Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Introduction:

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting classic that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a bit of warmth and nourishment. This recipe features a rich, flavorful chicken stock made from a rotisserie chicken, hearty vegetables, tender egg noodles, and plenty of shredded chicken. It’s a hearty, soul-soothing dish that combines the best of homemade flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

For the Homemade Chicken Stock:

• 1 rotisserie chicken (use the meat for the soup and the carcass for stock)
• 10 cups water
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6-8 cups chicken stock (from the homemade stock or store-bought)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
• Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
• 2 cups cooked chicken (from the rotisserie chicken)
• Egg noodles or your favorite pasta (homemade or store-bought)

For the Homemade Egg Noodles (optional):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk

Directions

1. Make the Chicken Stock:
   • Prepare the Stock: In a large pot, place the rotisserie chicken carcass, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and bay leaf. Add 10 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 1 hour.
   • Strain the Stock: Remove the carcass and vegetables, straining the broth into a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Make the Soup:
   • Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced celery and carrots, sautéing for about 3 minutes until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
   • Add the Stock: Pour in 6-8 cups of chicken stock. Season the broth with salt, pepper, rosemary, sage, and a pinch of crushed red pepper if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
   • Cook the Noodles: Bring the soup to a boil. Add the egg noodles (homemade or store-bought) and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (or about 3-5 minutes for homemade noodles). Be careful not to overcook the noodles, especially if using store-bought.
   • Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken from the rotisserie, allowing it to heat through.
3. Make the Homemade Egg Noodles (Optional):
   • Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the eggs and milk. Stir to combine until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
   • Roll and Cut the Noodles: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into thin strips.
   • Cook: Drop the noodles into the boiling soup and cook for 3-5 minutes, until tender.
4. Serve:
   • Serve the Soup: Ladle the chicken noodle soup into bowls and serve hot. Pair with crusty bread or homemade rolls for a comforting meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 6-8
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (excluding stock cooking time)
• Cook Time: 1 hour (for stock) + 20 minutes (for soup)
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or parsley to alter the flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles instead of egg noodles.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you have leftover noodles, store them separately from the soup to avoid them becoming mushy.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave for long periods as it can overcook the noodles.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought chicken stock?
   • Yes, store-bought chicken stock can be used as a substitute for homemade stock if you’re short on time.
2. How do I make the soup richer?
   • For a richer soup, use a combination of chicken stock and a small amount of heavy cream.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
   • Yes, you can freeze the soup. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. However, it’s best to freeze the soup without noodles and add fresh noodles when reheating.
4. How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?
   • If storing leftovers, keep the noodles separate from the soup and add them just before serving.
5. What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
   • You can use cooked chicken breasts or thighs, or even leftover roast chicken. For a more flavorful stock, using a whole chicken or chicken bones is ideal.
6. How can I thicken the soup?
   • If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry made from cornstarch and water or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
7. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   • Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and omit the chicken. You can add additional vegetables for a hearty vegetarian soup.
8. What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
   • Use two forks to shred the chicken or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for quicker shredding.
9. How long should I cook the homemade noodles?
   • Homemade noodles generally need about 3-5 minutes to cook, but check for doneness as they can cook quickly.
10. Can I use pre-cut vegetables?
    • Yes, pre-cut vegetables can save time. Just be sure they are fresh and properly washed before adding them to the soup.

Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With a rich, flavorful stock and tender noodles, this recipe delivers a hearty and nourishing bowl of soup that’s perfect for cozying up on a chilly day. Whether you opt for homemade egg noodles or store-bought, this soup is versatile and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Enjoy a bowl of this classic dish, and savor the comforting flavors of homemade goodness.

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