Award Winning Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

When the chill of winter sets in, or when you’re craving something comforting, nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. There’s just something magical about the way the steam rises from the bowl, the savory aroma fills the air, and the flavors wrap around you like a warm blanket. But not all chicken noodle soups are created equal-this one is a special gem, awarded for its depth of flavor and heartwarming essence.

This chicken noodle soup isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a labor of love, carefully crafted to elevate a classic comfort food into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or serving it up at a family gathering, this soup has all the qualities that make it a winner: rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a perfect balance of veggies. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so exceptional, starting with the ingredients and the simple steps that will lead you to soup heaven.

Award Winning Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This isn’t your average chicken noodle soup-this one has earned its award status by balancing flavors and textures perfectly. The secret lies in a combination of slow-simmered broth, juicy chicken, and a carefully selected blend of fresh vegetables and herbs. The noodles are just the right texture, neither overcooked nor undercooked, but perfectly tender, giving you that satisfying bite in each spoonful. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients Needed

You’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients to bring this recipe to life. Each one contributes to the overall taste, so don’t skip any of them!

• Whole chicken or chicken breasts: A whole chicken gives the broth richness and depth, while chicken breasts are lean and tender. Either option works, but using the whole bird adds more flavor to the broth.
• Carrots: Sweet and earthy, they balance out the savory flavors and add a touch of color.
• Celery: Adds that signature crunch and fresh, herbal flavor.
• Onions: A key aromatic, onions provide a savory foundation that enhances the broth.
• Garlic: Essential for depth, garlic gives the soup a little kick without overpowering it.
• Chicken broth or stock: The base of any good chicken noodle soup, this should be rich and flavorful. Homemade is ideal, but store-bought works too if you’re in a pinch.
• Egg noodles: The classic choice for chicken noodle soup. They cook perfectly in the broth and soak up the flavors without falling apart.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried, thyme adds a subtle, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
• Bay leaves: Used to infuse the broth with a complex, slightly herbal taste.
• Salt and pepper: Always essential for seasoning. Fresh ground black pepper adds a mild heat.
• Lemon juice (optional): A splash of lemon juice at the end helps to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the broth.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish, adds a pop of color and a fresh finish.

Cooking Instructions

Making chicken noodle soup from scratch might sound like a time-consuming task, but once you break it down, it’s actually quite simple. Here’s how you can create the award-winning version:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • If using a whole chicken, place it in a large pot with water, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top.
   • For chicken breasts, skip the boiling and just sauté the breasts until they’re golden brown, then set them aside to shred later.

2. Make The Broth

   • Once the chicken is cooked (about 45-60 minutes for a whole chicken), remove it and set it aside. Strain the broth to remove any bits or bones. You want a clear, flavorful base.
   • Return the broth to the pot and add chopped carrots, celery, onions, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

3. Shred The Chicken

   • If you’ve used a whole chicken, shred the meat and discard the skin and bones. If you used chicken breasts, shred them now.

4. Cook The Noodles

   • Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook them in the broth according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes.

5. Combine And Finish

   • Once the noodles are cooked, add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir well and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

6. Garnish And Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout ingredients in this soup:

• Whole Chicken vs. Chicken Breasts: While using chicken breasts is a time-saver, a whole chicken infuses the broth with a richer flavor. Cooking the chicken on the bone allows the marrow to seep into the liquid, creating a more complex and flavorful base.
• Carrots and Celery: These two vegetables are often considered the ’holy trinity’ of soup-making. They offer sweetness, crunch, and earthiness. Their flavor will meld beautifully with the chicken, providing a satisfying texture contrast.
• Thyme: Thyme is often an underrated herb, but its earthy flavor is crucial to the depth of this soup. It has a subtle woodsy aroma that’s particularly comforting.
• Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are perfect for chicken noodle soup because they absorb the broth’s flavor but hold up well without becoming mushy. Plus, their soft texture adds to the overall comfort factor.

Expert Tips

To make this soup even better, here are some tips from culinary pros:

• Don’t Skip the Simmering Time: For the most flavorful broth, allow it to simmer gently for a long time. It’s where the richness comes from.
• Season in Layers: Season the broth, then the vegetables, and finally, the noodles. This ensures that each component is perfectly seasoned.
• Add Fresh Herbs at the End: Fresh herbs like parsley should be added last to maintain their vibrant flavor and color. Cooking them for too long will cause them to lose their freshness.
• Shred the Chicken by Hand: Shredding the chicken by hand rather than cutting it with a knife creates the perfect texture for the soup. It also allows the meat to absorb more of the flavorful broth.
• Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days, and the flavors even deepen overnight. If you freeze it, be sure to undercook the noodles slightly as they’ll continue to cook when reheated.

Recipe Variations

While this chicken noodle soup recipe is already pretty perfect, you can always tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations:

• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a cup of heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half towards the end for a richer, creamier texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta instead of egg noodles. There are plenty of gluten-free pasta options that will work well here.
• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for some heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken altogether and use vegetable broth, adding extra mushrooms for umami and protein. You can also add beans or lentils to bulk up the soup.
• Asian Twist: Add ginger, soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil to create a flavorful fusion with a bit of an Asian influence.

Final Words

Chicken noodle soup is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. It’s versatile, heartwarming, and always satisfying. Whether you’re in need of comfort food on a cold day, or you’re fighting off a cold, this soup delivers in all the right ways.