Introduction
When the weather turns chilly or when you’re feeling under the weather, nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. This classic dish is not only comforting but also easy to prepare, making it a favorite among families. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, this cozy chicken noodle soup recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken: 1 pound, boneless and skinless
Carrots: 2 medium, sliced
Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
Onion: 1 small, diced
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Chicken broth: 6 cups
Egg noodles: 2 cups
Bay leaf: 1
Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried
Parsley: 2 tablespoons, fresh chopped
Salt: to taste
Pepper: to taste
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. Set them aside for later use.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, add olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken
Add the chicken breast (or thighs) to the pot, followed by chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Once boiled, reduce heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 7: Add Noodles and Chicken Back to the Pot
Add the egg noodles to the broth and cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, return the shredded chicken to the soup.
Step 8: Final Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as necessary. Remove and discard the bay leaves before serving.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your cozy chicken noodle soup!
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Options
You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for a quicker preparation.
Note 2: Vegetable Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn to customize your soup.
Note 3: Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
Note 4: Freezing Instructions
The soup can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze without noodles. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
Cook techniques
Simmering
Simmering is the technique of cooking soup over low heat where small bubbles form slowly. This gentle cooking method helps to develop flavors without boiling over or losing ingredients.
Chopping
Chopping involves cutting vegetables and other ingredients into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and enhances the soup’s texture.
Sautéing
Sautéing is a method of cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil. This technique is used to soften aromatics like onions and garlic before adding them to the soup for added depth of flavor.
Stirring
Stirring continually helps integrate the flavors of the ingredients and ensures that nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot, preventing uneven cooking.
Tasting
Tasting is essential throughout the cooking process. Regularly checking the seasoning allows you to adjust salt, pepper, and other spices to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Setting Aside
Setting aside ingredients such as cooked chicken allows them to retain their texture and prevents overcooking, maintaining the soup’s overall quality.
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the soup?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor to the soup.
How long can I store chicken noodle soup?
Chicken noodle soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Yes, chicken noodle soup can be frozen. It’s best to freeze it without the noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed.
What can I use instead of noodles?
You can substitute noodles with whole grain pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles for a healthier option.
How can I make the soup richer?
To make the soup richer, you can add a splash of cream or use bone broth instead of regular chicken broth.
Conclusion
The Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth and fulfillment to your table. With its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. This recipe not only delivers on taste but also offers a wholesome way to enjoy a classic favorite.
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