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Chicken Noodle Soup





Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Description

Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, savory broth, and wholesome vegetables with perfectly cooked noodles. This beloved dish is a go-to remedy for cold days and a favorite for family dinners. What makes this chicken noodle soup special is the blend of fresh herbs, homemade broth, and the perfect balance of flavors that soothe the soul and satisfy the palate.

Ingredients – Chicken Noodle Soup

For the Soup:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 8 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade)
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Optional:

  • 1 cup peas
  • 1 cup corn

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    • If using raw chicken breasts, cook them in a pot of boiling water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Shred the chicken and set aside.
  2. Chop the Vegetables:
    • Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots and celery. If adding peas and corn, measure them out and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat the Olive Oil:
    • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Add Garlic:
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

  1. Add the Broth:
    • Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
  2. Add Seasonings:
    • Add the dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

  1. Bring to a Boil:
    • Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
  2. Simmer:
    • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Noodles

  1. Add Shredded Chicken:
    • Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken.
  2. Cook the Noodles:
    • Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

  1. Add Optional Vegetables:
    • If using peas and corn, add them now and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  2. Adjust Seasoning:
    • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  3. Remove Bay Leaf:
    • Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 7: Serve the Soup

  1. Garnish and Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips and Variations for Chicken Noodle Soup

Tips for a Perfect Soup

  • Homemade Broth:
    • Use homemade chicken broth for the best flavor. Simmer chicken bones with vegetables and herbs for a rich, savory broth.
  • Fresh Herbs:
    • Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving can enhance the flavor of the soup.
  • Avoid Overcooking:
    • Cook the noodles just until tender to avoid them becoming mushy.

Variations of Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Creamy:
    • Add a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for a rich, creamy version of the soup.
  • Lemon:
    • Add the juice of one lemon and some lemon zest for a bright, tangy twist.
  • Spicy:
    • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.

Preparation and Cooking Time – Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 950mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Chicken Noodle Soup

Origins of Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup has roots in various cultures around the world, from Jewish penicillin (matzo ball soup) to Asian chicken noodle varieties. The version most familiar in the United States evolved from European chicken broth recipes combined with noodles, becoming a staple comfort food during the early 20th century.

Cultural Significance

Chicken noodle soup is often associated with healing and comfort. It’s a go-to remedy for colds and flu, thanks to its soothing broth, nourishing ingredients, and warmth. In many cultures, it’s a traditional dish served during times of illness or recovery, embodying the idea of food as medicine.

Fun Facts

  • Soup for the Soul:
    • The phrase “Chicken Soup for the Soul” has become synonymous with comfort and care, inspiring a series of books filled with heartwarming stories.
  • Astronaut Food:
    • Campbell’s Soup Company once made a version of chicken noodle soup for astronauts to eat in space.
  • Global Variations:
    • Variations of chicken noodle soup exist worldwide, such as Vietnamese pho, Thai chicken noodle soup, and Filipino sopas.

Serving and Pairing Ideas – Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing with Other Dishes

  • Bread:
    • Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
  • Salad:
    • A light, fresh salad pairs well with the hearty soup.
  • Sandwich:
    • A half sandwich, such as a grilled cheese or turkey sandwich, makes a complete meal.

Beverage Pairings

  • White Wine:
    • A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the flavors of the soup.
  • Herbal Tea:
    • A soothing herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, enhances the comforting nature of the soup.
  • Light Beer:
    • A light, refreshing beer pairs well with the savory elements of the soup.

Creative Serving Ideas

  • Bread Bowls:
    • Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun presentation.
  • Mason Jars:
    • For a portable option, serve the soup in mason jars.
  • Family Style:
    • Place a large pot of soup on the table and let everyone serve themselves.

Storing and Reheating – Chicken Noodle Soup

Storing

  • Refrigeration:
    • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing:
    • The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers.

Reheating

  • Stovetop:
    • Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until hot.
  • Microwave:
    • Individual servings can be reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Advanced Techniques and Equipment – Chicken Noodle Soup

Essential Tools

  • Large Pot:
    • A heavy-bottomed large pot or Dutch oven is ideal for making soup.
  • Sharp Knife:
    • A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
  • Ladle:
    • A ladle is essential for serving soup.

Advanced Techniques

  • Homemade Broth:
    • For the best flavor, make your own chicken broth by simmering chicken bones with vegetables and herbs.
  • Deglazing:
    • After sautéing the vegetables, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine or chicken broth to add depth of flavor.
  • Blending:
    • For a thicker, creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup and then return it to the pot.

Fun and Creative Ideas

  • Soup Party:
    • Host a soup party with different types of soups and a variety of toppings and sides.
  • Topping Bar:
    • Set up a topping bar with options like croutons, shredded cheese, chopped herbs, and crispy bacon.