Grandma's Hug-in-a-Bowl: The Ultimate Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
My family's secret for the *best* homemade chicken noodle soup. Easy, comforting, and packed with flavour. Ready in under 3 hours! Get the recipe now and taste the love.
Right then, let's dive headfirst into a bowl of pure comfort! have you ever craved that warm, fuzzy feeling only a proper bowl of soup can give? our homemade chicken noodle soup is exactly what you need, mate! it’s like a hug from your grandma, even if you never had one who made soup.
Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Fave
This easy homestyle chicken noodle soup isn't just food, it's a memory. originating from the need to nourish and heal, it’s become a global staple, a symbol of home and hearth.
Our version is rooted in tradition, aiming for that classic chicken noodle soup flavorful taste. this is a medium-difficulty recipe taking about 2.
5 hours from start to finish, and it makes enough to feed 6-8 hungry souls. so get the family round.
Benefits That Warm The Soul (and Body!)
Firstly, let's be real. it's flipping delicious! but beyond that, it's packed with goodness. chicken noodle soup is basically nature’s penicillin , boosting your immune system when you're feeling a bit rough.
It's the perfect antidote to that pesky cold that's been doing the rounds. what sets this recipe apart? we use a whole chicken , meaning we get a rich, flavourful broth that no tinned stuff can compete with.
You get that real homemade soup chicken noodle goodness.
Ready to get cooking? let's gather the troops and get stuck into the ingredients because honestly, what's not to love about a stove chicken noodle soup simmered low and slow? it's a right treat.
We'll be using one whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds, for the broth), a good mix of veg, and of course, plenty of noodles.
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this ridiculously good "homemade chicken noodle soup". Trust me, this Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup will blow your mind.
Ingredients & Equipment
Listen, the right ingredients make all the difference. Think of it like building a house: you need a good foundation. Let's get this "Stove Chicken Noodle Soup" cooking!
Main Players
- Whole chicken: 1 chicken (about 3-4 pounds or 1.36-1.81kg ). Get a good one, yeah? Free-range if you can swing it. Quality chicken equals better broth, simple as that.
- Water: 12 cups ( 2.8 Liters ).
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ).
- Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup ). Yellow or white, doesn't matter too much.
- Carrots: 2 , chopped (about 1 cup ). The brighter the orange, the better, honestly.
- Celery stalks: 2 , chopped (about 1 cup ). Nice and crisp, please!
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, always.
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ).
- Dried rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
- Bay leaf: 1 .
- Salt: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ), plus more to taste.
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ), plus more to taste.
- Egg noodles: 8 ounces ( 227g ), uncooked. Wide or medium are ideal.
- Frozen peas: 1 cup ( 227g ) - completely optional but adds a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup ( 57g ), chopped, for garnish.
Seasoning Secrets
Okay, pay attention because this is how you get that Chicken Noodle Soup Flavorful . It is a make or break, mate!
- Thyme & Rosemary : This combo gives that classic, comforting flavour. If you only have Italian seasoning, that'll work in a pinch, yeah?
- Bay leaf : This little guy adds depth, don't skip it. Just remember to take it out before serving! It's not as Campbell Chicken Noodle Soup but almost.
- Salt & Pepper : Seasoning is key! Don't be shy, taste as you go.
Essential Kit
Right, here’s what you need to actually make this magic happen. Nothing too fancy!
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven. Minimum 6 quarts capacity. You can't really do this recipe without one.
- Cutting board & sharp knife. Obvious, innit?
- Ladle. For serving up those delicious bowls.
- Colander or strainer. To separate the broth from the chicken and veggies.
- Meat thermometer (optional). If you're worried about the chicken being cooked, this will give you peace of mind. You want an internal temperature of 165° F (74° C ).
If you're thinking of using a slow cooker, this best chicken noodle soup recipe crock pot is pretty solid, but honestly, the stove gives you more control.
Or think of easy chicken noodle soup recipe rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the whole chicken in the pot, that would save you a lot of time!.
I've tried making home made chicken noodle soup with rotisserie chicken , it tastes awesome! it´s easy to make a homemade soup chicken noodle with the right instructions.
Honestly, homemade chicken noodle soup with whole chicken is the way to go. it’s a bit more effort, but the flavour is totally worth it.
My nan always said, "the best things in life take time," and this soup proves her right! right then, let's get cooking!
Okay, here's that article section, all chatty and British-y, just like you asked!
Grandma's Hug-in-a-Bowl: The Ultimate Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Grandma's Hug-in-a-Bowl: Making the Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Honestly, is there anything better than a proper bowl of easy homestyle chicken noodle soup when you're feeling a bit under the weather? my nan used to whip up a batch that could cure anything from a cold to a broken heart.
This is my attempt to recreate that magic. forget the campbell chicken noodle soup tins; we're going full-on, from-scratch goodness here.
It's not a super quick stove chicken noodle soup , mind you. but trust me, the effort is worth it.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
Right, before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get organised. this is the mise en place , darling.
Chop up one big onion (about a cup, yeah?), two carrots (another cup-ish), and two celery stalks. mince two cloves of garlic.
It sounds boring, but trust me, getting it all done now saves a right faff later.
- Time Saver: Chop all the veggies at once. Then, just pop them in a bowl. Done.
- Safety First: Keep your fingers away from the sharp bits of the knife, yeah?
Step-by-Step to Soup Heaven
Okay, here's how we transform humble ingredients into glorious Chicken Noodle Soup Flavorful .
- Broth Time: Pop your whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) into a big pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, 1 tsp of dried thyme, ½ tsp of dried rosemary, a bay leaf, 1 tsp of salt and ½ tsp of pepper. Cover it all with 12 cups of water.
- Simmer Gently: Bring it to a boil, then turn it right down to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foamy bits. Cover, and let it bubble away for about 1. 5 hours. You want the chicken cooked through, hitting an internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C .
- Chicken Spa Day: Carefully take the chicken out and let it cool a bit. Then, strain that beautiful broth through a sieve. Bin the solids - we only want the liquid gold.
- Shred it Up: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones and shred the meat.
- Noodle Nirvana: Put the strained broth back in the pot, bring it to a boil, then chuck in 8 ounces of egg noodles. Cook them for about 6- 8 minutes, until they're tender.
- Assemble the Magic: Stir in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of frozen peas. Heat it all through.
- Taste and Tweak: Season with more salt and pepper if it needs it.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley (1/4 cup), and serve piping hot. This Homemade Soup Chicken Noodle is going to be a winner.
Pro Tips: Soup Secrets Revealed
Right, listen up, because these are the bits that take your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Rotisserie Chicken (although we're doing it from scratch today!) from good to amazing .
- Don't Overcook the Noodles: Mushy noodles are a crime against soup. Al dente is the way to go.
- Broth is Boss: The broth is everything. Skimming off the foam makes it cleaner and tastier.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can make the broth a day ahead. It actually tastes better the next day, once the flavors have had a chance to meld.
Honestly, this Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Crock Pot is comfort in a bowl. A perfect rendition is making Home Made Chicken Noodle Soup With Rotisserie Chicken I hope you give it a go!
Alright, let's dive into the juicy bits – those little extra nuggets of info that’ll make your homemade chicken noodle soup experience even better. Trust me, these tips are lifesavers.
Recipe Notes for a Next-Level Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
So, you've got your pot of stove chicken noodle soup simmering away. awesome! but before you dish it out, let's talk about how to take it from "meh" to "omg, this is amazing!".
You know, make it beat even that campbell chicken noodle soup !
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key
Honestly, sometimes it’s all about how you serve it. a pretty bowl makes everything taste better. think about a rustic, earthenware bowl.
Ladle in your chicken noodle soup flavorful , garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley, and maybe a lemon wedge.
Serve with some crusty bread for dipping. bang! instant upgrade. a grilled cheese sandwich alongside your homemade chicken noodle soup , like when you were a kid? don’t knock it till you try it! it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness Going
Leftover homemade chicken noodle soup ? lucky you! once cooled, get it into an airtight container. it'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating is a doddle, just gently warm it on the stove. freezing is an option, but the noodles can get a bit mushy.
So, maybe freeze the broth and chicken separately, then add freshly cooked noodles when you reheat. this also works with the best chicken noodle soup recipe crock pot
Variations: Let's Get Creative With Our Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Rotisserie Chicken !
Want to jazz things up? why not make a spicy version? a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth.
For a lighter version, swap the egg noodles for zucchini noodles. also consider using a home made chicken noodle soup with rotisserie chicken if you are short on time.
You can also make it a homemade soup chicken noodle . for a homemade chicken noodle soup with whole chicken , try adding some roasted root vegetables for an earthy sweetness.
Nutrition Basics: Good for Your Soul (and Your Body)
Chicken noodle soup isn't just comforting; it's actually pretty good for you. it is said that chicken noodle soup is a powerful weapon when fighting off a cold.
It’s packed with protein and vitamins. the broth is hydrating, and the veggies provide essential nutrients. just be mindful of the salt content.
I would recommend controlling your intake as much as possible!
So, there you have it. a few simple tips to elevate your homemade chicken noodle soup game. get in the kitchen and give these a whirl! you know, you can always try some new versions.
Enjoy, luv!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my homemade chicken noodle soup isn't bland?
Bland soup is a common woe! Make sure to season generously with salt and pepper at each stage. Don't be shy with the herbs like thyme and rosemary either, they really amp up the flavour. Most importantly, taste and adjust throughout the cooking process - a little extra chicken bouillon can also do the trick if needed!
Can I freeze homemade chicken noodle soup? What's the best way to store it?
You bet! However, the noodles can get a bit mushy after freezing and thawing. To minimize this, cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup after reheating, or use pasta shapes that hold their shape better, like rotini. For storing, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just like saving leftovers after a roast dinner!
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken in this homemade chicken noodle soup recipe?
Absolutely! If you've got leftover roast chicken or a rotisserie chicken on hand, it's a great shortcut. Just skip the first few steps involving cooking the whole chicken and go straight to making the broth with chicken stock (shop-bought will do!). Add the shredded pre-cooked chicken towards the end of the cooking time, just long enough to heat it through. Think of it as a Jamie Oliver "15-Minute Meals" type hack!
What kind of noodles are best for homemade chicken noodle soup and how do I avoid mushy noodles?
Egg noodles are the classic choice for a reason! Their rich flavour and slightly chewy texture are fantastic. However, any small pasta shape like ditalini or shells work well too. To avoid mushy noodles, cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving, or undercook them slightly when adding them directly to the broth, as they will continue to cook in the hot liquid. The best way to enjoy your bowl of Grandma's comforting soup!
Can I make this homemade chicken noodle soup healthier? What are some nutritional considerations?
Definitely! Using skinless chicken and skimming the fat from the broth will reduce the fat content. You can also load up on extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or more carrots and celery to boost the vitamin and fiber content. Using whole wheat noodles will also add more fiber. Remember to consider the sodium content, especially if using store-bought broth, and adjust salt accordingly. It's all about making healthy choices, innit?
