When I think of homestyle meals, my mind often drifts to chicken noodle soup. It’s that dish that embraces you like a warm hug on a chilly day. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its simplicity, but in its ability to transport you back to family gatherings, chilly evenings, and a comfort that never fails. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make a delightful bowl of Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup. From ingredients to storage tips, I’ve got it covered.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 45 minutesminutes
Servings 6
Calories 384kcal
Ingredients
1/3cupdry cooking sherry
2tablespoonscold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
1/4cupfresh parsley, chopped
1teaspoonlemon zest
2–3cupswide egg noodles
4clovesfresh garlic, minced
1driedbay leaf
2shallots,thinly sliced
1/3cupparmesan cheese, shaved
2tablespoonscreamy salted butter
6wholecarrots, peeled and chopped
1poundskinless chicken thighs or breasts, boneless
8cupslow-sodium chicken stock
2stalkscelery, chopped small
2tablespoonsthyme leaves, freshly stripped
1tablespoonfinely chopped rosemary
1tablespoonfreshly chopped sage
1/2teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
1mediumyellow onion, finely diced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This saves time later on. Chop the vegetables, mince the garlic, and slice the shallots. Having everything prepped creates a smoother cooking experience.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and sliced shallots. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want to build a base of flavor here.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften slightly.You can already start to smell the aromatics mixing together. That’s when you know you’re in for something special.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Push the vegetables to the side of the pot. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and brown them on both sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Don’t worry if they’re not completely cooked through — they’ll finish cooking in the broth.
Step 5: Deglaze with Sherry
Pour in the cooking sherry, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step adds complexity to the flavor. Let it simmer for a minute so the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind rich taste.
Step 6: Add the Stock and Herbs
Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Bring the mixture to a boil.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, letting it simmer for 20-25 minutes. The chicken will cook through, and the herbs will infuse their flavors.
Step 7: Cook the Noodles
After the chicken is done, remove it from the pot. Add the egg noodles, cooking them per package instructions until just tender. As they cook, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 8: Combine Everything
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, along with the parsley, lemon zest, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.If the soup looks too thick for your liking, you can always add a bit of water or stock to loosen it up.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once your soup has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Ladle it into bowls, top with shaved parmesan if desired, and serve it warm. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Notes
Use High-Quality Chicken Stock: A good stock enhances the overall taste. Homemade is best, but look for low-sodium options if you buy it.
Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs truly elevate the flavor profile of your soup. They are worth the effort.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies such as peas or corn for added color and nutrition.
Adjust the Noodles to Your Preference: If you're gluten-free or prefer a different type of noodle, there are plenty of options available. Choose what pleases your taste buds!
Make it Ahead of Time: This soup can be made in advance. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together!