Grandma’s Secret Chicken Noodle Soup

The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup. Just the name conjures up images of warmth, comfort, and feeling better. Whether you’re battling a cold, feeling under the weather, or simply craving a hearty and delicious meal, this classic soup is always a winner.

But let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of making soup from scratch can seem daunting. Fear not! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easier than you might think to whip up a pot of this comforting classic.

Why Make It Yourself?

You might be wondering why bother making chicken noodle soup from scratch when you can easily grab a can from the supermarket. While convenient, canned soups often contain high levels of sodium and preservatives. Making your own allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring you’re using fresh, wholesome produce and minimizing the amount of added salt. Plus, homemade soup simply tastes better! The flavors are richer, deeper, and more nuanced than anything you’ll find in a can.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you get started, gather your ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe, but feel free to customize it to your liking:

For the broth:

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 2-3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken parts (like thighs and drumsticks)

1 large onion, halved

4 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

4 celery stalks, roughly chopped

4-5 cloves garlic, peeled

Fresh herbs: a few sprigs of thyme, parsley, and/or rosemary (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the noodles:

8 ounces egg noodles or your favorite soup noodles

For the vegetables:

2 carrots, peeled and sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 onion, chopped

Instructions

1. Make the broth:

If using a whole chicken, place it in a large stockpot. Add the onion halves, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs (if using). Fill the pot with enough water to cover the chicken by a few inches.

Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and cook gently for 1-1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones and discard the bones and skin.

Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot.

2. Cook the noodles:

Bring the strained broth back to a simmer.

Cook the noodles according to package directions.

3. Add the vegetables:

While the noodles are cooking, add the sliced carrots, celery, and onion to the simmering broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. Combine and serve:

Once the noodles are cooked, add them to the pot with the vegetables and shredded chicken.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a bit of heat.

Boost the flavor: Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the broth for extra depth of flavor.

Add some greens: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.

Make it a hearty meal: Add cooked chicken or turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even leftover grilled chicken to the soup.

Use leftover rotisserie chicken: This is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and add it to the soup in step 4.

Freeze for later: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Different Noodle Options

While egg noodles are a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of noodles. Here are a few ideas:

Wide Egg Noodles

Thin Spaghetti

Orzo

Rice Noodles

Rice noodles add a subtle Asian flavor to the soup.

Lo Mein Noodles

For a more flavorful option, try lo mein noodles.

A Note on Broth

Making your own broth from scratch is the most flavorful option, but it does take time. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought low-sodium chicken broth as a shortcut.

A Word on Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. If you don’t have any fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, parsley, and/or rosemary.

Conclusion

Homemade chicken noodle soup is a timeless comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a little effort, you can create a flavorful and nourishing soup that’s sure to warm you from the inside out. So next time you’re feeling under the weather, skip the can and try making your own! You won’t regret it.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

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