The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Chicken Noodle Soup

Summary

Chicken noodle soup is a beloved comfort food that's surprisingly easy to make, especially when you use a supermarket rotisserie chicken. This guide provides a detailed recipe and tips to create a flavorful soup that your family will love. From making a rich broth to crafting homemade noodles, you'll find everything you need to know to make this classic dish. Plus, discover some interesting stats and facts about chicken noodle soup that you might not have heard before.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

I have fond memories of my grandmother's homemade chicken and dumplings, a dish that has yet to be matched in my experience. While I don't have her exact recipe, I've developed a chicken noodle soup that my kids adore. The secret? Using a supermarket rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.

Why Rotisserie Chicken?

Using a rotisserie chicken is a game-changer. It provides a rich, savory base for your soup without the need for hours of simmering. According to the National Chicken Council, Americans consumed 1.6 billion rotisserie chickens in 2020 alone, highlighting their popularity and convenience (source).

Ingredients

For the Broth

• 1 Rotisserie Chicken (or the remaining part of one)
• 1 Medium Onion, quartered
• 2 Stalks Celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 5 Whole Peppercorns
• 1 tbsp Poultry Seasoning
• 1 tbsp Sea Salt
• Water

For the Noodles

• 1 Egg
• 3 Egg Yolks
• 3 tbsp Cold Water
• 2 cups Flour
• 2 tsp Salt

Instructions

Making the Broth

1. Prepare the Ingredients: In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, add the rotisserie chicken, onion, celery, peppercorns, poultry seasoning, and sea salt. Cover the ingredients with water, ensuring they are submerged by at least an inch.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for at least 1 hour, preferably 2, to extract maximum flavor.
3. Strain and Reserve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken, bones, and vegetables. Return the pot to the burner and add about 3 cups of water.
4. Debone the Chicken: Separate the meat from the bones, reserving the meat for the soup. If you wish to add vegetables like carrots, do so now. For peas, add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Making the Noodles

1. Mix the Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and egg yolks until light. Add 3 tablespoons of cold water and salt, whisking until well blended. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a fork until you can form a ball.
2. Rest the Dough: Let the dough sit for about 5 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
3. Roll and Cut: Flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a large circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into noodles of your desired width and length.
4. Cook the Noodles: Add the noodles to the simmering broth and cook for at least 30 minutes. For more tender noodles, let them simmer for an hour. Add the reserved chicken in the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Final Touches

1. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add another teaspoon of salt.
2. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy. Feel free to add steamed vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower on the side for dipping.

Interesting Facts About Chicken Noodle Soup

• Healing Properties: Chicken noodle soup is often touted for its medicinal properties. A study published in the journal Chest found that chicken soup might have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (source).
• Popularity: According to a survey by Campbell's, chicken noodle soup is the most popular soup in the United States, with 95 million cans sold annually (source).
• Cultural Significance: Chicken noodle soup is a staple in many cultures, from Jewish matzo ball soup to Chinese chicken noodle soup, each with its unique twist and ingredients.

Conclusion

Chicken noodle soup is more than just a meal; it's a comforting tradition that brings families together. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a delicious, homemade version that will become a family favorite. Whether you're looking to soothe a cold or simply enjoy a warm, hearty meal, this chicken noodle soup is sure to satisfy.

Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables or spices to make the recipe your own. Enjoy!