Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Homemade and Delicious

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul and satisfies the taste buds. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy night in or when you're feeling under the weather.

History

Chicken noodle soup has been a staple in American households for generations. It is believed to have originated in Europe, with variations of the recipe being brought to the United States by immigrants. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a savory broth has stood the test of time as a beloved comfort food.

Ingredients

6 boneless chicken breasts
0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
3 celery sticks, finely chopped
3 parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced
0.5 cup chopped parsley
2 x 8 oz (227 g) egg noodles
2 chicken bouillon cubes
salt to taste
freshly ground pepper to taste

How to prepare

Start by preparing your vegetables.
Dice the onions, finely chop the celery and parsley, and thinly slice the carrots and parsnips.
Remove the skin from the chicken breast and place them in a dutch oven.
Add chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
Skim away any foam that appears.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the chicken thoroughly.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the broth and allow it to cool before cutting.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Skim the fat from the broth once the chicken is removed.
Bring the broth back to a boil and add the onions, carrots, celery, parsnips, and bouillon cubes.
Reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Once the vegetables are tender, add the egg noodles and cook until they are done.
Finally, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken and parsley and allow them to simmer enough to heat the meat.
Your final step is to season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve the soup in warm soup bowls with cheese toast.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or peas for extra vegetables.
Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Add a splash of lemon juice for a hint of brightness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to your soup, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.

- For a richer broth, you can roast the chicken before adding it to the soup.

- Don't overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy. Cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Skim any fat or foam that rises to the surface for a clearer broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.

- Substitute gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the egg noodles and may contain allergens from the chicken broth.

Summary

Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup is a balanced meal that provides carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless recipe that is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup on a chilly day for a satisfying and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

...

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning shades of red and gold, and there was a slight chill in the air. I had just moved into a new neighborhood and was eager to explore the local shops and get to know my neighbors.

One day, as I was walking through the bustling farmer's market, I came across a little stand run by an elderly woman named Mrs. Jenkins. She had a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile that immediately put me at ease. As we got to talking, she mentioned that she had a recipe for old-fashioned chicken noodle soup that had been passed down through generations in her family.

Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. Mrs. Jenkins laughed and said that she would be happy to, as long as I promised to make it with love and share it with others. I eagerly agreed, and she pulled out a weathered, stained piece of paper from her apron pocket and handed it to me.

The recipe was simple yet full of flavor, with instructions on how to make the perfect broth, tender chicken, and homemade noodles. Mrs. Jenkins explained that the key to a delicious chicken noodle soup was to use fresh, quality ingredients and to simmer the soup slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely and promised to make the soup that very evening. As I gathered the ingredients and started chopping vegetables, I couldn't help but think of Mrs. Jenkins and her generosity in sharing her family recipe with me.

The soup simmered on the stove, filling the house with a warm, comforting aroma. I added the homemade noodles and watched as they swirled and danced in the broth. Finally, it was time to taste the fruit of my labor.

As I took my first spoonful of the old-fashioned chicken noodle soup, I was transported back to my childhood. The flavors were rich and hearty, the chicken tender, and the noodles cooked to perfection. It was like a warm hug in a bowl, comforting and satisfying.

From that day on, old-fashioned chicken noodle soup became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, for friends who were feeling under the weather, or simply for myself on a cold winter day. Each time I made it, I would think of Mrs. Jenkins and the special connection we shared through food.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding my own personal touch with extra herbs and spices. But the heart of the recipe remains the same, a reminder of the day I met Mrs. Jenkins and learned the secret to making the perfect old-fashioned chicken noodle soup.

Now, as I sit here in my cozy kitchen, stirring a pot of soup that will soon be enjoyed by my loved ones, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to this recipe. And I know that as long as I continue to make it with love and share it with others, the tradition of old-fashioned chicken noodle soup will live on for generations to come.