There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup on a chilly evening. This recipe, using a whole chicken, delivers a richer, more flavorful broth than using pre-cooked chicken. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a healthy and delicious meal, and easily adaptable to your taste. Let's dive into this classic comfort food! This recipe provides quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and delicious dishes, perfect for homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), giblets removed
- 12 cups water
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup egg noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Broth
- Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds. Skimming off any foam that rises to the surface during simmering will result in a clearer broth.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.
Step 2: Making the Soup
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot, discarding the solids. This step is crucial for a clear and flavorful soup.
- Return the strained broth to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup:
- For a deeper flavor: Roast the chicken before simmering it in the broth. This adds a lovely richness.
- Don't overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy. Follow the package directions carefully.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, green beans, or zucchini.
- Make it your own: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your signature chicken noodle soup.
Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup: Add the juice of half a lemon at the end for a bright, zesty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This easy recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and offers a healthy and satisfying meal the whole family will love. It’s a testament to the power of simple, homemade cooking, resulting in delicious dishes and easy recipes that nourish the body and soul. Enjoy!