Chicken Noodle Soup Is the Best Comfort Food
Chicken noodle soup has always been one of those dishes that brings back memories of warmth and comfort. I remember the days when my grandmother would make it from scratch, simmering a whole chicken in her big old pot. The kitchen would fill with the most wonderful aroma, and I couldn’t wait to sit down with a steaming bowl. My mom also made her own noodles, a tradition I continue, though only on very special occasions since homemade noodles take a bit more time and love to prepare. But there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of knowing that each part of the meal was made by hand. Whether it’s a chilly day or someone in the family is feeling under the weather, chicken noodle soup is always the go-to comfort food in our house.
Did You Know?
Chicken noodle soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. The warm broth can help soothe a sore throat, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Fun fact: Chicken soup has been used as a remedy for colds since ancient times and is sometimes referred to as "Jewish penicillin"!
Recipe:
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (or 2-3 bone-in chicken breasts)
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
In a large pot, place the chicken and cover with 8 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 45 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Strain the broth to remove any impurities and return it to the pot.
Personal Tip: If using a whole chicken, save the bones to make your own broth later.
Cook the Vegetables:
Add the sliced carrots, celery, and chopped onion to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
Personal Tip: Keep an eye on the vegetables; you want them tender but not mushy for the best texture.
Shred the Chicken:
While the vegetables are cooking, remove the skin and bones from the chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Personal Tip: Use a fork to shred the chicken easily, or even your hands if it’s cool enough to handle.
Add Noodles and Chicken:
Add the egg noodles and shredded chicken to the pot. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Personal Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Personal Tip: Pair with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 300, Protein: 25g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fiber: 3g, Net Carbohydrates: 27g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 80mg, Sodium: 900mg, Sugars: 6g, Glycemic Index: Medium
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Using Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use leftover roast chicken or turkey. Simply add the pre-cooked meat during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Homemade Broth: For an even richer flavor, make your own chicken broth by simmering chicken bones with vegetables, herbs, and water for several hours.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for added flavor and nutrition.
- Noodle Options: Swap egg noodles with other types of pasta like rotini, fusilli, or even whole wheat noodles for a healthier option.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little water or broth if needed.
- Freezing Soup: This soup freezes well. Freeze in individual portions for an easy meal. Just thaw and reheat as needed.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add a bay leaf, thyme, or rosemary while simmering the soup for extra flavor.
- Reducing Fat: After simmering the chicken, let the broth cool slightly and skim off any fat that rises to the top for a lighter soup.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Cost-Saving Tips: Buy chicken in bulk when it's on sale and freeze portions for future use. Using store-brand ingredients can also help reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
Choose The Best Broth You Can Afford
When it comes to making chicken noodle soup, the broth is the foundation of the dish. Choosing a natural, high-quality broth without artificial additives can make a significant difference in flavor and nutrition. While these broths may cost a bit more, they’re worth it in the long run for the health benefits and the richer taste they provide. If you can’t afford the pricier options, don’t worry—just the love that you are putting into making homemade soup will go a long way.