Delish Chicken Noodle Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal for All Occasions
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that never fails to deliver warmth and satisfaction. Its rich broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked vegetables make it an ideal meal for any time of year, whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something delicious. This delish chicken noodle soup recipe is packed with flavor, and it’s easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. From leftover chicken to simple vegetables and flavorful seasonings, this soup is the perfect balance of hearty and comforting.
Why Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Is the Best
When it comes to comfort food, homemade chicken noodle soup reigns supreme. While store-bought versions may be convenient, they can never compare to the richness and depth of flavor found in a homemade broth. Making chicken noodle soup from scratch allows you to customize the ingredients and seasonings, resulting in a more flavorful, personalized dish. Plus, using leftover chicken adds a layer of sustainability, making it an ideal way to repurpose food and reduce waste.
A homemade version also ensures you control the quality of ingredients, from the choice of vegetables to the chicken broth. You can skip the artificial additives and preservatives commonly found in store-bought soups and instead opt for fresh, nutritious ingredients. The result? A satisfying, wholesome meal that’s bursting with flavor in every spoonful.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup
To create the best chicken noodle soup, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this delicious chicken noodle soup recipe:
Leftover Chicken
Using leftover chicken is one of the easiest ways to make this soup both flavorful and cost-effective. Whether you have chicken breast, thighs, or even roasted chicken leftovers, you can throw the bones, skin, and meat into the pot for the base of your broth. Simmering these ingredients creates a rich, homemade stock that adds a deep, savory taste to the soup.
Vegetables
The classic trio of carrots, celery, and onions forms the backbone of this soup. Their subtle sweetness and earthiness blend perfectly with the chicken broth to create a balanced and flavorful base. The vegetables should be diced into small pieces for easy eating and even cooking.
- Carrots: These root vegetables add natural sweetness and texture to the soup.
- Celery: Celery brings a mild, slightly bitter flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots and the richness of the chicken broth.
- Onion: A half large sweet onion provides a slightly sweet and savory depth of flavor to the broth.
Tomato Juice
A cup of V8 tomato juice adds a tangy, umami-rich flavor to the soup, giving it a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the chicken broth. It’s an unexpected ingredient, but it works wonders in elevating the taste.
Chicken Broth and Bouillon
To deepen the flavor of the soup, we use chicken broth and a tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base. These ingredients provide an extra layer of savory goodness, making the soup even more satisfying. The chicken broth adds liquid, while the bouillon concentrate boosts the overall taste with a more concentrated chicken flavor.
Egg Noodles
For the perfect texture, egg noodles are an excellent choice. They absorb the flavorful broth and cook quickly, making them the perfect addition to the soup. They are soft yet hearty, providing the right balance of chewiness to complement the tender chicken and vegetables.
Seasonings
To round out the flavors, we use dried parsley flakes for an herbaceous note and salt to season the soup to taste. The salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients, while the parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the soup’s overall profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Now that we’ve discussed the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the preparation process. This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bowl of delicious, hearty chicken noodle soup ready to enjoy in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by placing the leftover chicken (bones, skin, and meat) into a large pot. Add 4 cups of water to cover the chicken and bring it to a simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken meat falls off the bones easily. This process extracts all the flavors from the chicken, creating a rich homemade broth.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside. Discard the bones and skin, as they won’t be needed. Shred the chicken meat with a fork or your hands, and return the shredded meat to the pot. You now have the foundation for your chicken noodle soup.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Next, add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot with the broth. Stir the vegetables into the liquid and bring the mixture back to a simmer. Let the vegetables cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly firm. The simmering process will infuse the broth with the flavors of the vegetables.
Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers
To take the soup to the next level, it’s time to add some extra flavor. Stir in the V8 tomato juice, chicken broth, and Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base. These ingredients provide depth and richness to the soup, elevating its taste and making it even more satisfying.
Season the soup with salt to taste and sprinkle in some dried parsley flakes. The parsley adds a subtle herbal note, balancing the richness of the broth with a fresh, green flavor.
Step 4: Add the Egg Noodles
Now it’s time to add the egg noodles to the soup. Stir them in and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are tender and have absorbed the delicious broth. Make sure the noodles don’t overcook, as you want them to remain slightly firm and hold up in the soup.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a saltier broth, add a pinch more salt. You can also add extra parsley flakes for more herbal flavor. Stir everything together, and your chicken noodle soup is ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your homemade chicken noodle soup hot, paired with warm crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal. The tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft noodles will fill you up and leave you satisfied with every bite.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use fresh ingredients: While leftover chicken is perfect for this recipe, using fresh vegetables will ensure that your soup has a clean, bright flavor.
- Control the seasoning: Taste your soup as it cooks to ensure that the seasoning is balanced. You can always adjust the salt and herbs as needed.
- Add extra vegetables: If you like, you can add other vegetables like peas or corn for added texture and flavor.
- Make ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even more delicious the next day.
Conclusion
Homemade chicken noodle soup is a delicious, comforting, and satisfying meal that never goes out of style. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful broth that is packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft egg noodles. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving something warm on a cold day or looking for a way to repurpose leftover chicken.
By following these easy steps, you’ll have a pot of delicious chicken noodle soup that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So next time you have leftover chicken, make this comforting dish and enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade meal.