Chef John’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic and comforting dish, revered for its homemade taste and the soothing warmth it brings. This recipe is a reflection of traditional cooking, where simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a nourishing and flavorful meal. It’s a soup that transcends seasons, offering comfort on a cold winter day or a soothing meal on a cool summer evening.
The soup starts with the foundation of any great chicken noodle soup: a rich and aromatic broth. Chef John emphasizes the use of homemade chicken stock, which is key to achieving a depth of flavor store-bought versions often lack. The stock is typically made from chicken bones, onions, carrots, celery, and herbs, simmered slowly to extract maximum flavor. This process not only infuses the broth with a robust chicken essence but also fills the kitchen with an inviting, homely aroma.
Into this hearty broth, Chef John adds chunks of chicken, often using breast or thigh meat for its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors. The chicken is cooked until it’s just right – tender and juicy, not overcooked. The choice of chicken parts can vary depending on personal preference, with some opting for darker cuts for a richer taste.
A variety of vegetables are then introduced to the soup, such as diced carrots, celery, and onions. These vegetables add a crunch and sweetness that balances the savory notes of the chicken and broth. Chef John’s approach often involves sautéing the vegetables slightly before adding them to the broth, enhancing their flavors and adding a layer of complexity to the soup.
The noodle component is integral to this dish. Chef John typically opts for classic egg noodles, known for their firm texture and ability to hold up well in the soup. The noodles are cooked until al dente, ensuring they remain distinct and don’t turn mushy in the broth. This choice of pasta contributes to the comforting and satisfying nature of the dish.
Chef John’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is often seasoned simply, with salt, pepper, and a few herbs like thyme or parsley, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. The soup is a testament to the beauty of home cooking, where simplicity meets flavor. It’s a dish that not only feeds the body but also comforts the soul, making it a beloved recipe in many households.
Chef John's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Chef John's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 8
Ingredients For Chef John's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes
1 tablespoon butter
½ cup diced carrot
½ cup diced onion
½ cup diced celery
¼ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons melted chicken fat
2 quarts roasted chicken broth (see footnote for recipe link)
4 ounces uncooked wide egg noodles
2 cooked boneless chicken breast halves, cubed
1 pinch cayenne pepper (Optional)
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: Chef John's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes
Step 1: Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Stir in carrot, onion, celery, thyme, and salt. Add chicken fat; cook and stir until onions turn soft and translucent, 5 to 6 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in roasted chicken broth and bring to a boil. Season with salt, if necessary.
Step 3: Stir in egg noodles; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add cooked chicken breast meat; simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Feedback of Chef John's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes
simple and EXCELLENT!!!... just like ALL of Chef John's culinary wizardry!!!
This is the simplest and best-tasting chicken soup, my family loves it! I added small chunks of potato just because that's what we're used to. It also works to make broth and soup with our leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
This is the best chicken soup I’ve ever had.
Love this recipe!!!
I added organic brown rice/millet noodles instead of regular - love it!
Best Chicken Noodle Soup ever! I did not have ingredients for roasted chicken broth, so used organic low sodium broth. Added more salt and a bit of garlic powder, and threw in some sliced mushrooms. Very quick and easy. Delicious!
First time making soup from scratch. It turned out so good I will make it many more times. Fantastic!
Simple and easy! Thanks.
Sorry to tell you this, but the link to chef John's roasted chicken broth goes nowhere.
All Nutrifacts of Chef John's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes
TOP 5+ FAQ Chef John's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes
✅What Type of Chicken is Best for Chef John's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
For Chef John's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, using bone-in chicken pieces like thighs or breasts is ideal. Bone-in chicken imparts more flavor to the broth and ensures the meat remains tender during cooking. Once cooked, the meat can be easily removed from the bone and added back to the soup.
✅How Do You Achieve a Clear and Flavorful Broth?
To achieve a clear and flavorful broth, start with cold water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Avoid a rolling boil as it can make the broth cloudy. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. Using fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery also enhances the broth's flavor.
✅What Type of Noodles Works Best in This Soup?
Egg noodles are traditionally used in Chef John's Chicken Noodle Soup for their texture and ability to absorb flavors. Choose medium-sized noodles that complement the soup without overpowering the other ingredients. Alternatively, pasta like fettuccine or linguine can be broken into smaller pieces and used.
✅Can You Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, this soup can be adapted for a slow cooker. Place the chicken, vegetables, and seasonings in the slow cooker, cover with water, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
✅What Vegetables Are Recommended for This Soup?
Classic vegetables for this soup include carrots, celery, and onions. For additional nutrition and flavor, consider adding peas, corn, or leafy greens like spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking.
✅How Can You Adapt This Recipe for Gluten-Free Diets?
To make Chef John's Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles or substitute them with rice. Ensure that all other ingredients, including broth and seasonings, are gluten-free.
✅What Herbs and Spices Should You Use for Authentic Flavor?
Use fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay leaves for authentic flavor. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. A pinch of paprika or dried oregano can add an additional layer of flavor.
✅Can Leftover Chicken be Used in This Soup?
Yes, leftover chicken, either roasted or grilled, is a great addition to this soup. Add it towards the end of cooking just to heat it through. This is a great way to repurpose leftovers and save time.
