One of the key factors that sets this chicken noodle soup recipe apart is the use of homemade chicken broth. While store-bought broth can certainly be convenient, there’s nothing quite like the depth of flavor that comes from simmering a whole chicken with aromatic vegetables and herbs.

To make the broth, simply place a whole chicken, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and a bouquet garni of herbs such as thyme, bay leaves, and parsley in a large pot. Cover with water and simmer for several hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. Strain the broth, discarding the vegetables and herbs, and skim off any excess fat. Shred the chicken meat and set it aside for later. Now, it’s time to focus on the soup itself.

In a separate pot, heat some olive oil and sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until they are softened and fragrant. This trio of vegetables, known as mirepoix, forms the flavor base for many classic soups and stews. Next, add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aromatic oils.

Now, it’s time to add the homemade chicken broth to the pot. Pour in the strained broth, along with some additional water if needed, to achieve the desired consistency. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Once the soup has simmered, it’s time to add the star of the show: the noodles. You can use any type of noodle you prefer, whether it’s classic egg noodles, wide noodles, or even spiral pasta. Cook the noodles separately according to the package instructions, then drain and add them to the pot of simmering soup. This ensures that the noodles don’t become mushy and overcooked.

Finally, it’s time to add the shredded chicken back into the soup. Stir it gently to combine and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed.

When it comes to serving the best tasting chicken noodle soup, I like to garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of freshness and color. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in, a comforting meal when you’re feeling under the weather, or simply when you’re craving a bowl of homemade goodness.

So, the next time you’re in need of some comfort food, give this homemade chicken noodle soup recipe a try. With its flavorful broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s sure to become a family favorite that will warm your heart and soul.

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need: a whole chicken weighing approximately 4 pounds, 8 cups of chicken broth, 4 cups of water, 2 peeled and sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, 1 diced onion, 3 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Additionally, we’ll need 8 ounces of egg noodles and fresh chopped parsley for garnish. With this array of ingredients, we’re ready to create a delicious and hearty meal that will surely delight the senses!

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start preparing this delicious chicken noodle soup. This classic comfort food is perfect for those chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty noodles will warm you up from the inside out.

To begin, we’ll need to prepare the chicken. Start by rinsing it under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Then, place the chicken on a cutting board and carefully remove any excess fat or giblets from the cavity. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and sear it on all sides until golden brown. This step helps to lock in the flavors and create a rich base for the soup.

Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. This will enhance their flavors and add depth to the soup.

Pour in the chicken broth and water, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor and will infuse the soup with a delicious taste.

Now it’s time to add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot. These herbs will give the soup a wonderful aroma and enhance the overall taste. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil.

Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful broth.

While the soup is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are al dente, drain them and set them aside. We’ll add them to the soup later.

After the chicken has cooked for an hour, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones, as we only want the tender chicken meat in the soup.

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the cooked egg noodles. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If desired, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of freshness and color.

Your homemade chicken noodle soup is now ready to be served. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy it while it’s still hot. This comforting and nourishing soup is sure to warm your heart and soul.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need:

• 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s start cooking:

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Remove any giblets and excess fat from the cavity, then rinse the chicken under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear it on all sides until golden brown. This step will help develop a rich flavor in the soup.
3. Once the chicken is nicely browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chicken broth, water, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
5. While the soup is simmering, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Set the chicken aside until ready to use.
6. After an hour, remove the bay leaf from the pot and add the egg noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until al dente.
7. Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot and let it heat through for a few minutes.
8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
9. Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it immediately and enjoy!

Now that you have followed these instructions, you have successfully prepared a delicious and comforting chicken noodle soup. This classic dish is perfect for any time of the year and is sure to warm your soul. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and al dente egg noodles creates a hearty and satisfying meal. The searing of the chicken before simmering it in the broth adds depth and richness to the soup, while the herbs and seasonings enhance the overall flavor. The addition of freshly chopped parsley as a garnish adds a pop of freshness and brightness to each bowl. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a comforting meal, this homemade chicken noodle soup is the perfect choice. Serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Extra Flavor:

To make your chicken noodle soup even more flavorful, here are a few tips:

• Use homemade chicken broth if possible. It will add a depth of flavor that store-bought broth can’t match. Homemade broth is made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs for an extended period of time, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, savory base for your soup.
• Don’t be afraid to add more herbs and spices. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect balance of flavors. Some popular options include thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and parsley. These aromatic herbs will infuse your soup with a delightful fragrance and enhance the overall taste.
• If you have any leftover cooked vegetables or herbs in your fridge, feel free to add them to the soup. Not only will this help reduce food waste, but it will also add extra layers of flavor and texture to your dish. Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic are commonly used in chicken noodle soup and can be a great addition.
• For a touch of tanginess, squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the soup just before serving. The acidity of the lemon will brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing twist to your soup. Be sure to taste and adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your personal preference.
• Consider adding a teaspoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for an umami boost. These condiments are packed with savory flavors and can elevate the taste of your soup. However, be mindful of the sodium content and adjust the amount accordingly if you are watching your salt intake.

By following these tips, you can take your chicken noodle soup to the next level and create a dish that is bursting with flavor. Whether you are cooking for yourself or serving it to your loved ones, these extra touches will surely be appreciated. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy a bowl of comforting and delicious chicken noodle soup!