When it comes to comfort food, nothing can quite compare to a warm bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup. It's the kind of dish that not only nourishes your body but also soothes your soul. Whether you're feeling under the weather or simply looking for a hearty meal to enjoy, chicken noodle soup is always a great option. What makes this version truly special is the balance of tender chicken, rich broth, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles. This recipe will guide you through every step of creating the best chicken noodle soup from scratch, ensuring that each bite is as satisfying as possible.
A Brief History of Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup has been a staple in kitchens around the world for centuries. Often referred to as "Jewish Penicillin," this traditional dish is famous for its healing properties and its place in many family traditions. Whether it’s served to help cure a cold or simply enjoyed on a chilly day, chicken noodle soup holds a special place in many cultures. It is also a versatile recipe, with variations found in cuisines from American to Eastern European, all with one common theme: comforting warmth.
Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup
To make this soul-warming dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into slices
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups egg noodles
The quality of the ingredients you choose will have a direct impact on the final flavor of your soup. Always aim to use fresh vegetables and a high-quality chicken broth, as these will enhance the richness of the dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Preparing the Chicken
To start, you'll need to prepare the chicken. If you're using chicken breasts, it’s best to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. For those who prefer chicken thighs, you can either leave them whole for more rustic chunks of meat or cut them into smaller pieces as well. Each option brings its own texture and richness to the soup.
2. Sautéing the Chicken
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and drizzle a bit of olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5 minutes, turning them until both sides are browned. The browning process adds depth and a more complex flavor to your soup. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate. You’ll be adding it back in later.
3. Cooking the Vegetables
In the same pot, using the leftover bits from cooking the chicken (which will infuse the veggies with even more flavor), add the diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. This will allow the flavors to meld and give the vegetables a beautiful golden color.
4. Adding the Broth and Herbs
Next, pour in 8 cups of chicken broth along with 2 cups of water to give the soup its base. Drop in 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir everything together to combine. These herbs will slowly infuse the broth as the soup simmers, releasing their aromatic flavors into the soup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Simmering the Soup
Simmer the soup for 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to cook and the flavors to develop. During this time, the broth will soak up the herbal notes and the natural sweetness from the carrots and celery. The simmering process is key to extracting all the delicious flavors and ensuring the broth becomes rich and flavorful.
6. Preparing the Egg Noodles
While your soup is simmering, cook the egg noodles separately according to the package instructions. Cooking them separately ensures they won’t become too mushy in the soup. Once they’re cooked, drain and set them aside. Be sure to toss them with a little bit of oil to prevent sticking.
7. Returning the Chicken to the Pot
After the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, add the browned chicken back into the pot. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If you opted to leave the thighs whole, this extra time will ensure they become tender and easy to shred with a fork.
8. Adding the Noodles and Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it. Now, it's time to add the cooked egg noodles to the pot. Stir them gently into the broth, ensuring they are well combined with the vegetables and chicken. Allow the soup to cook for another 2-3 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
9. Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt and pepper if needed to bring out the full range of flavors in your broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken noodle soup piping hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few cracks of black pepper. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping or enjoy it on its own for a wholesome, satisfying meal. For an extra boost of flavor, a drizzle of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the flavors.
Why This Chicken Noodle Soup Stands Out
This recipe not only delivers on taste and texture, but also focuses on the balance of ingredients. The egg noodles remain firm and absorb just the right amount of broth, while the vegetables retain a slight bite to complement the tender chicken. By cooking the noodles separately, you avoid any risk of overcooking them, maintaining the perfect balance between broth and ingredients. The simmering time allows all the flavors to marry together, creating a soup that’s comforting, filling, and irresistibly flavorful.