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Whenever I'm sick or just craving something comforting, this homemade chicken noodle soup hits the spot. I skip those store-bought broths and cubes - I go for actual ingredients that create the most comforting soup you'll ever try. Don't worry about the 'made from scratch' part - it's actually super simple and fills your home with amazing aromas while it's cooking.
The Magic Behind This Heartwarming Soup
There's something special about a genuine bowl of chicken soup when you're feeling down. The flavorful broth comes from gently cooking chicken and veggies together. Each bite gives you juicy chicken, tender noodles, and bright veggies. And guess what? You probably already have most of what you need sitting in your kitchen right now.
Your Ingredient List
- Chicken: 2 to 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or breast. Those bones really boost your broth flavor
- Vegetables: 2 celery stalks, 2 carrots, 1 onion, all diced into small chunks
- Garlic: 3 cloves, finely chopped. This gives your broth extra character
- Herbs: Bay leaf, fresh thyme, parsley. If you're using dried ones, just go with half the amount
- Water: 8 to 10 cups to create your flavorful broth
- Noodles: 2 cups of your preferred pasta shape or egg noodles
- Seasonings: Pepper and salt, added according to preference
Step By Step Cooking
- Prepare Your Broth
- Combine herbs, vegetables, and chicken in large pot. Pour water over everything. Let it reach a boil, then simmer gently for 1½ hours until chicken gets tender.
- Handle The Chicken
- Remove chicken and let it cool a bit. Pull meat off the bones and tear into small pieces.
- Complete Your Soup
- Return chicken to the pot. Toss in noodles, cook for 8-10 minutes until they're soft. Add pepper and salt to taste.
- Time To Enjoy
- Pour into bowls. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you want. Enjoy while hot with some bread or crackers.
Timesaving Tricks For Hectic Days
Want to speed things up? You can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just pull the meat off and add it toward the end of cooking time. You can even throw the bones in while your broth cooks for extra richness. Though homemade broth tastes way better, store-bought works when you're rushed - just grab the low-sodium version so you can adjust the saltiness yourself.
Creating Rich, Flavorful Broth
Great soup starts with awesome broth. Always cook with the bones - they pack tons of flavor. Don't cut the simmering time short; longer cooking creates deeper flavors. Add salt gradually and keep tasting as you go. Fresh herbs really elevate the soup, but if you've only got dried ones, they'll work fine - just cut the amount in half.
Storing For Later
This soup keeps well in your fridge for 3-4 days. Want to save it longer? Freeze portions in bags or containers for up to 3 months. If you're planning to freeze, skip adding the noodles - they'll turn mushy. Just cook fresh noodles when you're warming it back up. Make sure your soup cools down before freezing, and don't fill containers to the top since it'll expand.
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Easy Slow Cooker Version
Own a slow cooker? This soup works wonderfully in it. Toss chicken, seasonings, water and veggies into the pot. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Throw in noodles during the final 30 minutes. It's perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to soup that's ready to eat.
Tastier Than Any Canned Version
You can't beat truly homemade soup. No weird additives or preservatives - just wholesome food that makes you feel good. The fresh veggies and slowly cooked broth create flavors you won't find in canned options. As a bonus, your house will smell fantastic while it's cooking.
Customize It Your Way
Tweak this soup to suit what you need. Going gluten-free? Try rice noodles or gluten-free pasta instead. Want more vegetables? Toss in some zucchini or spinach. Love herbs? Add extra. The basic recipe works with many different additions, so you can adjust it exactly how you prefer.
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Comforting Reasons To Make This Soup
This is the soup that seems to fix everything. It's simple to make, uses basic ingredients, and tastes like pure comfort. Keep this recipe handy - you'll want to whip it up whenever someone's feeling sick or just needs some soul-warming food. It's classic home cooking at its finest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use store broth?
- Sure can! To amp up flavor, Better Than Bouillon is a great addition. Low-sodium options let you season it how you like. Want even more flavor? Try simmering chicken bones or tossing extra veggies into the mix. Even bouillon cubes can save the day—just go easy on the salt.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
- Choose gluten-free noodles—rice ones are a solid choice. Some store-bought broths sneak in wheat, so double-check labels. Homemade noodles? Swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour. Heads-up: gluten-free noodles might cook faster, so boil separately the first time to figure it out.
- → Can raw chicken work here?
- Yep, chop it into small chunks and toss it in before noodles. Thighs cook in about 6-7 mins, while breasts take closer to 5. Just make sure there’s no pink left inside. Or poach whole pieces and shred 'em up. Using ground chicken? Cook first and drain any fat off.
- → How long does it last?
- It'll keep fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge if sealed tight. Noodles do soak up broth as it sits—you might need to pour in more when warming it up. If planning to freeze, skip the noodles—they don’t hold up well. Portion it out for quick meals, and reheat slowly on the stove to keep that lovely texture!
Conclusion
Fan of hearty soups? You'll love creamy chicken with wild rice. Or lighten it up with lemony chicken orzo. Even classic chicken and dumplings bring that same hearty satisfaction!