Chicken noodle soup, a comforting and classic dish, is a staple in many households and a go-to remedy for cold and flu season. Making your own homemade chicken and noodle soup from scratch is surprisingly easy and rewarding, allowing you to control the ingredients and flavors to create a soup that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this step-by-step recipe will guide you through the process of making a flavorful and satisfying homemade chicken and noodle soup that will warm you up on a cold day and soothe your soul.
How To Make
To get started with your homemade chicken and noodle soup, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:
- Whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- Yellow onion (1 large)
- Carrots (3-4 medium)
- Celery (3 stalks)
- Garlic (4 cloves)
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
- Bay leaves (2)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles (1 pound)
You’ll also need some basic equipment:
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Once you have all your ingredients and equipment, follow these steps to create your homemade chicken and noodle soup:
1. Rinse the whole chicken inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it in the stockpot.
2. Peel and roughly chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Add them to the pot along with the garlic cloves, thyme, and bay leaves.
3. Cover the ingredients with cold water, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top of the pot.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
7. Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.
8. Once the noodles are cooked, add them to the soup and stir to combine.
9. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips or Possible Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to enhance your homemade chicken and noodle soup:
1. For a richer flavor, roast the vegetables (onions, carrots, and celery) in a pan with olive oil before adding them to the soup.
2. Add other vegetables to your soup, such as peas, corn, or green beans.
3. Use different types of noodles, such as egg noodles, pasta shells, or even rice.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some popular additions include rosemary, oregano, or chili powder.
Homemade chicken and noodle soup is a versatile and customizable dish that can be tailored to your preferences. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to discover your perfect homemade chicken and noodle soup recipe.
