Introduction
Warm and comforting, chicken noodle soup is a favorite for many, especially during cold seasons or when feeling under the weather. This recipe combines hearty ingredients with a rich broth to create a satisfying meal. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, this recipe is straightforward and delicious.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced (about 2 cups)
– 2 ribs celery, sliced (about 1 cup)
– 1 sweet yellow onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
– ½ cup dry sherry
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh)
– 1 teaspoon Parisien Bonnes Herbs (a blend of chives, dill, basil, French tarragon, chervil, and white pepper)
– 3 bay leaves
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 3 sprigs fresh thyme)
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 3-4 teaspoons chicken granules (adjust if using salted broth)
– 4 cups diced cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
– 8 ounces dry egg noodles (about ⅔ of a standard package)
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour and 30 minutes
Yield
Serves 6-8
Enjoy this delightful chicken noodle soup, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Start by heating olive oil and butter in a pot, then sauté your veggies before adding the broth, sherry, and herbs. Let it simmer to develop flavors, add in your chicken and noodles, and you’ll have a warm bowl ready to serve in no time!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Fat
Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Once the oil and butter are hot, add the sliced carrots and celery. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 3: Add Onion
Add the diced sweet yellow onion to the pot. Continue to sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Broth and Seasonings
Add the low-sodium chicken broth, dry sherry, ground black pepper, dried parsley, Parisien Bonnes Herbs, bay leaves, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, chicken granules, and diced cooked chicken to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 6: Bring to Boil
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Cook the Noodles
Add the dry egg noodles to the pot, increasing the heat to bring the soup back to a boil.
Step 8: Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked to your desired tenderness.
Step 9: Final Touch
Before serving, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves from the soup.
Notes
Adjusting Seasoning
The amount of ground black pepper and chicken granules can be adjusted according to taste, especially if you’re using a salted broth.
Using Fresh Herbs
If using fresh thyme instead of dried, use about 3 sprigs and remove them before serving for a fresher flavor.
Rotisserie Chicken
Diced cooked chicken from a rotisserie is recommended for convenience; however, any cooked chicken can be used in the recipe.
Noodle Texture
Keep an eye on the noodles during the last simmering time to avoid overcooking; they should be tender but not mushy.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of hot oil or fat. In this recipe, the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic are sautéed to enhance their flavors and soften their textures before adding the broth.
Simmering
Simmering is cooking food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. It allows the flavors to meld together over time, which is essential in developing the rich taste of the soup.
Boiling
Boiling is a cooking method in which food is submerged in rapidly bubbling water or broth. The soup is brought to a boil when the egg noodles are added to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the broth.
Reducing
Reducing involves cooking a liquid to evaporate some of the water content, intensifying the flavors. This technique is used when simmering the broth with seasonings and chicken.
Deglazing
Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to a hot pan to loosen and dissolve food particles stuck to the bottom. While not explicitly stated in this recipe, adding sherry or broth to a sautéed mixture can serve to deglaze the pot for added flavor.
FAQ
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.
What kind of noodles can I use instead of egg noodles?
You can use any pasta type such as rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free options depending on your dietary preferences.
How can I thicken the soup?
To thicken the soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) or allow it to simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance. However, it’s best to add the noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can enhance the soup with additional herbs like rosemary or basil, or even add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Conclusion
This hearty chicken noodle soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a comforting dish for any occasion. The combination of vegetables, herbs, and spices enhances the savory broth, while the added chicken and egg noodles create a fulfilling meal. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day or providing comfort when you need it most, this recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser.
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Quickly sauté the same vegetables along with some sliced bell peppers and broccoli, adding soy sauce and ginger for a delicious stir-fry. Pair with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Combine the chicken noodle soup with a breadcrumb topping and bake until bubbly for a comforting casserole dish. Add toppings like cheese or herbs for extra flavor.
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
Use the same base ingredients, especially chicken and broth, but make a creamy risotto by slowly adding broth to Arborio rice. Stir in sautéed mushrooms for added depth.
Chicken and Rice Soup
Substitute egg noodles with rice in the original soup recipe for a different texture while maintaining the comforting essence of chicken soup.
Vegetable and Chicken Salad
Use leftover chicken and diced vegetables to create a refreshing salad. Toss with a light vinaigrette and top with nuts or seeds for added crunch.
Chicken Pot Pie
Use the soup as a filling ingredient for a chicken pot pie, adding a flaky crust on top and baking until golden for a cozy dish.
