Chicken Noodle Soup Chicken Stock Recipe

Chicken noodle soup: It’s the quintessential comfort food, beloved across households for its soothing warmth, hearty texture, and heartening flavors. There’s something about the way the broth envelopes the tender chicken and noodles, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, battling a cold, or simply craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, chicken noodle soup never disappoints.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the process of making a rich, flavorful homemade chicken noodle soup from scratch-starting with a robust chicken stock and layering in all the essential components that make this soup a go-to classic. But it’s not just about the ingredients-it’s about the love and care you put into crafting this comforting dish.

Let’s get started!

Chicken Noodle Soup Chicken Stock Recipe

Before we dive into making the soup itself, let’s talk about the foundation: the chicken stock. The stock is what elevates a simple bowl of soup into something extraordinary. Making your own stock from scratch may take a little more time, but the results are far superior to store-bought alternatives. The key is simmering the ingredients slowly, extracting all the natural flavors from the chicken, vegetables, and herbs. Here’s how to make a flavorful chicken stock that’ll serve as the perfect base for your chicken noodle soup.

Ingredients Needed (For The Stock)

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs) – Preferably bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor. The bones are crucial for extracting rich gelatin and flavor.
• 1 large onion – Quartered. You can leave the skin on for added depth of flavor.
• 2 large carrots – Cut into large chunks. They bring a natural sweetness to the broth.
• 2 celery stalks – Cut into large chunks. Celery adds an earthy note.
• 4 garlic cloves – Whole, smashed. Garlic enhances the broth with a savory undertone.
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns – Adds a subtle heat to balance the flavors.
• 2 bay leaves – The bay leaves bring a fragrant, herbal depth to the broth.
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme – The thyme adds a comforting, aromatic touch.
• Water – Enough to cover the chicken and vegetables by about an inch (usually about 12 cups).
• Salt – To taste, but keep in mind you can always adjust later.

Cooking Instructions (For The Stock)

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the whole chicken in a large stock pot. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and peppercorns. Toss in the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Fill the pot with cold water, ensuring everything is fully submerged by about an inch.
2. Bring to a Boil: Slowly bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. As it heats up, you’ll notice some impurities or foam rising to the surface. Skim this off using a spoon or ladle. This ensures your stock stays clear and clean-tasting.
3. Simmer: Once the stock boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 2-3 hours. The goal is to slowly extract all the flavors from the chicken and vegetables, resulting in a rich, flavorful broth.
4. Shred the Chicken: After 2-3 hours, remove the chicken from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones. Set the shredded chicken aside.
5. Strain the Stock: Strain the stock through a fine-mesh strainer to remove all the solids, leaving you with a clear, flavorful liquid. Taste the stock and adjust the salt if needed.

Ingredient Insights

Now that we’ve made the chicken stock, let’s break down some of the ingredients that make this recipe special. Each ingredient plays a specific role in enhancing the flavor, texture, and health benefits of your chicken noodle soup.

• Chicken: The star of the show! The chicken, especially if it’s cooked with the skin and bones, infuses the broth with rich flavors and natural gelatin, giving the soup a silky smooth texture. Using both white and dark meat (like thighs or drumsticks) ensures a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
• Carrots & Celery: These classic aromatics add natural sweetness and earthiness to the soup. As they simmer in the broth, they release flavors that make the soup feel hearty and satisfying. Plus, they provide important nutrients and fiber.
• Garlic & Onion: These are essential building blocks of flavor. Garlic adds a subtle savory note while onion brings a mild sweetness. Together, they form the aromatic base that supports the other ingredients.
• Bay Leaves & Thyme: These herbs are like a flavor ’secret weapon’ in chicken noodle soup. Bay leaves impart a subtle, slightly floral note that brightens the broth, while thyme adds a warm, earthy aroma.
• Peppercorns: Whole peppercorns are great for adding a gentle, all-around spice to the broth without overpowering the flavors. They also add depth and complexity to the stock.

Expert Tips

• Use Cold Water: Starting with cold water is key when making stock. This allows the flavors to develop gradually as the water heats up, extracting the best from the chicken and vegetables.
• Don’t Rush the Simmering Process: Simmering the stock on low heat for a long time extracts the full potential of the ingredients. The longer you simmer, the richer the broth will become.
• Skim the Foam: As the stock boils, impurities and proteins rise to the surface. Skim them off regularly to ensure your broth is clear and not cloudy.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your stock before adding it to the soup. If it’s too salty, you can dilute it with water, but if it’s too bland, it might need more seasoning. You can also add a splash of vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, you can make a vegetable stock using the same ingredients but substituting the chicken for mushrooms or other hearty vegetables like parsnips or leeks. Add tofu or chickpeas as a protein source.
• Noodles: Instead of traditional egg noodles, you can experiment with other types of pasta like farfalle, rotini, or even rice noodles for a gluten-free version.
• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce. This variation gives a fun kick to the classic recipe.
• Herbs and Spices: Feel free to get creative with your herbs. Basil, rosemary, or parsley all bring fresh flavors that pair beautifully with the chicken and noodles.

Final Words

Homemade chicken noodle soup is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion-from cozy nights at home to nurturing a loved one back to health. By starting with a homemade chicken stock, you’re already elevating the quality of the soup to the next level. The added freshness and richness make all the difference.

But don’t just take our word for it. The beauty of chicken noodle soup lies in its versatility. You can customize it to suit your preferences, whether you like your broth rich and hearty or light and fresh. Each batch you make is an opportunity to fine-tune it and make it your own.