How to Make Your Own Comforting Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup from scratch is the ultimate comfort food. Simmering chicken bones and vegetables creates a nourishing broth, while chicken meat and noodles make it satisfying. Read this guide to learn tips for making your own delicious homemade chicken noodle soup.

Benefits of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Making your own chicken noodle soup has many advantages over canned versions:

Control the Ingredients

You choose real, fresh ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and noodles - no preservatives or stabilizers.

Customize Flavors

Adapt recipes to suit your taste preferences for saltiness, spice level, herbs, etc.

Healthier Nutrient Profile

Homemade stocks contain more vitamins and minerals than store-bought broths.

Aromatic from Scratch

Simmering chicken bones extracts maximum flavor for a mouthwatering aroma.

Versatile Uses for Leftovers

Extra homemade broth and chicken can be used in other recipes like rice, chowders, or gravy.

Choosing Chicken for Noodle Soup

The right chicken contributes flavor and quality:

Whole Chicken

Provides bones for broth and meat for the soup. Remove meat when cooked.

Chicken Pieces with Bones

Bony parts like necks, backs, and wings make the most flavorful broth.

Boneless Breasts or Thighs

Easy, quick-cooking option but won't contribute flavor to the broth.

Organic or Free-Range

Higher quality chicken adds more nutrients and richer taste.

Chicken Noodle Soup Broth Basics

A good broth is the foundation of chicken noodle soup. Follow these tips:

Simmer Bones First

Simmer chicken bones for 1-2 hours to extract collagen and minerals.

Mirepoix Veggies

Onions, carrots, and celery build a flavorful aromatics base.

Season Simply

Salt, pepper, bay leaves, and other herbs season without overpowering.

Skim Impurities

Skim off any scum that rises to keep the broth clear.

Cook Time Matters

Gently simmer broth for 2-4 hours to develop the deepest flavor.

Selecting Noodles and Vegetables

Choose complementary ingredients to round out your homemade soup:

Egg Noodles

The quintessential noodle, egg noodles have a rich flavor and tender bite.

Rice Noodles or Pasta

For gluten-free options or fun shapes like orzo, pasta, or stars.

Tender Vegetables

Carrots, celery, peas, green beans, and potatoes cook to perfection.

Leafy Greens

Spinach and kale wilt down and add color and nutrients.

Fresh Herbs

Chopped parsley, dill, basil, cilantro add aromatic finish.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Step-by-Step

Follow this simple process for how to make chicken noodle soup from scratch at home:

1. Simmer the Broth

Combine chicken bones, onion, celery, carrots, herbs, and water in a pot. Gently simmer until flavorful, 2-4 hours.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Once chicken is cooked, remove it from bones and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.

3. Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Cook onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil for 5-10 minutes.

4. Add Broth and Chicken

Add sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, and strained broth back to the pot.

5. Cook the Noodles Separately

Boil noodles in salted water until al dente, then add to soup pot.

6. Season and Add Herbs

Stir in salt, pepper, parsley, or other seasonings and let simmer briefly.

7. Serve Warm

Ladle piping hot chicken noodle soup into bowls and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Use these tricks for optimal homemade chicken noodle soup flavor and texture:

Browning the Chicken

Browning the chicken before simmering boosts flavor through the Maillard reaction.

Blanching the Bones

Boil bones for 10 minutes then rinse to remove impurities for a cleaner broth.

Lower Slow Simmer

Gently simmer broth at 180°F to extract flavors without boiling away liquid.

Natural Release

Letting the stock slowly cool prevents cloudiness from releasing steam.

Skimming the Fat

For a healthier soup, skim off excess fat that rises to the top as the broth simmers.

Partial Cooling

Cooling the broth partially before straining helps clarify it by separating the fat.

Troubleshooting Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Having issues with your homemade soup? Here are some common problems and solutions:

Cloudy Broth

Gently simmer, skim impurities, don't stir too much, and strain through cheesecloth.

Bland Flavor

Simmer bones longer, use more aromatics, and brown chicken to boost flavor.

Greasy Broth

Refrigerate and remove fat before reheating. Add acid like lemon juice.

Mushy Noodles

Avoid overcooking. Cook noodles separately and add just before serving.

Underseasoned

Taste and adjust salt, pepper, herbs, garlic, or onion powder as needed.

15 Soothing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes

Try these tasty homemade chicken noodle soup recipe ideas:

1. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Simple and comforting with chicken, veggies, herbs, and egg noodles.

2. Jewish Penicillin Soup

Healing broth with matzo balls, carrots, and dill.

3. Mexican Chicken Pozole

Chicken, hominy, chili peppers, and lime for flavor.

4. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Southwestern spices, shredded chicken, tomatoes, and crispy tortilla strips.

5. Thai Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup

Fragrant ginger, coconut milk, and rice noodles.

6. Chicken Pho

Vietnamese noodle soup with star anise, cinnamon, and bean sprouts.

7. Chicken and Dumplings

Fluffy dough dumplings simmered right in the broth.

8. Chicken and Rice Soup

Shredded chicken and rice with tomato and spinach.

9. Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Soup

Zesty lemon broth with spinach and tender orzo pasta.

10. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A touch of cream and flour enriches the broth.

11. Chicken Noodle Soup with Leeks

Sautéed leeks add depth without overpowering onion flavor.

12. Chicken Noodle Soup with Dill

Fresh dill complements the chicken and vegetables.

13. Chicken Wonton Soup

Protein-packed wontons stuffed with ground chicken and spices.

14. Chicken Noodle Soup with Chard

Earthy Swiss chard adds nutrition and bold flavor.

15. Chicken Noodle Soup with Kale

Shredded kale mellows beautifully when simmered in the broth.

The Soothing Magic of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup made from scratch is total comfort in a bowl. The secret is a long-simmered broth brimming with meaty flavor. Combine it with chicken, noodles, aromatic veggies, and favorite seasonings. For cold season relief or anytime you need a hug, whip up a batch of homemade chicken noodle soup. Each spoonful nourishes your body and warms your spirit.

5 FAQs About Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Is it better to simmer a whole chicken or just parts?

A whole cut-up chicken gives you both meat for the soup and bones for flavorful broth.

2. How long does it take to make homemade chicken broth?

For good extraction of flavors, simmer bones for 1-2 hours minimum. Simmering up to 4 hours builds even richer broth.

3. Can I freeze my homemade chicken noodle soup?

Yes, it freezes very well for 3-6 months. Let cool completely before transferring to freezer containers.

4. What noodles go best in chicken noodle soup?

Egg noodles are classic, but rice noodles, orzo, alphabet noodles, and pastina all work well too.

5. How can I thicken my chicken noodle soup?

Stir in a roux, puree some of the cooked vegetables, add pasta or rice, or sprinkle with cornstarch mixed with water.