What To Know
- Whether you’re fighting off a cold, seeking a cozy meal on a chilly evening, or simply craving a taste of home, this timeless dish offers a comforting embrace.
- While the chicken is cooling, sauté the chopped onion in the same pot you used to brown the chicken.
- Roast the carrots and celery in the oven before adding them to the soup for a deeper flavor.
Chicken noodle soup, a culinary classic known for its warmth, nourishment, and comforting flavors, is a staple in many households. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, seeking a cozy meal on a chilly evening, or simply craving a taste of home, this timeless dish offers a comforting embrace. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a culinary adventure, exploring the intricacies of “how to make chicken noodle soup basic.”
Gathering Your Ingredients
To create a delectable chicken noodle soup, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 carrots, chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 8 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Chicken
1. Rinse the Chicken: Thoroughly rinse the whole chicken under cold water. Remove any excess fat or giblets.
2. Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper. You can also add additional seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs.
3. Brown the Chicken: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add some cooking oil and brown the chicken on all sides. This step adds flavor and color to the soup.
Creating the Broth
1. Add Chicken and Water: Place the browned chicken into the pot and cover it with 8 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Simmer and Skim: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the chicken for 1-2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone. Skim any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
3. Remove Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool.
Adding the Vegetables
1. Sauté the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooling, sauté the chopped onion in the same pot you used to brown the chicken. Add the chopped carrots and celery and continue sautéing until they soften slightly.
2. Add Vegetables to Broth: Add the sautéed vegetables to the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Cooking the Noodles
1. Add Noodles: Once the soup is boiling, add the egg noodles. Stir well to distribute the noodles evenly.
2. Cook Noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
Shredding the Chicken
1. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add Chicken to Soup: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
Seasoning and Serving
1. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add additional salt, pepper, or other spices to enhance the flavor.
2. Serve Hot: Serve the chicken noodle soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Variations and Tips
- Add Vegetables: Experiment with other vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans.
- Use Different Noodles: Replace egg noodles with ramen noodles, rice noodles, or pasta.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a kick.
- Add Herbs: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- Freeze for Later: Chicken noodle soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Beyond Basic: Elevating Your Soup
- Roast the Vegetables: Roast the carrots and celery in the oven before adding them to the soup for a deeper flavor.
- Use Homemade Chicken Broth: Make your own chicken broth for a richer and more flavorful soup.
- Add a Bay Leaf: Add a bay leaf to the soup while it’s simmering to enhance the aroma.
- Garnish with Lemon: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the soup before serving for a bright and refreshing touch.
Questions You May Have
Q: How long does it take to make chicken noodle soup basic?
A: It takes approximately 1-2 hours to cook the chicken and 15-20 minutes to prepare the vegetables and noodles.
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, the soup may not have as much flavor.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have egg noodles?
A: You can use any type of pasta, such as penne, macaroni, or spaghetti.
Q: How can I thicken my chicken noodle soup?
A: You can thicken the soup by adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) or by adding mashed potatoes.
Q: How do I store leftover chicken noodle soup?
A: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
