Chicken Noodle Soup Martha Stewart Recipe

Chicken noodle soup. A comforting classic that has the magical ability to heal both the body and the soul. It’s the food equivalent of a warm hug, a bowl of familiarity, and for many, a nostalgic meal tied to childhood memories of feeling cared for during the cold months or when under the weather. But not all chicken noodle soups are created equal. Enter Martha Stewart’s chicken noodle soup recipe-a perfect blend of simple ingredients, heartwarming flavors, and an easy-to-follow approach that takes the traditional soup to a whole new level.

What makes this recipe particularly amazing is its approachability. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to recreate this, yet the results are absolutely impressive. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or as a remedy to fight off a cold, this chicken noodle soup is bound to hit the spot.

Chicken Noodle Soup Martha Stewart Recipe

Martha Stewart’s version of chicken noodle soup focuses on balance-flavorful, savory broth, tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and noodles that soak up all that rich flavor. It’s like the ultimate, no-fuss comfort food that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality. Here’s a breakdown of her recipe:

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients list is simple and unpretentious, but the combination delivers a powerhouse of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bone-in adds flavor, but skinless keeps things lighter.
• Carrots: Chopped into rounds. They add natural sweetness and color.
• Celery: Another classic vegetable that gives the soup an earthy undertone.
• Yellow onion: For that aromatic base, adding depth to the broth.
• Garlic: Minced, for a bit of extra flavor and fragrance.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: The heart of the soup. You want it to be rich and full-flavored, but without being too salty.
• Egg noodles: Traditional, soft, and perfect for soaking up that savory broth.
• Bay leaves: For a subtle herbal note that ties everything together.
• Fresh thyme: Adds a bright, herbal quality.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning and bringing out the best in the ingredients.
• Fresh parsley: To finish, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Cooking Instructions

Martha’s chicken noodle soup is straightforward to make, with simple steps that don’t require too much effort. Here’s the step-by-step guide to creating this delicious soup from scratch:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large pot and cover them with about 8 cups of water.
   • Bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Skim off any impurities (foam) that float to the top.

2. Cook The Chicken

   • Once the water is simmering, lower the heat and let the chicken cook for about 30 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked and tender.
   • Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Don’t discard the broth!

3. Saute The Vegetables

   • In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

4. Combine Everything

   • Add the sautéed vegetables to the broth along with the bay leaves and thyme. Let it all simmer together for another 20-25 minutes so the flavors can meld.

5. Shred The Chicken

   • While the soup is simmering, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

6. Add The Noodles

   • Once the vegetables have softened and the broth is rich with flavor, add the egg noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 7-10 minutes.

7. Finishing Touches

   • Return the shredded chicken to the soup, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in some fresh parsley just before serving.

8. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. It’s that simple!

Ingredient Insights

While the ingredients in this recipe are basic, each one plays a critical role in creating a balanced and flavorful soup. Let’s take a closer look at some of the star players:

• Bone-in chicken: Using bone-in chicken is a game-changer for flavor. The bones infuse the broth with a depth of savory richness that you can’t get from boneless chicken. Plus, bone-in chicken retains moisture, making the meat extra juicy.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: By using low-sodium broth, you’re in control of how much salt goes into the soup, preventing it from becoming too salty. You can always adjust the seasoning to your liking.
• Egg noodles: The noodles are the vehicle for soaking up the broth, so the choice of noodle is important. Egg noodles are soft, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold up well as they absorb the delicious stock.
• Fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley are essential for brightening the soup. The thyme adds a subtle, earthy note while the parsley adds freshness and a slight peppery taste, providing balance to the rich, savory broth.

Expert Tips

To make sure your chicken noodle soup is absolutely perfect, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:

• Skim the broth: When you first start simmering the chicken, you’ll notice a foam that rises to the top. Skim this off for a cleaner, clearer broth. This ensures that your soup won’t be cloudy or overly greasy.
• Use a rotisserie chicken: For even quicker prep, you can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for the raw chicken. Just shred the meat and add it to the broth toward the end of cooking.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: Egg noodles can become mushy quickly, so be sure to follow the package instructions carefully. Add them in at the end of cooking and make sure they’re cooked just right.
• Boost the flavor: Want a little more depth? Try adding a splash of white wine to the broth or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. The acid from the lemon will brighten the flavors.

Recipe Variations

While Martha Stewart’s chicken noodle soup is fantastic on its own, you can mix things up a bit based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ways to change it up:

• Use different noodles: If you’re not a fan of egg noodles, try other types like rice noodles, gluten-free pasta, or even small macaroni or shells.
• Add more veggies: Throw in some spinach, kale, or zucchini to give the soup more texture and nutrients. You can also use parsnips instead of carrots for a more earthy flavor.
• Spice it up: Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. You can also stir in some fresh ginger for a warm, zesty twist.
• Make it creamy: For a richer, creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the broth before serving. This will give it a velvety texture and a more decadent flavor.
• Use different herbs: While thyme and parsley are classics, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, dill, or basil to give the soup a unique flavor profile.

Final Words

Chicken noodle soup, especially when made from scratch, is one of those dishes that’s hard to beat. Martha Stewart’s recipe is the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients, when treated with care, can transform into something unforgettable. Whether you’re nursing a cold, craving comfort, or cooking for the family, this recipe will never disappoint. The broth is savory, the chicken is tender, the vegetables are well-cooked, and the noodles are just the right texture.