The Timeless Comfort of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup to soothe the soul and transport you back to the cozy kitchens of our grandmothers. Growing up, I have the fondest memories of my grandma’s chicken noodle soup – the rich, golden broth, the tender shreds of chicken, and the comforting egg noodles that seemed to hug each spoonful. It was the ultimate cure-all, whether I was battling the sniffles or simply craving a little taste of home.

The Secret to Soup Perfection

As the team at RecipeTin Eats puts it, the secret to a truly remarkable chicken noodle soup lies in simmering a whole chicken with root vegetables and herbs to create a delectable homemade stock. This is the “old-fashioned way” that results in a broth so flavorful, it’s something “money can’t buy.” By taking the time to properly prepare the stock, you’ll end up with a soup that’s not only nourishing, but absolutely bursting with flavor in every spoonful.

The Art of Clear Broth

One of the hallmarks of a great chicken noodle soup is the clarity of the broth. Averie Cooks shares a few tricks to achieving that coveted transparent, yet richly flavored broth. The key is to simmer the chicken gently, skim off any scum that rises to the surface, and let the broth settle so the darker bits sink to the bottom before ladling it into the soup pot. Avoiding browning the sautéed vegetables and not over-stirring the noodles also helps maintain that desirable clarity.

Versatility and Leftovers

One of the best things about this homemade chicken noodle soup is its versatility. While I’ve kept the veggie lineup classic with onions, carrots, and celery, RecipeTin Eats encourages you to add whatever you like. And the best part? You’ll likely have plenty of shredded chicken leftover to repurpose into all sorts of delicious dishes, from Chinese chicken salad to Thai fried rice. Talk about getting the most out of your ingredients!

The Healing Power of Chicken Soup

Now, I know there’s been some debate over whether chicken soup truly has medicinal powers, but RecipeTin Eats makes a compelling case. From a practical standpoint, the light, easy-to-digest nature of chicken noodle soup is perfect for soothing an upset stomach or a scratchy throat. And let’s be honest, when you’re feeling under the weather, there’s nothing more comforting than a big, steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup, is there?

Putting it All Together

So, if you’re ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food, I encourage you to try your hand at this Home Cooking Rocks recipe for Simple Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Broth. With a few simple techniques and some patience, you’ll have a soup that will transport you right back to grandma’s kitchen – and maybe even provide a little healing magic along the way. Dig in, my friends, and let the restorative powers of this timeless dish work their magic.

Ingredients and Method

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need and how to make this delectable soup:

Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken or 3-4 lbs chicken parts (bones, skin-on)
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and diced
– 3 celery stalks, diced
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 8 cups chicken broth or stock
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz egg noodles

Instructions:
1. In a large pot, place the whole chicken (or chicken parts) and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, skimming any foam or scum that rises to the surface.
2. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve.
3. In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Pour in the strained chicken broth and add the thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the broth to a boil, then add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Stir in the shredded chicken and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy the Comforts of Home

There’s truly nothing like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup to wrap you in a warm hug and transport you back to the cozy kitchens of our childhoods. By taking the time to prepare the broth from scratch, you’ll end up with a soup that’s bursting with flavor in every spoonful. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into a bowl of this Simple Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Broth and let the restorative powers of this timeless dish work their magic.