How to Make Classic Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup from Scratch

Nothing compares to the comfort of homemade chicken noodle soup simmering on the stovetop. This classic version starts by simmering chicken and aromatics into a flavorful broth. Tender noodles and vegetables join the party for the ultimate soul-warming soup. Read on for tips, tricks, and recipes to master stovetop chicken noodle soup.

Benefits of Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup

Simmering soup on the stovetop has advantages over other cooking methods:

Full Control Over Temperature

Monitoring the stove allows carefully controlling the simmer for well-extracted flavors.

Watch Ingredients Cook

Observing the pot lets you check when chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender.

Ability to Stir and Season

Frequently stirring and tasting means you can adjust seasoning as needed.

Cook Noodles Separately

Boiling noodles on another burner prevents them from getting mushy in the broth.

Traditional Cooking Method

Stovetop soup hearkens back to classic slow simmered chicken noodle comfort.

Choosing Ingredients for Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup

Quality ingredients ensure the best flavor:

Chicken

Whole chicken or bony parts like necks, backs, and wings for broth.

Aromatic Vegetables

Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic build a flavor base.

Firm Vegetables

Potatoes, parsnips, turnips become tender but not mushy.

Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, Swiss chard wilt down without turning to slime.

Fresh Herbs

Parsley, thyme, dill enhance flavor.

Perfecting Stovetop Chicken Broth

Follow these steps for maximum homemade chicken broth flavor:

Sear the Chicken

Brown chicken in batches before simmering for deeper flavor.

Blend Aromatics

Mirepoix of onion, celery, and carrot builds a flavor base.

Simmer Low and Slow

Gentle heat extracts flavors over 2-4 hours.

Skim Impurities

Using a ladle, skim off any scum that rises to the top.

Strain Thoroughly

Pour through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.

Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup Step-by-Step

This straightforward process delivers homemade flavor:

1. Make the Broth

Simmer chicken bones with aromatics to extract rich broth over several hours.

2. Cook the Chicken

Once chicken is cooked through, remove meat from bones and shred or dice.

3. Sauté Vegetables

Cook carrots, onions, celery in olive oil until softened and fragrant.

4. Simmer Soup

Add sautéed vegetables, herbs, broth, and cooked chicken to the pot.

5. Cook Noodles Separately

Boil egg noodles in salted water until al dente.

6. Add Noodles and Adjust Seasoning

Add cooked noodles to pot, season to taste with salt and pepper.

Creative Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes

These flavorful recipes are made start to finish on the stovetop:

Jewish Penicillin

Matzo balls, carrots, dill cook right in the chicken broth.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Simmer chicken, tomatoes, corn, chili peppers, cumin, and cilantro.

Chicken Pho

Vietnamese noodle soup infused with ginger, anise, cinnamon, and fish sauce.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Simmer chicken, wild rice, mushrooms, and cream for richness.

Chicken Dumpling Noodle Soup

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering broth.

Chicken Noodle Soup with Leeks

Sautéed leeks add depth without overpowering onion flavor.

Chicken Noodle Zoodle Soup

For a lighter option, replace noodles with zucchini noodles.

Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup Tips

Follow these tips for stovetop soup success:

Use the Right Pot

Choose a heavy pot like enameled cast iron or stainless steel.

Regular Stirring

Gently stir the soup frequently to prevent sticking or scorching.

Low and Slow

The gentlest simmer extracts flavors without evaporating liquid.

Finish with Fresh Herbs

Stir in chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro just before serving.

Taste and Season

Adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings once noodles are added.

Troubleshooting Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup

Having issues? Here are some common problems and solutions:

Scraped Bottom

Use a heavier pot and stir more frequently to prevent sticking and scorching.

Overcooked Noodles

Cook noodles just until al dente in a separate pot, then add at the end.

Cloudy Broth

Avoid boiling, over stirring, and don't leave bones in too long.

Bland Flavor

Simmer broth longer, use more aromatics, brown chicken, and season assertively.

Greasy Broth

Refrigerate and skim fat before reheating. Add lemon juice or vinegar.

Warm Comfort from Scratch Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing beats the aroma of chicken noodle soup simmering away on the stovetop. Monitor temperature and cooking times for tender chicken and perfect vegetables. Adjust seasonings to taste and finish with fresh herbs. For soulful flavor made completely from scratch, stovetop chicken noodle soup can't be beat.

5 FAQs about Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup

1. What cut of chicken is best for soup?

Bony parts like backs, necks, and wings add the most flavor. Using a whole cut-up chicken provides both broth and meat.

2. How long does it take to make stovetop chicken soup?

Around 1-2 hours simmering for broth, plus another 30 minutes to cook noodles and vegetables.

3. Why simmer chicken soup so long?

The long, gentle simmer extracts collagen and nutrients from the bones to make a rich, flavorful broth.

4. How do you avoid cloudy chicken broth?

Simmer gently, skim impurities, don't boil or over stir, and strain thoroughly after cooking.

5. What noodles are best for stovetop soup?

Egg noodles have a classic flavor and tender texture that stands up well to stovetop cooking.