What is chicken noodle soup?
Chicken noodle soup is a classic recipe that has been around for ages. This simple yet comforting meal is the perfect home remedy for anyone feeling under the weather. For this reason, it is also commonly found on menus at restaurants that serve comfort food. While all variations are good, there are some healthy ways to make it at home without sacrificing flavor. Most recipes for chicken noodle soup call for packaged chicken stock and canned condensed cream of mushroom soup as main ingredients. However, you can adjust these slightly to get a wholesome homemade version of this tasty dish.
A Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe That's Seriously Good and Super Simple
Chicken Noodle Soup Deconstructed
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul and makes you feel better when you're under the weather. It's also easy to make at home, which is why it's such a popular dish. Chicken soup with noodles consists of chicken meat, chicken broth, noodles, and vegetables, all of which can be easily found at your local grocery store.
Chicken noodle soup is typically made with chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs or legs if you prefer. The key to making a good bowl of chicken noodle soup is to use quality ingredients and to cook the soup long enough so that the flavors have time to meld together.
A favorite cure for colds, come flu season every other Food News writer, and concerned grandmother, dishes out a recipe for chicken soup. These days, of course, there are a number of variations of the classic chicken noodle soup, but the base remains the same. If you're looking to put together a hearty bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, you've come to the right place.
What Type of Noodles Should You Use?
There are many different types of noodles available, and it's important to choose the right one for your dish. If you're making a soup, you'll want to use noodles that won't fall apart when they're cooked in chicken stock.
For this version of chicken noodle soup we will go with egg noodles. They won't melt when cooked in the soup for a while. Egg noodles are primarily made of wheat flour and eggs. These are mixed well to prepare a dough, which is then rolled into a flat sheet and cut into ribbon-shaped noodles that are a little thicker compared to other forms of noodles or pasta. While noodles are easily available in stores, you can make them at home too. Egg noodles for chicken soup won't take you more than 30 to 40 minutes to prepare.
You’re feeling under the weather. You need something hearty and nourishing to get your strength back.
You don’t know where to start. You don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, and you don’t want to leave the comfort of your couch.
Chicken Stock- Store-Bought or Homemade?
Chicken stock should ideally be homemade. But don't be alarmed, it's super easy to make. All you have to do is boil chicken breasts or chicken thighs and strain and store the chicken broth. It's that easy! You may not always have time to prepare fresh chicken stock every time you make chicken noodle soup, so the best thing to do is store some of the broth you get when you cook other chicken dishes. Homemade chicken stock doesn't contain added preservatives or harmful artificial flavors, which is why the Health Wellness experts advocate the homemade version over the store-bought one.
There's no denying, however, that store bought chicken stock is convenient to use. It can be found in every store and its' fairly inexpensive. But if you have the time, homemade chicken stock is definitely worth the effort. Homemade chicken stock has a richer flavor and can be customized to your taste. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken bones or vegetable scraps. All you have to do is simmer water with chicken bones and vegetables for a few hours, and voila! So next time you need chicken stock, give homemade chicken broth a shot. If not, the tinned version is within arm's reach.
Ingredients for Your Chicken Noodle Soup
This chicken noodle soup recipe is supremely easy to cook, and so delicious it will have everyone lining up for seconds. From young folk to old folk, everyone loves this soup. So here's what you need to put it together. . .
Ingredients-
- 10 cups chicken broth
- 5 cups egg noodles
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 carrots (diced)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2 celery ribs (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
Instructions for Making Your Chicken Noodle Soup
- Take a large pot and heat the butter. Add the celery and carrots and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the chicken broth and let it simmer. Adding the sage, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper for seasoning. Taste to check if you need more salt.
- Boil the soup with all the vegetables and seasoning in it.
- Add the egg noodles when the soup comes to a boil. Cook the noodles until al dente. Remember to remove the pot from the heat when the egg noodles are a little tender and let it cook in the residual heat.
- Add the rotisserie chicken.
- Taste for the final time and serve hot.
The cold weather is coming and you want to stay healthy.
You’ve been feeling a little under the weather, but you don’t want to take any medicine.
Serve Your Chicken Soup With . . .
There are endless possibilities when it comes to foods that go well with chicken soup. Some traditional side dishes include crackers, bread, or grilled cheese. Pair your soup with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a light meal. For heartier fare, add cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta to your bowl. Chicken noodle soup is also delicious when coupled with dumplings or matzo balls.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- You wouldn't want your egg noodles to become mushy and melt in the soup. In order to ensure this, it's better to use homemade egg noodles that are comparatively thicker. Store bought noodles are prone to turning soggy quickly.
- Always try to use homemade chicken broth over store bought broth for the best flavors. Although store bought chicken stock can be convenient, it will not give you the best results.
- If you need to store your chicken soup, first make sure you are cooking the soup at the right Food Temperature. Then let it cool down completely. You can store it in an airtight container and even keep it for 2-3 months if you put it in the freezer.
- There are a number of vegetables and a variety of seasoning that go well with chicken soup. However, make sure to avoid foods that may cause a Food Allergy. Interestingly, some people are even allergic to chicken, so if you intend to serve this to guests, make sure everyone can stomach it.
Catching a cold is never fun. It’s a drag, but hey, it happens. You can get through it with some rest and the right foods. . .
Like a hearty chicken noodle soup!