Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup

Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup: Bake this hearty, soul-warming soup in under an hour. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs. A timeless classic for any day.

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Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 4 carrots
• 2 ribs celery
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Method

 

1. Dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic, peel and dice the carrots, and dice the celery.
2. Add olive oil to a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaf, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in 6-8 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Add 2 cups of cooked chicken and 2 cups of uncooked egg noodles. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes.
6. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

– Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor base.
– Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be tender but still have a slight bite.
– For extra depth, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

The technique that makes it

The key to a perfect chicken noodle soup lies in the layering of flavors and proper heat control. Start by sautéing the diced yellow onion and minced garlic in olive oil until they become translucent. This process releases their natural sugars and enhances the soup’s overall flavor. Next, adding the carrots and celery allows them to soften and infuse the broth with their essence. The dried herbs, such as basil and thyme, should be added during the simmering phase to ensure their flavors are fully extracted without becoming bitter. A bay leaf contributes depth, while black pepper adds a subtle heat. Maintaining a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil is crucial; it prevents the chicken from becoming tough and allows the noodles to cook evenly without becoming mushy. Finally, adding fresh parsley at the end of cooking brightens the dish and adds freshness.

Troubleshooting

• Problem: Soup is too salty.
  Fix: Dilute with additional water or low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning gradually.
• Problem: Chicken is tough.
  Fix: Ensure you are simmering the chicken gently; overcooking can lead to toughness. Consider using bone-in chicken for more tenderness.
• Problem: Noodles are mushy.
  Fix: Cook noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving to maintain their texture.
• Problem: Lack of flavor.
  Fix: Enhance with more herbs, a splash of lemon juice, or additional garlic for a flavor boost.

Substitutions

• Chicken: Swap with turkey for a different flavor profile while maintaining the soup’s heartiness.
• Vegetables: Use parsnips instead of carrots for a sweeter, earthier taste.
• Herbs: Replace dried basil with Italian seasoning for a more complex flavor.
• Olive oil: Use butter for a richer, creamier base.

Pro tips

• Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor base.
• Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be tender but still have a slight bite.
• For extra depth, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables.

Enjoy this nourishing and delicious homemade chicken noodle soup, a true taste of comfort. It’s a recipe that’s worth sharing!

Frequently asked questions

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