What To Know
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a little bit of olive oil until softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water used to boil the chicken.
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 10 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the whole chicken. Cover it with the chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a little bit of olive oil until softened.
4. Add the Broth and Noodles: Pour in the chicken broth or water used to boil the chicken. Bring to a boil again. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions.
5. Return the Chicken: Once the noodles are almost done cooking, add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
6. Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference.
7. Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and serve the chicken noodle soup warm.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Use a whole chicken: The bones add flavor and richness to the broth.
- Simmer the chicken for a long time: This allows the flavors to develop fully.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: They should be al dente, not mushy.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add peas, green beans, or potatoes to your soup.
- Make it ahead of time: Chicken noodle soup tastes even better the next day.
Health Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Hydrating: The broth is a great way to rehydrate.
- Nutrient-rich: Chicken noodle soup is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Anti-inflammatory: The chicken broth contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation.
- Comforting: The warm, savory flavors of chicken noodle soup can be soothing on the body and mind.
Variations on Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Asian-inspired: Add soy sauce, ginger, and shiitake mushrooms for an Asian twist.
- Italian-inspired: Swap out the egg noodles for pasta and add some grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mexican-inspired: Use chicken broth made with tomatoes and add some chopped cilantro.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free egg noodles or rice noodles.
The Ultimate Comfort Food:
Chicken noodle soup is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With these easy-to-follow instructions, you can now enjoy the satisfaction of making this homemade staple from scratch. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let the aromas of chicken noodle soup fill your kitchen and warm your soul.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before boiling.
Q: What if I don’t have egg noodles?
A: You can use any type of pasta you like, such as macaroni, penne, or spaghetti.
Q: How long does chicken noodle soup last in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored, chicken noodle soup can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
