Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of steaming, golden chicken noodle soup?
Nothing beats a classic, and this Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a hug in a bowl! It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Naturally delicious and easy to make, this soup is perfect for chilly days, when you’re feeling under the weather, or anytime you crave a taste of home. You’ll impress everyone with its rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the slow-simmered chicken and aromatic vegetables.
- The noodles are perfectly tender, not mushy, and soak up all that savory broth.
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
- This soup is naturally comforting and nourishing, perfect when you’re feeling down.
- It’s easily customizable – you can easily adjust the vegetables and herbs to suit your taste.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
This isn’t just any chicken noodle soup. What makes this recipe truly special is the emphasis on building flavor from the ground up. We start with a whole chicken, which creates a rich and naturally gelatinous broth that store-bought stock simply can’t replicate. The addition of fresh herbs and a touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a delicious dimension you won’t find in other recipes. Plus, cooking the noodles directly in the broth allows them to absorb all that savory goodness, resulting in a truly unforgettable bowl of soup. It’s naturally satisfying.
Ingredient List
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Chicken and Broth: Place the whole chicken in the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) until the chicken is almost fully submerged. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Remove the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones. Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones.
- Strain the Broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. Return the strained broth to the pot. This creates a clean and naturally clearer soup.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring the broth to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually about 6-8 minutes, or until tender.
- Add the Chicken and Parsley: Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Add the chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice.
- Season to Taste: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy your naturally delicious Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup!
Optional Toppings/Variations
Want to add a little extra flair to your soup? Here are a few ideas:
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley, dill, or chives.
- Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors.
- Hot Sauce: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the noodles! They’ll continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Adjust the amount of salt to your taste, especially if using store-bought broth, which can be high in sodium.
- To prevent the chicken from drying out, don’t overcook it. It’s done when it easily pulls away from the bone.
- For a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking. However, the soup is naturally perfect as is!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Add them to the pot after sautéing the vegetables and cook until cooked through, then shred. The broth may not be as rich, but it will still be delicious. This won’t be as naturally rich, but still good! - Can I use different types of noodles?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of noodles, such as ditalini, rotini, or even gluten-free noodles. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. - How long does chicken noodle soup last in the refrigerator?
Chicken noodle soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container. - Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup, but the noodles may become a bit soft. For best results, cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup after thawing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. - Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’s naturally simple to do!
Variations and Customization Options
Want to get creative? Try these variations:
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup.
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Vegetarian Noodle Soup: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s also wonderful with a simple green salad or grilled cheese sandwich. Naturally, this soup is a meal on its own!
Ready for the most naturally perfect bowl of soup?
This Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Now it’s your turn to create this magic! Grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of homemade goodness. Share your photos with friends and family! Also, subscribe to our newsletter for more naturally delicious recipes.
