Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul and satisfies the taste buds. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or when you're feeling under the weather. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and comforting noodles in a flavorful broth is sure to become a family favorite.

History

Chicken noodle soup has been a staple in households for generations, known for its soothing properties and nourishing ingredients. This homestyle version of the soup is a timeless recipe that has been passed down through families, with each cook adding their own special touch to make it their own.

Ingredients

1 gallon of water
1 (4 lb / 1.81 kg) whole chicken, cut into pieces
1 large onion, peeled and halved
3 bay leaves
10 whole black peppercorns
0.67 bunch of celery, with leaves reserved
1 lb / 454 g of carrots
3 tbsp of chopped lemon grass (optional)
0.25 cup of chicken soup base
1 lb / 454 g of carrots, peeled and sliced
0.33 bunch of celery, chopped with leaves reserved
1 (8 oz / 227 g) package of dry egg noodles

How to prepare

1. Place chicken and water in a large pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer, skimming fat as needed, for 30 minutes.
2. Place whole, peeled onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, whole celery, whole carrots, and lemongrass in the pot and simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
3. Strain the broth and reserve the chicken. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and cut the meat into bite-size pieces.
4. Return the strained stock to the pot over high heat and stir in chicken base, chopped celery, and chopped carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
5. Chop celery leaves and stir them into the pot with the noodles. Simmer until the noodles are cooked, about 10 minutes more. Stir in the chicken and heat through.

Variations

Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.
For a heartier soup, add cooked rice or barley in place of the noodles.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the broth, try roasting the chicken pieces before adding them to the pot.

- For a richer broth, simmer the soup for a longer period of time to allow the flavors to develop.

- Don't overcook the noodles, as they will continue to cook in the hot broth even after you remove the pot from the heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, flavorful broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in place of the whole chicken for a quicker cooking time.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

32g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins A and C from the carrots and celery, as well as iron and potassium from the chicken.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the egg noodles and may contain traces of soy from the chicken base.

Summary

This homestyle chicken noodle soup is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic recipe that is perfect for any occasion. With its comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. As soon as I stepped into her cozy kitchen, I was enveloped in the comforting aroma of simmering chicken noodle soup.

Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and a steaming bowl of soup. "I thought you might like to try my homestyle chicken noodle soup," she said. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

I eagerly took a spoonful of the soup and savored the rich flavors of the broth, the tender chunks of chicken, and the hearty noodles. It was like a hug in a bowl, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Margaret noticed my enthusiasm and offered to teach me her family recipe. She pulled out a weathered recipe card from her recipe box and handed it to me. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, Margaret shared stories of how her grandmother used to make this soup for her when she was a child.

I listened intently, soaking up every detail and technique that Margaret shared with me. She showed me how to sauté the onions and carrots until they were soft and fragrant, how to simmer the chicken in broth until it was tender and juicy, and how to add the noodles just before serving so they wouldn't get mushy.

I spent the rest of the afternoon in Margaret's kitchen, carefully following her instructions and watching as she expertly prepared the soup. As the soup simmered on the stove, Margaret and I chatted about our families, our childhood memories, and our shared love of cooking.

When the soup was finally ready, Margaret ladled out steaming bowls for both of us. We sat at her kitchen table, savoring each spoonful and enjoying the warmth and comfort of the soup. It was like a taste of home, and I knew I had found a new favorite recipe.

As I left Margaret's house that evening, she handed me a copy of the recipe card so that I could make the soup at home. I thanked her profusely and promised to cherish the recipe and pass it down to future generations.

Over the years, I have made Margaret's homestyle chicken noodle soup countless times. Each time I make it, I think of her and the special bond we share through our love of cooking. I have added my own twists and variations to the recipe, but the heart and soul of the soup remain the same.

Now, whenever my grandchildren come to visit, they always ask for a bowl of my homestyle chicken noodle soup. I love watching their faces light up as they take their first spoonful and exclaim, "This is the best soup ever, Grandma!"

I am grateful to Margaret for sharing her family recipe with me and for inspiring me to create my own traditions in the kitchen. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with loved ones, share stories and memories, and nourish both body and soul.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, I feel a sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures in life – a warm bowl of soup, good company, and cherished memories. And I know that as long as I keep cooking and sharing recipes with my loved ones, the bonds of family and friendship will only grow stronger.