Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This comforting homemade Chicken Noodle Soup warms your body and soul with fresh ingredients and rich flavors.
Ingredients
For the Broth
- 1 whole 1.8 kg / 3.5 lb whole chicken (rinsed and cleaned) Use the best quality you can afford.
- 1 head 1 head of garlic (cut in half horizontally)
- 2 pieces 2 carrots (cut into chunks)
- 2 ribs 2 celery ribs (cut into chunks)
- 2 pieces 2 onions (peeled and cut into quarters)
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 2 pieces 2 bay leaves (fresh or dried)
- 4 sprigs 4 thyme sprigs (or 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves)
- 9-10 cups 9-10 cups water (enough to just cover chicken)
For the Soup
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 cloves 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 medium 2 medium carrots (cut into quarters lengthwise then chopped)
- 2 ribs 2 celery ribs (cut into 1 cm/ 1/2" thick pieces)
- 2 cups 2 cups shredded chicken (from homemade broth)
- 2 litres 2 litres / 2 quarts homemade chicken broth (from above)
- 200 g 200 g/ 6 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 2-3 tsp 2-3 tsp Vegeta or other stock powder
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 sprigs 4 thyme sprigs (optional)
- 1 leaf 1 bay leaf (optional)
- to taste Finely chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Broth Preparation
- Place the whole chicken in a large pot. Add the halved garlic, carrots, celery, quartered onions, black peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, and enough water to just cover the chicken.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Simmer for about 90 to 120 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken and let it cool. Strain the broth and discard the vegetables and spices. Set the broth aside.
Soup Preparation
- In a clean pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Add the chopped carrots and celery, sautéing for a few minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and the strained broth. Bring to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles or pasta of your choice. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Season with Vegeta or stock powder, black pepper, and optional thyme and bay leaf. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with finely chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Use high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Experiment with different vegetables for added variety. Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or noodles based on your preference. Make the soup ahead of time for convenience, as it tastes even better the next day.