The easiest way to make chicken noodle soup: a beginner’s guide
What To Know
- If you’re a beginner in the kitchen, embarking on a culinary journey to master this beloved dish can seem daunting.
- Once the chicken is shredded, return it to the broth along with the cooked noodles.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Chicken noodle soup, a comforting culinary classic, has been a staple in homes worldwide for centuries. Its warm, soothing broth and tender noodles bring solace on cold days and soothe the soul. If you’re a beginner in the kitchen, embarking on a culinary journey to master this beloved dish can seem daunting. Fear not, for this comprehensive guide will break down the process step by step, empowering you to create an unforgettable chicken noodle soup that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before donning your apron, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 12 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces egg noodles
Preparing the Chicken
1. Rinse the chicken: Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities.
2. Remove excess fat: Trim off any excess fat from the chicken.
3. Cut into pieces: Cut the chicken into 8-10 pieces, separating the legs, thighs, wings, and breasts.
Making the Broth
1. Combine chicken and water: Place the chicken pieces in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the water and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Skim impurities: As the broth boils, you may notice some impurities rising to the surface. Skim these off with a spoon or slotted spoon.
3. Add vegetables and herbs: Once the broth is clear, add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.
4. Season: Season the broth with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Cooking the Noodles
1. Remove chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the broth and set it aside to cool.
2. Strain broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard the solids.
3. Bring broth to a boil: Bring the strained broth back to a boil.
4. Add noodles: Add the egg noodles to the boiling broth. Cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
Shredding the Chicken
1. Cool chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to cool slightly before shredding.
2. Remove bones: Remove the bones from the chicken and discard them.
3. Shred chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Putting It All Together
1. Return chicken to broth: Once the chicken is shredded, return it to the broth along with the cooked noodles.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.
3. Garnish: Before serving, garnish the soup with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Your Culinary Creation
Serve your homemade chicken noodle soup warm in bowls. Accompany it with crusty bread or crackers for dipping. Enjoy the comforting warmth and nourishment that this culinary masterpiece has to offer.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
A: Yes, you can use 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces. Reduce the cooking time to 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Q: How can I make a gluten-free version of chicken noodle soup?
A: Use gluten-free noodles or pasta instead of egg noodles. Check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to my chicken noodle soup?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as green beans, peas, or potatoes. Add them to the broth along with the carrots and celery.
Q: How can I store leftover chicken noodle soup?
A: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use chicken bouillon cubes instead of making my own broth?
A: Yes, you can use 4-5 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in 12 cups of boiling water as a substitute for homemade broth.
