Is there any meal more comforting and nourishing than a big steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup? The rich, flavorful broth, tender chunks of chicken, and hearty noodles come together in a symphony of cozy deliciousness. It’s the ultimate hug in a bowl.
While you can certainly find tasty canned or pre-made versions, nothing quite compares to a chicken noodle soup recipe you’ve made from scratch. When you put in the time to simmer the broth and hand-shred the meat, the difference in flavor and texture is undeniable.
Luckily, crafting the perfect homemade chicken noodle soup isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With a few simple techniques and quality ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will rival even grandma’s legendary recipe. Get ready to earn some serious comfort food cred.
1. The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs) or 3-4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions
Place the whole chicken or chicken pieces in a large stock pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 60-90 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve, discarding any solids. You should have around 8 cups of chicken broth.
In the same stock pot, sauté the onion, carrots and celery in a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Pour the strained chicken broth back into the pot and add the bay leaves, thyme and parsley. Bring to a simmer.
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Add the shredded chicken to the simmering broth along with the egg noodles. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Whether you’re fighting off a cold, craving some classic comfort food, or just want a nourishing meal, this homemade chicken noodle soup is sure to hit the spot. It’s the perfect antidote to whatever ails you. So ladle up a steaming bowl and let the healing begin!
