The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that evokes feelings of warmth, love, and nostalgia. This soup is not only tasty but also nutritious and simple to make. Read on to learn everything you need to know about making chicken noodle soup from scratch!

The History of Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup has its origins in various cultures around the world. In China, noodles have been used in chicken broth for over 2,000 years. Jewish penicillin, a version with matzo balls, has been a cure-all comfort food since the Middle Ages. As immigrants brought their recipes to America, chicken noodle soup became a staple here by the 1800s.

How Chicken Soup Became a Cold Remedy

The idea of chicken soup as a healing food likely arose because a warm, nourishing broth can help relieve congestion and rehydrate the body. Researchers have also found anti-inflammatory properties in chicken soup that could mitigate cold symptoms. This remedy crosses cultures, with versions like Jewish penicillin and Mexican caldo de pollo.

The Evolution of Chicken Noodle Soup

Early American settlers brought their family recipes but adapted them with new, available ingredients like chickens and wheat flour. Cookbooks in the 1800s spread standard recipes, like using chicken, vegetables, and noodles. Campbell's condensed soups made chicken noodle one of America's favorite convenience foods by the 1900s.

Types of Chicken Noodle Soup

There are many delicious ways to prepare chicken noodle soup. The variations include:

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

This version typically uses chicken broth, pieces of chicken, celery, onions, carrots, noodles, and herbs like parsley or thyme. It's simple and comforting.

Jewish Penicillin

Jewish penicillin is chicken soup with matzo balls, or kneidlach. Matzo meal dumplings soak up the healthy broth. Carrots and dill often season the soup.

Mexican Chicken Soup with Rice

Caldo de pollo adds rice, lime, cilantro, chilies, and crunchy tortilla strips to the soup. The spices give it a kick of flavor.

Asian Chicken Noodle Soup

Ginger, garlic, seal oil, soy sauce, scallions, and mushrooms flavor this version. Ramen or rice noodles replace traditional egg noodles.

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon, spinach, and orzo pasta lend Mediterranean flair to this soup. Basil, oregano, and dill flavor the broth.

Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup offers several health benefits:

Immune-Boosting Properties

The broth, chicken, and vegetables work together to support immune function and fight infection. Evidence shows chicken soup's anti-inflammatory effects help relieve upper respiratory tract symptoms.

Hydration

The liquid broth combined with the noodles or rice helps replenish fluids and electrolytes. This makes chicken noodle soup ideal when you're sick.

Nutrient Density

Chicken and vegetables provide protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Using a whole chicken carcass to make stock adds even more nutrients.

Gut Health Support

Bone broth contains collagen and amino acids like glutamine that seal the gut lining and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

Comfort Food Factor

Chicken noodle soup's nostalgic associations with being cared for when sick stimulate relaxation. The comfort factor releases feel-good neurotransmitters.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Follow these simple steps to make nutritious homemade chicken noodle soup:

Make the Broth

Simmer chicken carcasses or parts with water, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs for 1-3 hours. Strain the broth and pick off any cooked chicken.

Prepare the Aromatics

Chop and cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil for 5-10 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Simmer the Soup

Add the broth, chicken, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. Simmer 20-30 minutes until heated through.

Cook the Noodles

Add egg noodles and simmer 8-10 minutes until al dente. Rice or pasta can be used instead.

Adjust Seasoning

Taste and add more salt, pepper, herbs, or spice to achieve your optimal flavor.

13 Delicious Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes

Here are some easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipes to try:

1. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

This stovetop recipe sticks close to the traditional flavor with chicken, carrots, celery, and noodles.

2. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Simplify soup making in your electric pressure cooker. Just toss in ingredients and cook under pressure!

3. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Southwestern spices like cumin, garlic, and chili powder liven up this chicken and rice noodle soup.

4. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Let your slow cooker do the work! Just add ingredients and leave it to cook all day.

5. Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup

Coconut milk, ginger, fish sauce, and red curry paste give this Thai twist a creamy, spicy kick.

6. Chicken Pho

Rice noodles, chili sauce, lime, cilantro, and bean sprouts flavor this Vietnamese noodle soup.

7. Chicken Noodle Soup with Matzoh Balls

Fluffy matzoh balls soak up the rich chicken broth in this Jewish penicillin version.

8. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Top this zesty Tex-Mex inspired soup with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and cilantro.

9. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A roux thickens the broth into a creamy, comforting soup without the dairy.

10. Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach

Boost nutrition with vitamin-rich spinach. Wilt it right into the soup at the end.

11. Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo Soup

Lemon, egg, and orzo make this Mediterranean version bursting with flavor.

12. Mexican Chicken and Lime Soup

Southwestern spices, chicken, tomatoes, chilies, and cilantro flavor this tangy soup.

13. Chicken Noodle Soup with Carrots and Dill

This easy stovetop recipe features bright orange carrots and fragrant dill.

Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Follow these simple tips for guaranteed chicken noodle soup success:

Start with a Rich, Flavorful Broth

Use chicken bones, aromatics, and ample simmering time to extract the most flavor and nutrition from the broth.

Brown the Chicken First

Browning the chicken before simmering boosts the soup's depth of flavor.

Cut Uniform Pieces

Cut vegetables and chicken into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Cook Noodles Separately

Boil noodles in a separate pot just until al dente, then add them to the soup to finish cooking.

Season in Stages

Add some seasoning to the broth, but adjust to taste again after adding noodles and chicken.

Garnish with Herbs

Chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro add a fresh finishing touch. Sprinkle it on just before serving.

Common Chicken Noodle Soup Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making chicken noodle soup:

How do you thicken chicken noodle soup?

Add a roux by cooking equal parts butter and flour then whisking it into the broth. Barley, rice, or pasta will also help thicken it up. You can also puree some of the cooked vegetables into the soup.

How long does homemade chicken noodle soup last?

It will keep 3-4 days refrigerated and 4-6 months frozen. Reheat thawed soup to a full boil before serving.

What noodles are best for chicken noodle soup?

Egg noodles have a classic flavor and texture, but you can also use rice noodles, pasta shapes, orzo, alphabet noodles, or tortellini.

Should you skim fat from chicken soup?

For clarity and lower fat content, you can skim excess fat from the top before adding noodles. But leaving some fat provides richness and flavor.

Is chicken noodle soup healthy?

Yes! Made from scratch with lots of vegetables and whole ingredients, chicken noodle soup provides protein, vitamins, and gut-soothing bone broth.

Chicken Soup Can Comfort the Soul

Chicken noodle soup holds a special place in cultures worldwide as a comforting, healing food. From Jewish penicillin to Mexican caldo de pollo, recipes abound for making your own delicious versions. Simmer up a batch using homemade broth, fresh vegetables, and real ingredients. Then grab a spoon and savor the nostalgic flavors - this wholesome soup truly soothes body and soul.

5 FAQs About Chicken Noodle Soup

1. What makes chicken noodle soup so comforting?

The combination of chicken broth, protein from the chicken, noodles, and aromatic vegetables is nourishing and reminiscent of being cared for when sick. The nostalgia factor activates feelings of comfort.

2. Is chicken noodle soup better homemade or canned?

Homemade is healthier since you control the real, whole ingredients. But canned soups can still hit the spot in a pinch with their convenience factor!

3. What is the best chicken part to use for soup?

Bony parts like chicken feet, necks, and backs have the most collagen for broth. Using a whole cut up chicken also provides nice meat for the soup.

4. What noodles work best for chicken soup?

Egg noodles are classic, but rice noodles, orzo, pasta shapes, and alphabet noodles also work well. Avoid really thin noodles that can get mushy.

5. How can I boost nutrition in chicken noodle soup?

Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, or peppers. Using brown rice or whole wheat noodles also increases fiber and nutrients.