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Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe





Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Description

Warm up with the best chicken noodle soup recipe! Easy to make, comforting, and delicious. Perfect for any day of the week. This comforting chicken noodle soup is a timeless dish, perfect for warming up on chilly days or soothing a sore throat. Made with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and delicate noodles, this soup is flavorful, nourishing, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or as a remedy for a cold, this chicken noodle soup is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients – Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Main Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces
  • 12 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 2 cups carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz egg noodles
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    • In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and cover with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  2. Remove and Shred the Chicken:
    • Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Set the shredded chicken aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • In a separate large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
    • Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Stir in the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Combine and Cook the Soup

  1. Add Broth and Simmer:
    • Pour the chicken broth from the first pot into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  2. Cook the Noodles:
    • Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, or until tender.
  3. Add Shredded Chicken:
    • Stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 4: Serve the Soup

  1. Remove Bay Leaves:
    • Remove the bay leaves from the soup before serving.
  2. Garnish and Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Tips and Variations for Chicken Noodle Soup

Tips for a Perfect Soup

  • Use High-Quality Broth:
    • The flavor of the soup heavily depends on the quality of the chicken broth or stock. Homemade broth or a good-quality store-bought variety will make a big difference.
  • Don’t Overcook the Noodles:
    • Add the noodles towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Adjust Seasonings:
    • Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Variations of Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup:
    • Add a cup of heavy cream or milk towards the end of cooking for a creamy version of this soup.
  • Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup:
    • Add the juice of one lemon and a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, tangy twist.
  • Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup:
    • Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Origins of Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup has a rich history, with roots in many cultures around the world. It is particularly well-known in Jewish cuisine, where it is often referred to as “Jewish penicillin” for its reputed healing properties. The combination of chicken, broth, and noodles has been a staple comfort food for centuries.

Evolution of the Recipe

The recipe for chicken noodle soup has evolved over time, adapting to regional tastes and available ingredients. In the United States, it became widely popular during the 20th century, especially with the introduction of canned soup by companies like Campbell’s. Today, it remains a beloved homemade dish.

Fun Facts

  • Comfort Food:
    • Chicken noodle soup is often associated with comfort and healing, making it a go-to dish for those feeling under the weather.
  • Cultural Variations:
    • Many cultures have their own versions of chicken noodle soup, such as the Chinese chicken noodle soup with ginger and soy sauce or the Mexican version with cilantro and lime.
  • Soup for the Soul:
    • This soup is often featured in literature and media as a symbol of care and nurturing, emphasizing its role in providing comfort and warmth.

Exploring Further: Pairing and Serving Ideas – Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Pairing with Other Dishes

  • Salad:
    • A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
  • Sandwich:
    • Pair with a simple sandwich like a grilled cheese for a hearty meal.
  • Bread:
    • Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth.

Beverage Pairings

  • White Wine:
    • A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the delicate flavors of the soup.
  • Herbal Tea:
    • A soothing herbal tea like chamomile or mint enhances the comforting aspect of the meal.
  • Sparkling Water:
    • For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lemon is perfect.

Creative Serving Ideas

  • Bread Bowls:
    • Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation.
  • Individual Pots:
    • Use small individual pots or ramekins for serving, which adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
  • Family Style:
    • Serve the soup in a large tureen at the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.

Storing and Reheating

  • Storing:
    • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating:
    • Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
  • Freezing:
    • Freeze the soup without the noodles in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh noodles when reheating.

Advanced Techniques and Equipment – Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Essential Tools

  • Large Pot:
    • A large pot or Dutch oven is essential for making a big batch of soup.
  • Sharp Knife:
    • A sharp knife is crucial for chopping vegetables and cutting the chicken.
  • Cutting Board:
    • Use a sturdy cutting board for all your prep work.
  • Ladle:
    • A ladle makes it easy to serve the soup into bowls.

Advanced Techniques

  • Homemade Broth:
    • For the ultimate flavor, make your own chicken broth using chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs simmered for several hours.
  • Roasting the Chicken:
    • Roast the chicken pieces before adding them to the soup for a deeper, richer flavor.
  • Herb Infusion:
    • Tie fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, and bay leaves in a bundle using kitchen twine for easy removal after simmering.

Fun and Creative Ideas

  • Soup Bar:
    • Set up a soup bar with various toppings and add-ins like shredded cheese, croutons, fresh herbs, and hot sauce.
  • Cooking Class:
    • Host a cooking class where participants can learn to make different types of soups, including chicken noodle soup.
  • Soup Swap:
    • Organize a soup swap with friends where everyone brings a different homemade soup to share and exchange.

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in Modern Cuisine

Chicken noodle soup continues to be a favorite in modern cuisine, valued for its comforting properties and versatility. It is a staple in many households and remains a popular choice in restaurants and cafes. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch, a soothing dinner, or a remedy for illness, chicken noodle soup holds a special place in culinary traditions around the world.