grandma’s chicken noodle soup recipe

Grandma’s chicken noodle soup – just saying those words out loud can make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, right? There’s something about that recipe that seems to defy the basic laws of cooking. It’s like no matter what kind of day you’ve had, a bowl of that soup can set everything straight again.

So, let’s get into it. How do you make a chicken noodle soup that tastes like a giant bear hug from grandma herself?

First up, we’re talking chicken. And not just any cut will do – we need the whole shebang. Grandma always used a whole chicken because, as she’d say with a wink, “The flavor’s in the bones.” And she wasn’t wrong; there’s something about simmering a whole chicken that makes the broth taste like liquid gold.

Then there are the veggies: carrots, celery, and onions. These guys are the unsung heroes of your soup. They go in without much fanfare but trust me; they’re doing all the hard work behind the scenes.

Now for noodles – egg noodles are where it’s at. They have this way of soaking up all the goodness from your broth without getting too soft or mushy. Plus, they remind you of those times when grandma let you sneak a few raw ones to munch on while she cooked.

But here’s where things get real: making this soup isn’t just about tossing ingredients into a pot and calling it a day. Nope, there’s an art to it. You start by giving those onions some love in the pot until they’re just translucent enough to say, “Okay, we’re ready for what’s next.”

Browning your chicken is key too – don’t rush this part! That golden color isn’t just for looks; it’s what starts building those deep flavors.

After that bird has been browned to perfection and your kitchen smells like heaven on earth, in goes the water (or stock if you’re feeling fancy). Now comes patience – letting everything bubble away gently until that chicken is so tender it practically falls off the bone.

Once you’ve got your shredded chicken back in its flavorful bath along with those egg noodles (cooked separately because nobody likes soggy noodles), you’re almost at the finish line.

Seasoning is simple: salt and pepper do wonders. But remember – tasting is key! Your palate will tell you exactly what’s needed.

And then there’s love – yes, love! It might sound corny or cliché but think about it: didn’t grandma always seem to sprinkle her dishes with care? That final ingredient truly makes all the difference.

So when someone asks for your recipe after they’ve taken their first spoonful and look at you with wide eyes full of comforted bliss, just smile knowingly and say “It’s an old family secret.”

In truth though? It’s more than just following steps; it’s about recreating memories and making new ones around steaming bowls of homemade goodness.

There you have it – not just another recipe but an experience wrapped up in nostalgia and tied with a bow of contentment. Go ahead and give it a try; who knows? Maybe one day someone will be asking for your secret to making such heartwarming soup.

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to the heart of the matter – the ingredients and instructions for that soul-soothing chicken noodle soup.

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grandmas-chicken-noodle-soup-recipe-4

grandma’s chicken noodle soup recipe

Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, homemade soup, rich with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and egg noodles. It’s seasoned with love and traditional herbs, making it the perfect remedy for cold days or when in need of a comforting meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 34 pounds), giblets removed
  • 2 medium onions, diced
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (because garlic is life)
  • Egg noodles (about half a bag should do it)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for that herby punch)
  • Optional: bay leaves, thyme sprigs or rosemary for added depth

Instructions

  1. Start by giving your chicken a good rinse under cold water. Pat it dry with some paper towels because nobody likes a slippery chicken.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil and toss in your onions. Cook them until they’re just starting to get that golden tan.
  3. Add in your carrots and celery next. Let them join the onion party until they’re all getting along nicely.
  4. Now for the star of the show – nestle your whole chicken in among the veggies like it’s settling into a comfy bed.
  5. Pour enough water into the pot to cover everything generously. If you’ve got those optional herbs on hand, throw them in now.
  6. Bring it all to a gentle boil then reduce the heat so it’s just simmering away happily.
  7. After about an hour or so (give or take), check if your chicken is cooked through – no pink meat insight!
  8. Carefully fish out your chicken onto a plate and let it cool off before you start shredding it like you’re prepping for the best taco night ever.
  9. While your chicken is cooling down, skim any excess fat from the top of your broth if you want to keep things light.
  10. Get another pot going with salted boiling water and cook those egg noodles according to package instructions because nobody wants mushy noodles in their soup!
  11. Once shredded, add your chicken back into the pot along with those perfectly cooked noodles.
  12. Season with salt and pepper – this is where you become an artiste; taste as you go until it’s just right.

Notes

  • Homemade broth enhances flavor.
  • Adjust herb quantities to taste.
  • Author: Lara Grimes
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Comfort Food, Homemade Soup, Family Recipe

Now let’s tackle those burning questions:

  • How to add extra flavor to chicken soup?
    Oh boy! This is where things get fun! You can jazz up your soup by sautéing some onions and garlic before adding them into the mix – they lay down some serious flavor foundations! A splash of white wine can also bring some zesty notes while cooking down with your veggies.
  • What are the white chunks in Campbell’s chicken noodle soup?
    Those mysterious little white chunks are actually pieces of chicken breast meat – albeit processed and canned but still striving to provide that essential poultry element we all crave in our soups.
  • How to spruce up canned chicken noodle soup?
    Got a can of store-bought soup? No problem! Give it new life by adding fresh veggies like spinach or kale during its last few minutes on the stove. A dash of hot sauce or freshly grated ginger can also give it an unexpected kick!
  • Why do you put lemon juice in chicken noodle soup?
    Lemon juice is like that friend who lights up every room they walk into – it brings brightness and zing! Just a squeeze can cut through richness and balance out flavors beautifully.

So there we have it – not only have we walked through grandma’s legendary recipe step-by-step but also tackled some common curiosities head-on! Now go forth with confidence knowing that whether from scratch or from a can, there’s always room for creativity when making this timeless comfort food classic even more delicious!

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