This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and filled with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and noodles in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a soothing meal, this homemade version will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 1 large onion, peeled and trimmed of roots
- Water (enough to cover the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 4 parsnips, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 package egg noodles (about 12 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Broth:
- Place the whole chicken and onion in the bottom of a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
- Pour enough water into the pot to completely cover the chicken.
- Place the black peppercorns in a metal tea infuser and add it to the pot. This allows for easy removal later.
Cook the Chicken:
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Let the pot simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked, typically 40 to 60 minutes. The meat should fall off the bone and be no longer pink. For safety, use an instant-read thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh near the bone.
Remove Chicken and Onion:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and transfer it to a bowl to cool.
- Remove the onion from the broth, squeezing it gently to extract any flavorful juice before discarding it.
Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the sliced carrots, parsnips, and diced celery to the broth.
- Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove and discard the peppercorns.
Prepare the Noodles:
- While the vegetables are cooking, bring a separate large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5 minutes, until they are firm but tender.
- Drain the noodles and divide them among 6 serving bowls.
Finish the Soup:
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove and discard the skin and bones.
- Shred or chop the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces and stir it into the pot with the vegetables.
- Add the chopped parsley and season the soup with salt to taste.
Serve:
- Ladle the hot soup over the noodles in each bowl.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
To Serve:
Enjoy this comforting, flavorful chicken noodle soup hot! It’s perfect for warming up on a cold day or when you need a nurturing, homemade meal.
This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delicious, homemade bowl of chicken noodle soup with all the classic flavors you love. Perfect for family dinners or as a cozy meal anytime!