Grandma’s Chicken Soup with Homemade Noodles: A Hug in a Bowl

There’s a reason chicken soup is a universal comfort food. It’s warm, nourishing, and evokes feelings of home and care, especially when made with love and a generations-old recipe. This recipe for Grandma’s Chicken Soup with Homemade Noodles isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the process, the connection to family, and the pure, unadulterated joy of a steaming bowl on a cold day. It’s a remedy for the soul as much as it is for a sniffly nose.

This isn’t a quick 30-minute meal. It’s a slow, deliberate simmer that allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a truly remarkable broth. The homemade noodles add another layer of love, transforming a simple soup into something extraordinary. While it requires a bit more time and effort, the result is undeniably worth it. Prepare to be transported back to your own childhood, or to create new memories for your family.

## Why Grandma’s Chicken Soup is Special

What makes Grandma’s chicken soup different from the store-bought variety, or even many homemade versions? It’s all in the details:

* **The Broth:** The foundation of any good chicken soup is the broth. Grandma’s broth is made from scratch, using a whole chicken (or chicken parts) simmered for hours with aromatics. This creates a rich, flavorful, and incredibly nourishing base.
* **The Noodles:** Homemade noodles are a game-changer. Their texture is unmatched – tender, slightly chewy, and far superior to dried pasta. They absorb the flavor of the broth beautifully.
* **The Vegetables:** Simple, wholesome vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions add sweetness, depth, and essential nutrients.
* **The Love:** Perhaps the most important ingredient of all. Taking the time to prepare this soup from scratch is an act of love that translates directly into the flavor.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

**For the Chicken Soup:**

* **1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 2-3 pounds of chicken parts (bones included):** A whole chicken provides the most flavor and allows you to easily shred the meat later. Chicken backs and necks are excellent for extra flavor.
* **1 large onion, roughly chopped:** Yellow or white onion works well.
* **3-4 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped:** Carrots add sweetness and color to the broth.
* **3-4 celery stalks, roughly chopped:** Celery contributes a savory flavor.
* **4-6 cloves garlic, minced:** Garlic adds depth and warmth.
* **1 teaspoon dried thyme:** Thyme complements the chicken flavor beautifully. Fresh thyme can also be used (about 2-3 sprigs).
* **1 teaspoon dried rosemary:** Rosemary adds an earthy and aromatic note. Fresh rosemary can also be used (about 2-3 sprigs).
* **1 bay leaf:** Bay leaf adds a subtle, but essential, savory flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **8-10 cups chicken broth or water:** If using water, you may need to adjust the seasoning to taste.
* **Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste:** Season generously throughout the cooking process.
* **Optional additions:** Parsley, dill, ginger, turmeric. Add these according to your preference and taste.

**For the Homemade Noodles:**

* **2 cups all-purpose flour:** You can also use bread flour for a slightly chewier noodle.
* **2 large eggs:** Eggs provide structure and richness.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Salt enhances the flavor of the noodles.
* **3-4 tablespoons water:** Add water gradually until the dough comes together. The amount may vary depending on humidity.
* **Optional:** 1 tablespoon olive oil for a smoother dough

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Grandma’s Chicken Soup with Homemade Noodles

**Part 1: Making the Chicken Broth**

The broth is the heart of this soup, so take your time and let it simmer gently. This slow cooking process extracts the maximum flavor from the chicken and vegetables.

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Rinse the whole chicken (or chicken parts) thoroughly under cold water. Remove any giblets or excess fat.
2. **Combine Ingredients in a Large Pot:** Place the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add chicken broth or water to cover the chicken by at least 2 inches.
3. **Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the broth will be. Periodically skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
4. **Remove the Chicken:** Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat from the bones. Discard the skin and bones (or reserve the bones for making bone broth later).
5. **Strain the Broth:** Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (if desired) to remove any solids. This will result in a clearer broth. Discard the cooked vegetables and herbs.
6. **Return Broth to Pot:** Pour the strained broth back into the stockpot. At this point, you can refrigerate the broth for later use. This allows the fat to solidify on the surface, making it easier to remove. Skim off any solidified fat before proceeding.

**Part 2: Making the Homemade Noodles**

Homemade noodles are surprisingly easy to make, and they add a special touch to the soup. Don’t be intimidated! With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Add Eggs and Water:** Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the eggs and 2 tablespoons of water. Use a fork or your hands to gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs, working from the center outwards. Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together into a ball. It should be slightly sticky, but not too wet.
3. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.
4. **Rest the Dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
5. **Roll Out the Dough:** Divide the dough into two equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of dough into a thin sheet, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner you roll the dough, the more delicate the noodles will be. You can use a pasta machine for this step, if you have one.
6. **Cut the Noodles:** There are several ways to cut the noodles:
* **By hand:** Roll up the dough sheet like a jelly roll. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into thin noodles, about 1/4 inch wide. Unroll the noodles and toss them with a little flour to prevent them from sticking together.
* **With a pizza cutter:** Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough sheet into thin strips.
* **With a pasta machine:** Use the noodle-cutting attachment on your pasta machine.
7. **Dry the Noodles (Optional):** For best results, let the noodles dry for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape in the soup. You can dry them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or hang them on a pasta drying rack. If you don’t have time to dry them, you can cook them immediately, but they may be a little softer.

**Part 3: Assembling the Soup**

Now that you have the broth and the noodles ready, it’s time to bring everything together and create the final masterpiece.

1. **Add Vegetables to the Broth:** Bring the strained chicken broth to a simmer in the stockpot. Add any fresh carrots and celery you would like in the final soup. Cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. **Cook the Noodles:** Add the homemade noodles to the simmering broth. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the noodles and whether they were dried. Fresh noodles will cook faster than dried noodles. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy.
3. **Add Shredded Chicken:** Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through.
4. **Season to Taste:** Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add any additional herbs or spices you like, such as fresh parsley or dill.

## Serving and Storing Grandma’s Chicken Soup

* **Serving:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
* **Storing:** Leftover chicken soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating.
* **Freezing:** Chicken soup can also be frozen for longer storage. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top of the containers, as the liquid will expand when frozen. Frozen chicken soup can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Tips for the Best Grandma’s Chicken Soup

* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the soup will taste. Choose a good quality chicken and fresh, vibrant vegetables.
* **Don’t rush the broth:** Simmering the broth for a long time is essential for developing a rich, flavorful base.
* **Season generously:** Season the soup throughout the cooking process, not just at the end. This will help the flavors meld together.
* **Add a splash of lemon juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a bright, acidic note that balances the richness of the soup.
* **Adjust the vegetables to your liking:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as parsnips, turnips, or potatoes.
* **Make it your own:** This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature chicken soup.
* **Make a big batch:** Chicken soup freezes well, so it’s always a good idea to make a big batch and freeze some for later.
* **Use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot:** if you’re short on time you can use a pressure cooker. Follow the same recipe but reduce simmering time to 45 minutes, natural release for 15 minutes and manually release rest of pressure.

## Variations on Grandma’s Chicken Soup

* **Spicy Chicken Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno pepper to the broth for a spicy kick.
* **Ginger Chicken Soup:** Add a few slices of fresh ginger to the broth for a warming and comforting flavor.
* **Lemon Chicken Soup:** Add more lemon juice and zest to the soup for a bright and tangy flavor. You can also add a swirl of heavy cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
* **Chicken Noodle Soup with Dumplings:** Instead of noodles, add homemade dumplings to the soup. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering broth and cook until the dumplings are cooked through.
* **Vegetarian “Chicken” Soup:** For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add tofu or chickpeas for protein. You can also add mushrooms for a meaty texture.

## Serving Suggestions:

* **Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.**
* **Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each bowl.**
* **Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, or chives.**
* **Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.**

## Nutrition Information (approximate per serving)

(Assuming 8 servings per recipe, and using a 3.5 lb chicken)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 3-5g

*Note: Nutrition information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion: More Than Just a Recipe

Grandma’s Chicken Soup with Homemade Noodles is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a connection to the past, and a symbol of love and care. This recipe, passed down through generations, represents the simple pleasures of home-cooked food and the joy of sharing a comforting meal with loved ones. The act of creating something nourishing from scratch, from simmering the broth to rolling out the noodles, is therapeutic in itself. It is an act of love and compassion, the flavors and aromas bringing back memories or forging new traditions. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and create the magic of Grandma’s Chicken Soup. This warming and hearty dish is a celebration of simple joys and the enduring power of a homemade bowl of goodness.