Are you craving a warm hug in a bowl? Then look no further than this delicious and easy Paula Deen Chicken Soup recipe! This classic Southern comfort food is perfect for chilly evenings, a cozy night in, or whenever you need a dose of homemade goodness. Forget those bland, store-bought versions – this recipe delivers a rich, flavorful broth packed with tender chicken and hearty vegetables. It's the ultimate in healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple, yet incredibly satisfying, recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 12 cups water
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Broth
- Place the whole chicken (or chicken thighs) in a large stockpot. Add water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds. If using chicken thighs, reduce simmering time to about 45 minutes.
Step 2: Shredding the Chicken
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.
Step 3: Finishing the Soup
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the egg noodles and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in the chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Chicken Soup:
- For a richer broth: Roast the chicken before adding it to the pot. This will add depth of flavor to your soup.
- Don't overcook the noodles: Follow package instructions for cooking time to avoid mushy noodles.
- Add your favorite vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, corn, or green beans.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.
- Chicken Noodle with Vegetables: Add a medley of your favorite vegetables like peas, green beans, or diced potatoes along with the carrots and celery.
- Lemon Herb Chicken Soup: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with fresh herbs like dill or chives at the end of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Paula Deen Chicken Soup recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to make. It's a great way to enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade cooking, and it's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!