Chicken Soup for the Soul and a Cracking Good Cold
Table of Contents
- Chicken Soup for the Soul (and a Cracking Good Cold): Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Soup for the Soul (and a Cracking Good Cold): Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Soup for the Soul (and a Cracking Good Cold): Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Recipe Notes for the Best homemade chicken noodle soup Ever!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Chicken Soup for the Soul (and a Cracking Good Cold): Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Feeling a bit under the weather, are we? Or maybe just craving some proper comfort food? Either way, this homemade chicken noodle soup is just the ticket.
It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for those grey days.
What’s the Fuss About Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup , Anyway?
This isn’t just any chicken noodle soup recipe . Forget that tinned stuff, we’re talking about proper, old fashioned chicken noodle soup here.
We're building flavour from the ground up! This classic chicken noodle soup is all about wholesome goodness.
It's a classic dish across cultures. Chicken soup is like the universal healing soup . This soup recipe takes about 3 and a half hours, start to finish, and makes around 6 to 8 servings.
Get ready to feed the whole family, or have leftovers for days!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Soup Recipe
Honestly, the biggest win is the taste. But also, this healthy soup is packed with goodness. The broth is amazing for you when you are trying to fight off a cold! Perfect as a flu remedy or even just a winter soup to warm you up! It’s a brilliant weeknight meal that the whole family will adore.
It's a great soup for kids ! What makes this best chicken noodle soup so special? It's made with love, from scratch.
Time to grab your ingredients and get cooking!
Chicken Soup for the Soul (and a Cracking Good Cold): Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Fancy a proper bowl of comfort food ? Then homemade chicken noodle soup is exactly what you need. This isn't just any soup recipe .
It's a healing soup , k_annotated: a hug in a bowl that's brilliant for everything from a cold remedy to a simple weeknight meal with the k_annotated: family.
Forget the tinned stuff; we're making this from k_annotated: scratch. Think grandma's chicken soup , but maybe even better . I remember one time I was feeling absolutely rotten with a terrible cold, and nothing sounded appealing.
I decided to make a big batch of chicken soup for a cold , and honestly, it was like magic.
I swear I felt better after just one bowl. Homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for these times!
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, gather your bits and bobs. This is how to make the best chicken noodle soup !
Main Ingredients
- For the Broth:
- 3 lbs (1.36 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Thighs or drumsticks are your best bet.
- 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped (approx. 200g ).
- 2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped (approx. 150g ).
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped (approx. 100g ).
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed.
- 1 bay leaf.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste.
- 12 cups (2.8 liters) cold water. Use good quality water.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (approx. 100g ).
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced (approx. 100g ).
- 2 celery stalks, diced (approx. 75g ).
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles. Wide ones are the k_annotated: classic!
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Look for chicken that's plump and has a good colour. Decent chicken equals a decent chicken broth recipe . Honestly, the quality of the chicken makes all the difference to this k_annotated: homemade soup .
Seasoning Notes
We're going for depth of flavor here. Thyme and bay leaf are essential for that k_annotated: old fashioned chicken noodle soup taste.
Don't be shy with the salt, either! It really brings out the flavour. Got no thyme? Use marjoram or oregano instead.
It will add such a touch!
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven. You need something big enough to hold all that broth!
- Colander or Fine Mesh Strainer. Essential for a silky smooth broth.
- Cutting board and Chef's knife. Common sense, really.
Don't have a fancy stockpot? No worries! A large saucepan will do the trick. The goal is k_annotated: easy soup recipe . Let's get cooking this k_annotated: winter soup !
Chicken Soup for the Soul (and a Cracking Good Cold): Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This isn't some watery stuff from a tin, my friend. We're talking proper homemade chicken noodle soup here. We're building a deep , flavourful chicken broth recipe from scratch.
It uses bone-in chicken, those yummy veg, and fresh herbs. Then we spoon it all over tender noodles. Proper comfort food , perfect for a chilly evening or when you're feeling a bit rough.
Like a hug in a bowl.
It's medium difficulty. It takes a bit of time and love to make a proper broth. Don't worry. I'll help you through it.
Prep Steps for Your Easy Soup Recipe
- Essential mise en place: Chop your veggies. Get your herbs ready. Measure out your spices. This keeps it simple, yeah?
- Time saving organization tips: Chop the veg while the oven heats up. Get the herbs ready the night before. That saves a load of time.
- Safety reminders: Hot stockpots are no joke, yeah? Use oven gloves! Watch out for steam. It burns like nobody's business.
step-by-step Process to Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Sear the chicken in the stockpot over medium high heat. Brown it on all sides. It takes about 8- 10 minutes . This step adds flavour like wow .
- Sauté your onions, carrots, and celery until soft. That's around 5- 7 minutes . Then add the garlic for another minute, until it smells amazing .
- Put the chicken back in the pot. Add the bay leaf, thyme, peppercorns, salt, and water. Bring it to a boil. Then turn it down to a simmer.
- Simmer it gently for 2- 3 hours . The longer, the better. Skim off the foamy stuff.
- Take the chicken out. Strain the broth through a colander. Chuck away the solids. It is a key part to a healthy soup .
- Shred the chicken when it's cool enough to handle. Bin the skin and bones.
- Sauté fresh onions, carrots, and celery in the clean pot. About 5- 7 minutes .
- Pour the broth back in. Boil it. Add the egg noodles. Cook them until they're done. About 8 minutes . We are so close to the best chicken noodle soup .
- Stir in the chicken. Season it. Ta-da!
- Ladle it into bowls. Garnish with parsley. Serve it right away.
Pro Tips for the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
- Simmering is key. The longer you simmer, the better it tastes. Honestly. This is how grandma's chicken soup gets its magic.
- Don't overcook the noodles. Cook them till al dente . They'll keep cooking in the broth. Mushy noodles? No thanks!
- Make the broth ahead of time. It freezes well. Then, you've got comfort food on tap.
- If you are sick, this chicken soup for cold can make you fell better. It's truly the healing soup you need.
- When you feel under the weather or just crave a warm and nourishing meal, this old fashioned chicken noodle soup is just the soup recipe you need!
There you have it, mate! A big bowl of proper scratch chicken noodle soup . It's perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight meal .
Even the soup for kids will love it! Enjoy.
Recipe Notes for the Best homemade chicken noodle soup Ever!
Right then, let's chat about some insider tips for this homemade chicken noodle soup recipe . Honestly, even the simplest soup recipe can benefit from a little TLC, you know? And this classic chicken noodle soup is no exception.
Serving Up Some Goodness
Plating and Presentation Ideas: Listen, you could just sling it in a bowl and call it a day. But why not make it look a bit fancy? A swirl of cream, a sprinkle of parsley…it elevates the experience.
Presentation is key , even when it's comfort food like this. I like to use a nice, deep bowl. It makes it feel extra cosy.
Complementary Sides or Beverages: Some crusty bread for dunking is essential . Seriously, don't skip it. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely.
And a cup of hot tea is always a winner.
Storage Secrets
Refrigeration Guidelines: This healthy soup will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container, yeah? The noodles will soak up some of the broth.
So, you may need to add a splash of water when reheating.
Freezing Options (if applicable): Freezing is a great shout. But, freeze the soup without the noodles. They'll go all mushy, otherwise.
Add freshly cooked noodles when you reheat it. The chicken broth recipe freezes really well, BTW.
Reheating Instructions: Gently reheat on the hob (that’s the stove, for you non-Brits) over medium heat. You can also microwave it if you're in a rush.
Twists and Tweaks
Dietary Adaptations: Fancy a vegetarian soup recipe ? Easy peasy! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth . Add extra veggies.
Chuck in some chickpeas for protein. Sorted! For a gluten-free version? Simply use gluten-free noodles. Job done.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, try adding some fresh sweetcorn or courgette (zucchini). In the autumn, butternut squash is lovely.
Get creative! I once added some roasted pumpkin and it was delicious!
Cracking the Nutrition Code
Simplified Nutrition Information: Roughly speaking, expect around 350-450 calories per serving. It's packed with protein from the chicken. It has loads of vitamins from the veg.
It's a decent healthy soup , especially when you're feeling a bit rough.
Key Health Benefits: chicken soup for cold or chicken soup for flu really is a thing, isn't it? The broth is hydrating.
It's soothing. It's a cold remedy and a flu remedy . Plus, it's just good for the soul. Think of it as healing soup on a sick day soup .
So there you have it! My notes to help you craft the best chicken noodle soup ! Making this old fashioned chicken noodle soup will leave your family full and loved.
Hopefully, this recipe will quickly become a beloved family dinner and staple weeknight meal . I always loved grandma's chicken soup after school.
Now get in the kitchen and make some amazing soup for kids , they will love it.
Honestly, this homemade soup is easier than you think. Give it a go! You might surprise yourself. And remember, cooking should be fun. Don't be afraid to experiment. Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my homemade chicken noodle soup from being bland?
Bland soup? That's a culinary tragedy! First, make sure you're using enough salt it's crucial for bringing out the other flavours. Secondly, don't skimp on simmering the broth; a longer simmer extracts more flavour from the chicken and vegetables.
Finally, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes at the end to brighten things up and give it a bit of a 'zing'.
Can I make homemade chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! For a slow cooker, brown the chicken first if you have time, then add all broth ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the chicken and veggies, then add remaining broth ingredients and cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
Add noodles at the end using the sauté function until cooked. Just keep a close eye on the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What are some good variations of this homemade chicken noodle soup recipe?
Fancy a bit of a twist, eh? Try adding a squeeze of lime and some cilantro for a Mexican inspired version, or a dash of ginger and soy sauce for an Asian flair. Some people add a splash of cream or a swirl of pesto right before serving. For a heartier soup, consider adding some potatoes or barley.
How long does homemade chicken noodle soup last, and how should I store it?
Your lovely soup will generally keep in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. However, bear in mind that the noodles may become a bit soft upon thawing, so you might want to cook the noodles separately and add them when you reheat the soup for the best texture.
The leftover cooked chicken noodle soup should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating.
Can I use different types of noodles in my homemade chicken noodle soup?
Of course, be my guest! While egg noodles are classic, you can use any small pasta shape you like. Ditalini, rotini, or even broken spaghetti work well. If you are looking to substitute with rice, then add it later in the process than you would egg noodles, as rice is already naturally gluten-free.
gluten-free noodles or rice is also an option for those with dietary restrictions.
Is homemade chicken noodle soup actually good for a cold?
Well, it's not a magical cure, but it certainly helps! The warm broth is hydrating and can help clear congestion, while the chicken provides protein and nutrients to support your immune system. Plus, the aromatic vegetables have anti inflammatory properties.
Consider it a comforting and nourishing remedy when you're feeling under the weather. You could always try adding extra garlic or ginger, which are both thought to have immune boosting properties.
Chicken Soup For The Soul And A Cracking Good Co
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 25-35g |