There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup to soothe the soul and warm you up from the inside out. This classic comfort food dish has the power to transport you to a simpler time, reminding you of childhood memories and mom’s cooking.
While canned versions can be convenient, there’s simply no substitute for the rich, complex flavor that comes from making chicken noodle soup completely from scratch. When you take the time to simmer the broth, slowly cook the chicken, and gently incorporate the vegetables and noodles, the result is a soup that’s truly worthy of the title “ultimate.”
The keys to creating the best homemade chicken noodle soup are using high-quality ingredients, employing a few clever cooking techniques, and allowing the flavors to develop slowly. With a little time and care, you can craft a chicken noodle soup that’s so comforting and delicious, it just might become a new family tradition.
So grab your biggest soup pot and let’s dive into the recipe for the ultimate homemade chicken noodle soup.
1. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs) or 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken parts
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the chicken: Place the whole chicken or chicken parts in a large stock pot and cover with 8 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 60-90 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool.
Make the broth: With the chicken cooking, start on the vegetable base. In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth and add the bay leaves, thyme, and parsley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones. Discard the skin and bones, and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Finish the soup: Add the shredded chicken back to the simmering broth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Cook the noodles: Bring the soup back to a gentle boil and add the egg noodles. Cook according to package instructions, about 6-8 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
Serve & enjoy: Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Whether you’re fighting off a cold, craving a nostalgic meal, or simply need a hug in bowl form, this ultimate homemade chicken noodle soup is sure to hit the spot. So ladle it up, grab a crusty piece of bread, and enjoy every last bite of this cozy classic.
