The Ultimate Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, chicken noodle soup is a classic. It’s warm, filling, and can soothe your soul on a cold winter day. Plus, it’s easy to make and customize to your liking. Here’s how to make the ultimate homemade chicken noodle soup.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 8 cups of water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 stalks of celery, chopped
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces of egg noodles
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the chicken
In a large pot, add the whole chicken and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 2: Remove the chicken and shred it
Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard the bones and skin.
Step 3: Add the vegetables and seasonings to the pot
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, chopped carrots, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Cook the noodles
While the soup is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Add the shredded chicken and noodles to the pot
Once the vegetables are tender, add the shredded chicken and cooked noodles to the pot. Let simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Customizations
Chicken noodle soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Use different types of noodles, such as bowtie or fusilli.
- Add herbs like rosemary or parsley for extra flavor.
- Use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken for a more budget-friendly option.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Conclusion
Homemade chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and customize. With this recipe as a guide, you can create the ultimate version of this beloved dish.