Chef John’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: A Bowl of Comfort

Chicken noodle soup. The quintessential comfort food. It’s the first thing many of us crave when feeling under the weather, a warm embrace in a bowl. While canned versions have their place, nothing compares to the rich, flavorful goodness of homemade. And when it comes to homemade chicken noodle soup, Chef John’s recipe is a gold standard. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a culinary hug, packed with wholesome ingredients and simple techniques that yield extraordinary results.

This recipe captures the essence of what makes chicken noodle soup so beloved: a deeply flavorful broth, tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Chef John’s approach emphasizes building layers of flavor, ensuring that every spoonful is a symphony of taste and texture. Whether you’re battling a cold or simply seeking a comforting meal, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.

Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make Chef John’s amazing homemade chicken noodle soup!

Ingredients

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your soup, so choose the freshest vegetables and the best quality chicken you can find.

* **Chicken:**
* 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
* **Vegetables:**
* 2 large onions, chopped
* 3-4 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 3-4 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 leek, white and light green parts only, thoroughly cleaned and chopped (optional, but adds great flavor)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* Fresh thyme sprigs (a few, for the broth)
* Fresh rosemary sprig (optional, for the broth)
* **Noodles:**
* 8-12 ounces egg noodles (wide or medium, your preference)
* **Broth:**
* 10-12 cups water
* 2-3 chicken bouillon cubes or equivalent amount of chicken bouillon powder (optional, for added richness)
* **Seasoning:**
* Salt
* Black pepper
* Bay leaf (1-2)
* Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick

Equipment

You’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment to make this soup:

* Large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 8-quart capacity)
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Ladle
* Colander or strainer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of Chef John’s comforting chicken noodle soup.

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken and Broth

This step is all about creating the flavorful foundation of your soup. The broth is where the magic happens, so take your time and don’t rush the process.

1. **Rinse the Chicken:** Rinse the whole chicken inside and out under cold running water. Remove any giblets or organs that may be present in the cavity. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. **Place Chicken in Stockpot:** Place the chicken in your large stockpot or Dutch oven.
3. **Add Vegetables and Herbs:** Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, leek (if using), thyme sprigs, rosemary sprig (if using), and bay leaf to the pot around the chicken.
4. **Add Water:** Pour 10-12 cups of cold water into the pot, ensuring the chicken is completely submerged. If necessary, add more water.
5. **Season and Bring to a Boil:** Add salt and pepper to taste (start with about 1-2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper). Add the chicken bouillon cubes or powder, if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
6. **Simmer and Skim:** Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the meat is falling off the bone. During the first 30 minutes of simmering, use a spoon to skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This will help to create a clearer and more flavorful broth.

Step 2: Shredding the Chicken and Straining the Broth

After simmering, it’s time to separate the chicken from the broth and prepare the broth for the final stages of the soup-making process.

1. **Remove the Chicken:** Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon and place it on a cutting board to cool slightly.
2. **Strain the Broth:** Place a colander or strainer lined with cheesecloth (optional, for an even clearer broth) over a large bowl or another pot. Carefully pour the broth through the strainer to remove the vegetables, herbs, and any remaining solids. Discard the solids. You now have a beautiful, flavorful chicken broth.
3. **Shred the Chicken:** Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, use your fingers or two forks to shred the meat from the bones. Discard the skin and bones. Set the shredded chicken aside.

Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables and Noodles

Now it’s time to add the final touches to your soup by cooking the fresh vegetables and the noodles.

1. **Return Broth to the Pot:** Pour the strained chicken broth back into the stockpot or Dutch oven.
2. **Add Fresh Vegetables:** Add the minced garlic and any additional chopped carrots and celery (if you want more vegetables in your final soup) to the broth. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat.
3. **Cook Vegetables:** Cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Add Noodles:** Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 6-8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm.

Step 4: Combining and Serving

Almost there! Now it’s time to bring everything together and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup.

1. **Add Shredded Chicken:** Add the shredded chicken back to the pot with the broth, vegetables, and noodles. Stir to combine.
2. **Heat Through:** Heat the soup through for a few minutes, allowing the chicken to warm up and the flavors to meld together.
3. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your liking.
4. **Garnish and Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to customize your chicken noodle soup and make it your own:

* **Use Chicken Pieces:** If you don’t have a whole chicken, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup, such as mushrooms, corn, peas, or green beans.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a diced jalapeño pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
* **Use Different Noodles:** Try using different types of noodles, such as ditalini, orzo, or even gluten-free noodles.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier soup, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
* **Add Lemon:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the soup.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the chicken. Add tofu or tempeh for protein.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** You can also make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients (except the noodles) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken, strain the broth, and then add the cooked noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Use homemade noodles:** Elevate your soup by making your own egg noodles from scratch. The texture and flavor are unparalleled!

Serving Suggestions

Chicken noodle soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

* **Serve with Crusty Bread:** A slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
* **Add a Side Salad:** A simple green salad or a Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
* **Serve with Crackers:** Saltine crackers or oyster crackers are classic accompaniments to chicken noodle soup.
* **Garnish with Fresh Herbs:** In addition to parsley, try garnishing your soup with fresh dill, chives, or cilantro.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 250-350 per serving
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams
* Fiber: 2-3 grams

Conclusion

Chef John’s homemade chicken noodle soup is a timeless classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles, this soup is a comforting and nourishing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple instructions, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure, homemade goodness! This recipe is more than just a soup; it’s a reminder of home, comfort, and the simple pleasures of life. Enjoy!