Ah, a classic homestyle chicken noodle soup—comfort in a bowl! 🥣 Here’s a detailed recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy meals.
Ingredients (serves 6)
For the broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), or 4–5 bone-in chicken thighs
- 10 cups water
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
For the soup:
- 3–4 carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2–3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the broth
- In a large pot, combine the whole chicken, 10 cups water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1–1.5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken and set aside to cool.
- Strain the broth into another pot, discarding solids. Season with salt to taste.
2. Prepare the vegetables
- Slice 3–4 carrots and 2–3 celery stalks; dice an onion.
- Add these to the strained broth. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3. Shred the chicken
- Remove the skin and bones from the cooled chicken.
- Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
4. Cook the noodles
- Bring the broth with vegetables to a simmer.
- Add noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes).
5. Combine
- Add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Stir in thyme and parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for extra comfort.
💡 Tips for the perfect homestyle chicken noodle soup:
- Flavor booster: Roast the chicken or vegetables beforehand for deeper flavor.
- Extra richness: Add a splash of chicken stock or a knob of butter.
- Storage: Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge; noodles may absorb broth over time, so add extra broth when reheating.
If you like, I can also give you a quick 30-minute version using store-bought rotisserie chicken that’s almost as good but much faster. It’s great for busy days when you still want that homestyle taste. Do you want me to give that version too?
