Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul

This soothing, savory classic is just what the doctor ordered.

Chicken noodle soup is a childhood favorite that never goes out of style, and learning to make it at home couldn't be easier. Nicole McLaughlin schools us on the art of homemade chicken soup by breaking the process down into four simple parts.

1. Chicken

"For the richest, most flavorful broth, I like to roast my chicken first," shares Nicole. She recommends asking your butcher to cut up a whole chicken for easier preparation and cleanup. After a straightforward seasoning of salt and pepper, add garlic, carrots, and sliced onion to the pan for a more complex flavor

After roasting, add a cup of cold water to the pan to help release the tasty brown bits that cling to the surface. Next, discard the skin and remove the meat from the bone. You'll have plenty of extra chicken for another meal like stir-fry or an easy pasta dish.

2. Liquid

"Chicken noodle soup is all about the broth as far as I'm concerned," asserts McLaughlin. Create a base for your stock with chicken bones, roasted vegetables, and pan drippings. Add another large sliced onion, celery, carrots, parsley stems, and bay leaf and cover with about 10 cups of water.

Bring your stock to a boil, then reduce heat significantly, letting it simmer for two to four hours. The flavors will concentrate, making a deeply savory liquid that will be the star attraction of your soup.

chicken noodle soup in a white bowl
Homemade Roasted Chicken Noodle Soup. Allrecipes

Get the recipe: Homemade Roasted Chicken Noodle Soup

3. Veggies

Carrots, onions, and celery are an integral part of any good chicken noodle soup recipe. Not only do they add depth to the chicken stock, but they also lend a delicate texture to the soup itself. Sautee the onions in butter and oil until soft, then add the carrots and celery before covering with broth.

Let this mixture simmer until veggies are soft. At this point, you can add a bit of chicken concentrate to take the existing flavors up a notch. Either way, you'll have fork-tender vegetables that pair perfectly with each spoonful of soothing broth.

4. Noodles

"You do not want to cook noodles in the broth," says Nicole. "They would absorb all the liquid, so it's best to boil them in a separate pot." The final step is adding your noodles and chicken to the broth. Brighten things up with fresh parsley, and enjoy a luscious spoonful of chicken noodle soup.

As temperatures drop, and cold and flu season rears its head, make a batch of this classic soup to combat the winter blues. "It covers you like a warm, cozy blanket," says McLaughlin. "A perfect bite indeed."

Related

Was this page helpful?
You’ll Also Love