** Don’t skip the sautéing step! Sautéing the vegetables softens them and releases their flavors, adding depth to the soup.
* **Garlic Timing:** Add the garlic towards the end of the sautéing process. Garlic burns easily, so adding it later prevents it from becoming bitter.
* **Aromatic Herbs:** Thyme and rosemary are classic additions to chicken noodle soup. Use dried herbs for convenience, but fresh herbs (added towards the end of cooking) will provide a brighter flavor.
**5. Choosing the Right Noodles:**
* **Egg Noodles: The Classic Choice:** Ree Drummond’s recipe calls for egg noodles, which are a traditional choice for chicken noodle soup. They have a rich flavor and a slightly chewy texture that holds up well in the soup.
* **Other Noodle Options:** You can also use other types of noodles, such as wide noodles, rotini, or even small pasta shapes like ditalini. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Gluten-Free Options:** For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free egg noodles or gluten-free pasta.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they will become mushy. Cook them until they are just tender, al dente.
* **Cooking Noodles Separately:** For best results, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to the soup just before serving. This prevents them from soaking up too much broth and becoming bloated. If you choose this method, cook the noodles according to package directions, drain them well, and add them to the soup about 5 minutes before serving.
**6. Seasoning and Flavor Enhancement:**
* **Salt and Pepper: Start Small:** Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and adjust to taste. It’s always easier to add more seasoning than to remove it.
* **Taste, Taste, Taste:** Taste the soup frequently throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Umami Boost:** For an extra boost of umami flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of soy sauce to the soup.
* **Lemon Juice Brightness:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking can brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
* **Hot Sauce Kick:** For those who like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
**7. Serving and Garnishing:**
* **Fresh Parsley:** Fresh chopped parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note to the soup.
* **Other Garnish Options:** Other garnish options include chopped chives, dill, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
* **Warm Bread or Crackers:** Serve the soup with warm crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Variations and Adaptations
The beauty of chicken noodle soup is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some variations and adaptations to consider:
* **Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup:** Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and add tofu or chickpeas for protein. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
* **Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a chopped jalapeno pepper to the soup for a spicy kick.
* **Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup:** Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the soup for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese at the end of cooking for a creamy texture.
* **Adding More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as green beans, peas, corn, or potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Using Leftover Chicken:** This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup along with the vegetables.
Making Ahead and Storage
* **Making Ahead:** Chicken noodle soup is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the soup up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time.
* **Storage:** Store leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** Chicken noodle soup can also be frozen for longer storage. However, the noodles may become a bit mushy after thawing. To minimize this, cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup after thawing. Freeze the soup in individual portions for easy thawing. The soup will be good for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
* **Reheating:** Reheat chicken noodle soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup is too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out.
The Verdict: Does The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Noodle Soup Live Up to the Hype?
Absolutely! The Pioneer Woman’s chicken noodle soup recipe is a winner. It’s a classic, comforting dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The recipe is straightforward, the ingredients are simple and accessible, and the results are consistently delicious. The use of a whole chicken adds depth and richness to the broth, and the sautéed vegetables provide a layer of flavor that elevates the soup beyond the ordinary.
**Pros:**
* Easy to follow instructions.
* Uses simple, accessible ingredients.
* Produces a hearty and flavorful soup.
* Great for feeding a crowd.
* Can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.
**Cons:**
* Requires about 2 hours to make from start to finish (mostly hands-off cooking time).
* Noodles can become mushy if overcooked or stored for too long.
Overall, The Pioneer Woman’s chicken noodle soup recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves this classic comfort food. It’s a perfect dish for a chilly day, a sick day, or any day you’re craving a warm and satisfying meal. The recipe is a solid foundation that you can customize to your liking, making it a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)
* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 25-35 grams per serving
* Fat: 10-15 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams per serving
Final Thoughts
The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Noodle Soup recipe isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the warmth of a home-cooked meal, the comfort of familiar flavors, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious for yourself and your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to simmer up a pot of pure comfort. You won’t be disappointed!