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Looking for an incredible bowl of homemade chicken soup? This family recipe straight from mom's kitchen will blow you away. The combination of freshly made noodles and flavorful broth creates the ultimate comfort meal that'll warm your soul and lift your spirits.
What Makes This Soup Special
This collection begins with a standout chicken soup that's truly unique. The secret? Using a whole rotisserie chicken creates an incredibly deep and flavorful broth. Whipping up your own noodles takes just minutes but completely transforms this dish, setting it miles apart from anything you'll find in stores.
Basic Ingredient Rundown
- Chicken Stock: Forms the foundation of your soup
- Rotisserie Chicken: Adds heartiness and flavor
- Egg Noodles: Can be homemade or bought for your chicken & noodle meal
- Butter: Gives veggies a rich flavor base
- Carrots: Chop them uniformly
- Celery: Cut to match carrot size
- Garlic: Nothing beats the real thing
- Salt: Adjust to your liking
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best
- Sage: Brings wonderful aromatic notes
- Rosemary: Works well dried or fresh
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough for subtle heat
- Chicken Bouillon: Boosts the chicken flavor
Easy Cooking Guide
- Ready to Eat:
- Enjoy while hot. Will stay good in the fridge 4-5 days.
- Add Chicken:
- Stir chicken into the soup and check the flavor.
- Turn Off Heat:
- Take pot off the stove once noodles reach perfect texture.
- Cook Noodles:
- Let soup come to a boil. Drop in noodles and cook until tender but firm.
- Pour Broth and Season:
- Add your stock and all spices. Give it a taste and tweak if needed.
- Add Garlic:
- Toss in garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Veggies:
- Soften celery and carrots for around 3 minutes.
- Start with Butter:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat.
Homemade Noodle Secret
What really elevates this soup is using fresh noodles. Simply combine flour, salt, milk and eggs to create noodles in just a few minutes. They'll soak up all that amazing broth while keeping their texture throughout cooking. This little extra effort transforms your soup into something that tastes just like grandma used to make.
Creating Rich Broth
The heart of any great soup is its broth. Turning rotisserie chicken bones into liquid gold couldn't be easier and the flavor can't be beat. Just let those bones simmer with veggies and herbs. Want to use your slow cooker? Just toss everything in and let it do the work. The blend of sage, rosemary and pepper creates an unforgettable taste.
Pasta Possibilities
Your soup can feature whatever noodles you prefer. While homemade are fantastic, regular pasta works perfectly too. Consider trying farfalle, macaroni, or fusilli - whatever your family enjoys most. Just keep an eye on cooking times so they stay al dente and don't turn mushy in your chicken & noodle creation.
Nutritional Goodness
This soup isn't just delicious - it's actually good for you too. Unlike the stuff from cans, you know exactly what's in your bowl. You'll get protein from the chicken and nutrients from the veggies. Even when using store-bought noodles, your homemade version stands miles above pre-packaged options in terms of nutrition.
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Prep-Ahead Strategies
Whip up this soup in advance for those crazy weeknights. The noodles won't turn to mush when stored properly. If you're using packaged noodles and planning to freeze portions, cook them slightly less than normal. Store in containers to enjoy later, or freeze for up to several months. When you're ready to eat, either let it thaw overnight or warm it gently on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use other kinds of pasta?
Sure! Any pasta works, but smaller shapes are better. Rice-based ones work, too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so it doesn't overcook.
- → Can this go in the freezer?
Yep, it freezes really well! Just don't add the noodles beforehand. Cook fresh ones when you reheat it. Keeps for about three months.
- → What about a wheat-free version?
Try using pasta made from rice. Double-check your broth and spices to make sure they're gluten-free. It'll cook a bit faster and still taste great.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Put everything in an airtight container. It'll stay good in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat it gently with a splash of broth for freshness.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Grab some store-bought rotisserie chicken, shred it, and toss it in near the end. Save the bones for broth if you want. Fresh chicken works great, too.
- → Why is it getting too thick?
Add a little more hot broth to thin it out. Also, watch how much pasta you're putting in and try not to overcook it. It's a quick fix.
- → What's the best way to take this on the go?
Wrap hot broth in a thermos. Take the noodles separately to mix them in later. Bring some fresh green herbs and extra broth just in case.
- → Is there a way to make it faster?
Pick up pre-chopped veggies from the store and use quick-cooking noodles. Prep everything ahead. A single pot works perfectly for this, and it still tastes amazing.
- → How do I make a large amount?
Double up the ingredients and use a bigger pot! Keep extra broth handy since the noodles soak it up. Adjust cooking times as needed.
- → How can I boost the flavor?
Turn it up with roasted bones, fresh herbs, or browning the vegetables before cooking. Season each layer as you go. A little garlic can work wonders, too.
- → What if the broth tastes weak?
Let the bones simmer longer, or use less water. You could also add a bouillon cube or let the broth reduce a bit. Season as needed.
- → Why do the veggies seem off?
Cut them into even pieces and cook just until soft. Add them at the right times for even cooking. Stick with fresh ones so they don’t go mushy.
Conclusion
Looking for ideas? Try out a hearty chicken stew or bake up a classic pot pie. Both are just as warm and filling.