Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

A Comforting Classic!

When the chill of fall sets in, or you’re craving a wholesome, hearty meal, homestyle chicken noodle soup is the perfect go-to solution. This dish has been a beloved staple for generations, offering both comfort and nourishment. With simple yet flavorful ingredients, it’s the kind of recipe that brings warmth to any table. We’re here to walk you through every step, ensuring your soup comes out perfectly every time.

Why Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?

There’s something undeniably satisfying about making soup from scratch. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade chicken noodle soup allows you to control every aspect of flavor, from the richness of the broth to the texture of the vegetables and noodles. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use fresh ingredients and bring a sense of tradition into your home.

Benefits of Homemade Soup

1. Control Over Ingredients: You get to decide on the quality and quantity of each ingredient.
2. Rich Flavors: Homemade broth gives your soup an unparalleled depth of flavor.
3. Healthier: You avoid preservatives and excess sodium found in canned soups.
4. Customizable: You can tailor the recipe to your preferences, whether you want more veggies or a different type of noodle.

Key Ingredients for Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this classic dish:

1. Unsalted Butter

Used for sautéing the vegetables, butter adds richness and depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.

2. Onion, Carrots, and Celery (Mirepoix)

This trio forms the foundation of the soup, delivering a savory base. The mirepoix gives the soup its signature taste, balancing the sweetness of carrots with the earthiness of celery and onion.

3. Garlic

Adds an aromatic depth, making the soup smell and taste more inviting.

4. Chicken Stock

The heart of the soup, chicken stock is where most of the flavor comes from. High-quality stock, preferably homemade, creates a flavorful and nourishing broth.

5. Bay Leaves

These add subtle herbal notes, bringing a sense of earthiness and warmth to the soup.

6. Kosher Salt and Black Pepper

Simple but essential, these seasonings enhance and bring out the flavors in your soup.

7. Bone-in, Skinless Chicken Breasts

By cooking the chicken directly in the broth, the meat absorbs all the flavors while the bones add extra richness to the stock.

8. Wide Egg Noodles

Hearty and sturdy, wide egg noodles hold up well in the broth, providing satisfying texture without becoming soggy.

9. Fresh Parsley and Dill

These fresh herbs add a burst of color and a final layer of flavor, making the soup taste light and vibrant.

10. Lemon Juice

A touch of acidity from freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the broth.

Step-by-Step Preparation for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Sautéing the Vegetables

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to soften the veggies without browning them.

2. Adding Garlic and Aromatics

Once the vegetables have softened, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and affect the flavor of your soup.

3. Simmering the Broth

Next, pour in 8 cups of chicken stock and add 2 bay leaves. Season the broth with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

4. Cooking the Chicken

Carefully place 2 ½ pounds of bone-in, skinless chicken breasts into the pot. Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes. The slow simmer allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the broth while ensuring it stays moist and tender. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.

5. Cooking the Egg Noodles

With the chicken out of the pot, add 2 ½ cups of wide egg noodles to the simmering broth. Cook the noodles for about 6-7 minutes or until they are tender but still slightly firm (al dente). This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy when served.

6. Shredding the Chicken

Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot once the noodles are cooked.

7. Adding Fresh Herbs and Lemon Juice

Stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped dill, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a light salad on the side.

Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Use High-Quality Stock

The better the stock, the richer your soup will be. Homemade stock is ideal, but if using store-bought, opt for low-sodium to control the saltiness.

2. Don’t Rush the Chicken

Cooking the chicken slowly ensures it’s tender and flavorful. Bone-in chicken is recommended for an extra depth of flavor.

3. Fresh Herbs Are Key

Adding fresh parsley and dill at the end gives the soup a bright, vibrant flavor. Dry herbs can work, but they won’t have the same punch.

4. Customize Your Noodles

Feel free to swap out egg noodles for other pasta types like orzo or ditalini, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

5. Storing and Reheating

This soup stores well in the fridge for up to three days. If reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or water, as the noodles tend to absorb the broth over time.

The Perfect Comfort Dish for Any Occasion

Homestyle chicken noodle soup is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of warmth and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening, recover from a cold, or simply enjoy the nostalgic flavors of home, this soup is sure to hit the spot. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles, it’s a dish that speaks to the soul.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?

Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup, but it’s best to leave out the noodles, as they can become mushy. Add fresh noodles when reheating.

2. Can I use boneless chicken breasts?

Yes, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the broth. If using boneless, consider adding a bit of chicken bouillon for extra richness.

3. How can I make the soup gluten-free?

Simply replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Be sure to check your chicken stock for gluten as well.

4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, feel free to shred it and add it to the soup once the noodles are cooked.

5. What can I serve with chicken noodle soup?

Crusty bread, a light salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly with this comforting soup.

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