The Heart of the Home
My kitchen always smells like chicken noodle soup. It is my favorite comfort food. The steam feels like a warm hug on a cold day. I think every home needs that smell.
Making it from scratch is easier than you think. It just needs a little time and love. This homemade chicken noodle soup is a true classic. What is your favorite smell in your kitchen? I would love to know.
Why Your Own Broth Matters
Let’s talk about homemade chicken broth. It is the soul of the soup. Store-bought is fine, but homemade is magic. It makes your soup taste rich and deep.
You control what goes in it. That means no funny business, just good food. This matters because you are feeding your family real things. It is a simple act of care. For another cozy broth idea, try this mushroom broth recipe for healthy living.
A Pot Full of Stories
I still laugh at this. My grandson once called the pot our “flavor cauldron.” He was right! You toss in a whole chicken, some rough-cut veggies, and herbs. Then you just let it bubble away.
The smell fills the whole house. It tells everyone that good food is coming. Doesn’t that smell amazing? This is how to make chicken noodle soup that feels special. It connects us to good memories.
Putting the Soup Together
Once you have your golden broth, the rest is easy. You just add fresh carrots and celery. Then comes the tender chicken you pulled from the bone. Finally, you stir in soft egg noodles.
This easy chicken noodle soup recipe is done in minutes now. The hard work is already in the broth. It’s the best chicken noodle soup because you built the flavor yourself. If you like other clear soups, you might enjoy a savory potsticker broth delight too.
Fun Facts and Final Thoughts
*Fun fact*: People have been making versions of chicken soup for thousands of years. Every culture has its own special recipe. It really is a global comfort food.
This classic chicken noodle soup is more than a meal. It is a way to slow down and nourish people. That is why this matters. It is love served in a bowl. Do you have a family soup tradition? Share it with me! For a different kind of holiday comfort, a perfectly roasted Christmas turkey makes a wonderful centerpiece.
I hope you try this chicken soup recipe from scratch. It is a wonderful place to start your cooking journey. What other from scratch chicken noodle soup tips would you like? Tell me in the comments! And if you love hearty vegetables, this Mediterranean cabbage soup is a must-try.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 3 to 4 pounds | For the broth |
| Yellow onions, divided | 1 ½ | For the broth |
| Carrots (with tops) | 3 | For the broth |
| Celery ribs | 2 | For the broth |
| Fresh herb sprigs | 4 | Rosemary, parsley, sage, or any combination for broth |
| Bay leaves | 2 | For the broth |
| Black peppercorns | 1 tablespoon | For the broth |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons | For the broth, plus more to taste for soup |
| Poultry seasoning | 1 teaspoon | For the broth |
| Water | 10 cups | For the broth |
| Chicken broth or stock | 8 cups | Use strained homemade broth or store-bought |
| Sliced carrot | 1 ½ cups | For the soup |
| Sliced celery | 1 cup | For the soup |
| Cooked chopped chicken | 3 cups | Shredded from the broth chicken or pre-cooked |
| Egg noodles (dry) | 2 cups | For the soup |
| Black pepper | to taste | For the soup |
Instructions
Step 1: Let’s make our homemade chicken broth first. Chop one onion, some carrots, and celery into big pieces. Tuck the extra half onion inside your chicken. This simple start makes the best chicken noodle soup later. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
Step 2: Put the chicken in your biggest pot. Add your chopped veggies, herbs, and spices. Cover everything with cold water. Now, bring it all to a gentle bubble. (A slow simmer makes the clearest, most flavorful broth). Let it cook for about two hours.
Step 3: Carefully take the chicken out to cool. Strain the golden broth through a cloth. This homemade chicken noodle soup base is liquid gold! I still laugh at how my grandkids call it “soup tea.” What’s your favorite comfort food recipes? Share below!
Step 4: Now for the classic chicken noodle soup! Bring eight cups of your broth to a boil. Add fresh carrot and celery slices. Cook your egg noodles in a separate pot of salty water. This easy chicken noodle soup recipe comes together so fast now.
Step 5: Stir your shredded chicken into the simmering broth. Season it just right for you. Put noodles in each bowl and ladle the hot soup over. This from scratch chicken noodle soup is the ultimate hug in a bowl. You just learned how to make chicken noodle soup the cozy way!
Creative Twists
Add a big spoonful of pesto for a herby, green flavor. Swap egg noodles for fluffy rice or tiny star pasta. Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a bright zing. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve this best chicken noodle soup with crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad on the side is perfect. You could also top each bowl with fresh parsley. This chicken soup recipe is a complete, cozy meal. Which would you choose tonight?
Making Your Soup Last
Let’s talk about storing your homemade chicken noodle soup. First, let the soup cool. Then, put it in airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for about four days. For longer storage, the freezer is your friend.
Freeze the broth and chicken together. But, keep the cooked noodles separate. I learned this the hard way! My first batch turned into mush. Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight.
Reheat it gently on the stove. Batch cooking this classic chicken noodle soup saves so much time. A ready-made meal is a gift to your future self. It matters because good food should be there when you need it most.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Soup Troubles
Even grandmas run into little kitchen problems. Here are three easy fixes. First, a bland broth. The fix is simple. Just let it simmer longer. Time pulls flavor from the bones.
Second, soggy noodles. I remember when my noodles disappeared into the pot! Cook them separately. Add them to each bowl just before serving. Third, greasy soup. Skim the fat off the top with a spoon.
Fixing these issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes your chicken soup recipe taste its very best. Good flavor is always worth the extra step.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How to make a tasty broth for noodles?
Start with a whole chicken and fresh vegetables. Simmer it all for hours. This makes a rich homemade chicken broth. That rich broth is the secret to the best chicken noodle soup.
What is a Japanese dish of clear broth with noodles?
That sounds like a clear soup base for ramen. It is often made with chicken or pork bones. The broth is simmered until it is very clear and flavorful.
Can I cook my ramen noodles in the broth?
You can, but I do not recommend it. The noodles release starch. This can make your lovely broth cloudy. Cook noodles in a separate pot of water.
What is Chinese golden soup?
This often refers to a rich, yellow chicken broth. The color comes from long simmering. Some recipes use turmeric for a golden color and health boost.
How do I make my broth more flavorful?
Use a whole chicken with bones. Do not rush the simmering time. Roasting your vegetables first adds a deep, sweet flavor too.
What is the secret to a flavorful Chinese soup?
The secret is a long, slow simmer. Good bones and time create the deepest flavor. *Fun fact: Simmering broth for hours is called “loving it to life.”*
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this easy chicken noodle soup recipe. It is one of my favorite comfort food recipes. Cooking from scratch fills your home with love. It is a simple joy we can all share.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me all about it in the comments. Your stories are my favorite thing to read with my morning tea.
Have you tried this recipe?
Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.
Holiday Broth with Golden Noodles
Description
A comforting and nourishing soup featuring rich homemade chicken broth, tender vegetables, shredded chicken, and golden egg noodles.
Ingredients
For Homemade Chicken Broth:
For the Soup:
Instructions
- Homemade Chicken Broth: Cut 1 onion, carrots, and celery into quarters (include the tops of the carrots and celery if you have them). Place the remaining ½ onion into the cavity of the chicken.
- Place chicken in a large pot and add vegetables from step 1, fresh herbs, bay leaves, peppercorns, salt, and poultry seasoning. Cover with water.
- Cover pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn heat down and simmer partially covered for 1 ½ – 2 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred meat and discard bones. Strain broth through cheesecloth. Discard the vegetables in the strainer.
- Soup: Bring 8 cups of the strained broth to a boil and add carrots and celery. Cook 5 minutes.
- While carrots are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Stir in chicken and simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place noodles in the bottom of each bowl. Ladle soup over top and serve.
Notes
- You can use store-bought chicken broth to save time. Adjust the amount of noodles and vegetables to your preference. The homemade broth can be made ahead and frozen.