Ingredients:
- Chicken: A whole chicken or chicken breasts/thighs work great. You’ll want it to be tender and juicy, so don’t skip this step.
- Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but feel free to experiment with any noodle you prefer.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are the holy trinity of chicken noodle soup. They provide crunch and sweetness that balance out the savory broth.
- Garlic and Herbs: Fresh garlic, thyme, and bay leaves elevate the flavor, making every spoonful delicious.
- Broth: Chicken broth, of course! You can use store-bought, but homemade broth always adds an extra depth of flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper are key, but you can also use a bit of parsley, rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
Let’s break it down step by step. Making chicken noodle soup is surprisingly easy, and once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up this classic comfort food in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
To start, we need to cook the chicken, which will infuse the broth with all that delicious flavor. If you’re using a whole chicken, it’s best to boil it until it’s fully cooked, which typically takes about 30-40 minutes. If you’re using chicken breasts or thighs, just cook them in a pot of water until tender.
While your chicken cooks, you’ll want to skim the foam off the top of the water to keep the broth clear. Afterward, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.
Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones or skin. This will be the star ingredient that makes your soup hearty and satisfying.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Broth
Now, it’s time to make the broth the backbone of your soup. In the same pot that you boiled the chicken, add in your aromatics: diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Saute these in a bit of oil for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. The kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point!
Next, add the chicken broth (either homemade or store-bought), and toss in your herbs – bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. If you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can really elevate the flavor.
Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the vegetables and herbs time to infuse the broth with their natural flavors, making it rich and savory.
Step 3: Add the Noodles
Now, it’s noodle time! Add your chosen noodles to the broth and let them cook according to the package instructions. Egg noodles usually take about 5-7 minutes to cook to perfection.
If you’re preparing the soup ahead of time, you can cook the noodles separately and add them later to prevent them from getting too soft and mushy. But if you’re serving the soup right away, just toss the noodles in and let them soak up all the delicious broth.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Simmer
Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, ensuring that the chicken is heated through and the flavors have had a chance to blend.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like it saltier, add more salt. A few cracks of black pepper can add some depth too. You’re in control of the flavor here!
Final Thoughts: Your Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup Bowl
Making chicken noodle soup from scratch is easier than you think, and the results are so much more satisfying than any canned version. The tender chicken, savory broth, and chewy noodles come together to create the perfect bowl of comfort, no matter the season.
Now that you’ve got all the steps, tips, and tricks, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner, this chicken noodle soup recipe will never let you down. Happy cooking!
