Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting and Delicious Dish
Introduction
Chicken noodle soup is a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to our souls, especially during chilly days or when feeling under the weather. This soup is a perfect combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty noodles, making it a favorite for all ages. Whether you’re in need of a comforting meal or simply craving a tasty bowl of soup, chicken noodle soup is always a good choice.
Ingredients
To make a delicious chicken noodle soup, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken, about 3-4 pounds
– 8 cups of chicken broth
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons of dried thyme
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 8 ounces of egg noodles
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
1. Start by preparing the chicken. Remove the giblets and excess fat from the chicken, and rinse it under cold water. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. In a large pot, combine the chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and discard the bones.
5. Meanwhile, bring the soup back to a gentle boil and add the egg noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until al dente.
6. Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine all the flavors and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Remove the bay leaves from the soup before serving.
9. Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Cooking Time and Serving Size
The estimated cooking time for chicken noodle soup is approximately 2 hours. This recipe yields about 6-8 servings, depending on the portion size. Enjoy this delightful dish on its own or pair it with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.