Welcome to your kitchen’s new favorite! There is truly nothing quite like a steaming bowl of The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. It is the ultimate comfort food, wrapping you in warmth with every spoonful. Making your own noodles takes this classic dish from good to absolutely extraordinary. Get ready to create a rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying soup that your family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This recipe brings unparalleled comfort and flavor right to your table. You will truly cherish every bite of this ultimate chicken noodle soup.
- Deep, Comforting Flavors: Slow-simmered broth with fresh vegetables creates a rich, savory base. The culinary science behind slow simmering allows flavors to meld and develop for a richer taste.
- Tender, Toothsome Homemade Noodles: Freshly made egg noodles offer a texture and taste far superior to store-bought.
- Wholesome, Fresh Ingredients: You control every ingredient, ensuring a nourishing meal for your loved ones.
- Perfect for Cozy Nights: This warming bowl is ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a little TLC.
- Customizable to Taste: Easily adjust seasonings, vegetables, and chicken to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup from scratch. Quality ingredients truly make a difference in the final flavor.
- For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 onion, fine dice
- 1 celery heart including leaves, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 gallon homemade chicken stock or high-quality store-bought stock
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch red cayenne powder
- 2 oven-roasted chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 5 drops lemon juice
- For the Homemade Egg Noodles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 4 large eggs
Notes & Substitutions
High-quality chicken stock is the backbone of this comforting soup. Opt for a low-sodium option if using store-bought. For the chicken, feel free to use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken thighs. Fresh dill or thyme can also complement the parsley beautifully. If you prefer, whole wheat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend works for the noodles, though texture might vary. Consider adding frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.
The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oil and butter in a soup pot, then sweat carrots, onion, celery, and garlic with salt for 8-10 minutes. Add chicken stock, bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- Whisk salt and flour, then add eggs to a well in the center and stir until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and dense, then let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Divide dough into four balls. Roll out each ball thinly, dust with flour, and roll up like a sleeping bag. Cut into 1/4 inch or 3/4 inch slices, unroll, and set aside.
- Bring soup to a boil, then add noodles gradually, stirring to prevent sticking. Incorporate parsley and chicken, cook for 15 minutes, adjust seasonings, stir in lemon juice, and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this fantastic chicken noodle soup recipe.
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Rolling pin
- Whisk or fork
Instructions
Creating The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a rewarding process. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect bowl every time.
1. Prepare the Soup Base
Add the olive oil and butter to your large soup pot over medium heat. Sweat the chopped carrots, diced onion, diced celery, and minced garlic with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften. Pour in the chicken stock. Bring the stock to a full boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for thirty minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. Make the Homemade Noodles
While the soup simmers, prepare your fresh noodles. Combine the 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 cups of flour in a large bowl with a whisk. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Crack the 4 large eggs into the flour well. Stir together with a spoon or your hand, mixing until it becomes a sticky dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured cutting board or counter. Knead the dough, adding flour as you go, until it becomes smooth, dense, and no longer sticky, about 5-7 minutes. Let the dough rest, covered with a clean cloth, for 20 minutes.
Next, cut your rested dough into four equal sections. Roll each section into a ball and set them aside. Roll out one ball of the dough at a time with a rolling pin, using flour as needed to prevent sticking. Roll it out as thin as you can comfortably get it, aiming for almost translucent. Sprinkle a little flour onto the rolled-out dough round, then roll it up tightly like a sleeping bag. Cut the rolled dough into slices, about ¼ inch wide for delicate noodles or ¾ inch wide for big, fluffy ones. Gently unroll the cut noodles and place them onto a plate or another cutting board. Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls. This creates the perfect homemade noodles for your chicken noodle soup.
3. Combine and Finish the Soup
Bring your simmering soup back to a full boil. Start dropping the homemade noodles into the soup pot a few at a time, stirring them gently to keep them from sticking together. Once you have added all the noodles, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and the cubed cooked chicken meat. Continue to stir, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender yet still have a slight bite. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Stir in the five drops of lemon juice just before serving. The lemon brightens all the flavors. Serve your warm and comforting bowl of the best homemade chicken noodle soup immediately.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving a truly outstanding bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup is simple with a few tricks. For a more flavorful broth, simmer aromatic vegetables like carrots and celery longer before adding stock. To prevent your homemade noodles from sticking together, toss them with a tiny bit of flour after cutting them and add them gradually to boiling soup, stirring often. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or a pinch of cayenne until it sings. Adding the cooked chicken right at the end ensures it remains tender and juicy. The ideal noodle texture is al dente, so avoid overcooking them, which can make them mushy.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile soup is perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your heartwarming chicken noodle soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping. A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or dill makes a lovely garnish. A lemon wedge on the side allows everyone to add a fresh citrus burst if desired.
Storage and Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to freeze portions, freeze the soup without the noodles, as they can become mushy upon thawing. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Variations
- Add different vegetables: Incorporate spinach, kale, mushrooms, or green beans.
- Try various fresh herbs: Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for a different aromatic profile.
- Incorporate other proteins: Use turkey, shredded pork, or even chickpeas for a unique twist.
- Experiment with spices: A touch of turmeric or ginger can add warmth and depth.
- Use store-bought noodles: Short on time? High-quality dried egg noodles work wonderfully.
Nutrition
The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a wholesome and comforting meal. It provides lean protein from the chicken and essential vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion. The homemade noodles offer a satisfying carbohydrate source. This soup is a nourishing option that supports overall well-being. Many of the common ingredients in chicken noodle soup offer important health benefits for immune support and hydration.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 10-15g |
| Carbohydrates | 35-40g |
Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought noodles instead of making them from scratch? Absolutely! While homemade noodles truly elevate this dish, high-quality dried egg noodles or even pasta shapes like ditalini work well. Cook them according to package directions, adding them to the soup during the last 10-15 minutes.
How can I make my own chicken stock for the best homemade chicken noodle soup? Simmer chicken bones (from a roasted chicken, for example) with carrots, celery, onion, bay leaf, and peppercorns in water for 2-4 hours. Strain the liquid, and you’ll have a rich, flavorful homemade stock.
Can I use raw chicken directly in the soup? Yes, you can. Add raw, cubed chicken breast or thighs to the simmering broth about 20-25 minutes before adding the noodles. Ensure the chicken cooks through fully before serving.
Why are my homemade noodles sticky? Noodles can become sticky if the dough is too wet, or if you don’t use enough flour when rolling and cutting. Adding a little extra flour during kneading and dusting the cut noodles can help prevent this.
How can I make this chicken noodle soup vegetarian? Replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit the chicken entirely. You can add extra vegetables, beans, or even plant-based chicken substitutes for a hearty vegetarian version.
Conclusion
There is immense satisfaction in preparing a dish that is both deeply comforting and incredibly delicious. Making The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup from scratch, especially with fresh, tender noodles, transforms a simple meal into a memorable experience. We hope you enjoy the process and savor every heartwarming spoonful. This recipe truly brings warmth and joy to any table.
