Ah, the cozy embrace of a warm bowl of soup on a chilly night—it’s like a hug from the inside. This creamy homemade chicken noodle soup, a nostalgic blend of tender chicken and comforting broth, feels like an evening spent wrapped in your favorite blanket. Remember those nights when the world outside seemed too cold and all you needed was something to thaw your soul? This is that something.
Steps
- Start by making homemade chicken stock using a rotisserie chicken, or opt for a high-quality store-bought chicken stock.
- In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, melt butter and sauté diced celery and carrots for about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken stock and season with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and crushed red pepper. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed, possibly adding some chicken bouillon for extra flavor.
- Bring the broth to a boil, then add either homemade egg noodles or dry store-bought pasta. Cook the noodles until they are just al dente, removing the pot from heat once they are tender to prevent overcooking.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken meat to the pot, stir, and taste the broth again to adjust the seasonings if necessary.
- Serve the soup hot, paired with your favorite bread or rolls for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 2 ribs of celery, diced
- 3-4 large carrots, diced
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 10 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, or more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 batch of homemade egg noodles, or 4 cups of dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-size pasta
- 3 cups of rotisserie chicken meat
- 1 teaspoon “better than bouillon” chicken flavor or chicken bouillon granules, or more as needed
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1650kcal | Carbohydrates: 112g | Protein: 184g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 464mg | Sodium: 7472mg | Potassium: N/A | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 36848IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- What kind of noodles are best for chicken noodle soup?
- While homemade egg noodles are recommended for a more authentic taste, you can use any type of pasta such as farfalle, elbow macaroni, or rotini in chicken noodle soup.
- Is it necessary to use homemade chicken stock for this recipe?
- Homemade chicken stock is highly recommended for its superior flavor. However, store-bought chicken stock can be used, and you can enhance its taste with a chicken base like Better than Bouillon.
- Can I prepare chicken noodle soup in advance?
- Yes, chicken noodle soup can be made ahead. If using homemade egg noodles, they don’t get soggy, making them ideal for advance preparation. For store-bought noodles, it’s best to make the broth in advance and cook the noodles on the day of serving.
- How should I store leftover chicken noodle soup?
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. If freezing, allow the soup to cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
- Is homemade chicken noodle soup healthy?
- Homemade chicken noodle soup is generally healthier than store-bought versions, which often contain high sodium and artificial additives. Homemade stock is rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to the soup’s nutritional benefits.
Tips
- Use Homemade Chicken Stock: For the best flavor, prepare your own chicken stock using a rotisserie chicken. Utilize the meat for the soup and the carcass for the stock. This will enhance the soup’s depth and richness beyond store-bought options.
- Choose Noodles Wisely: While homemade egg noodles are ideal and quick to prepare, any type of pasta will work. If using store-bought noodles, be sure not to overcook them to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Season to Taste: Carefully taste the broth before adding additional salt. Start with a small amount of rosemary, thyme, and crushed red pepper, then adjust according to your preference. Adding a touch of chicken bouillon can also enrich the flavor.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: To prepare in advance, complete the soup with homemade egg noodles as they maintain their texture better. If you opt for store-bought noodles, undercook them slightly before freezing to avoid sogginess when reheating.
Equipment
- Large stock pot
- Airtight container (for storing leftovers or freezing)
- Pasta maker (if making homemade egg noodles from scratch)
