Raise your hand if you know someone who’s been sick. It’s that time of year again when colds and coughs are making their rounds. One of my absolute favorite ways to combat the chill and feel-good from the inside out is with a warm, hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup. This Feel Good Chicken Soup recipe is not just comforting but also packed with nutrients to help you bounce back.
Method
Preparing the Chicken and Broth
Start by taking a large pot and placing the chicken breasts along with the chicken bouillon cubes inside. Add 12 cups of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. As the water heats, you may notice a layer of foam or fat floating to the top. Gently skim this off with a spoon to keep your broth clear. Allow the chicken to cook for about 10-12 minutes, making sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and set them on a cutting board to cool slightly. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Remember to reserve about 8-10 cups of the broth, as this will form the flavorful base of your soup.
Sauteing the Vegetables
In a separate large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery, carrots, and onion to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for around 4-5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly while releasing their natural flavors. Once the vegetables start to become tender, add the minced garlic. Continue to sauté for another 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and well incorporated. This step is essential for building depth in the soup’s flavor profile.
Combining the Broth and Cooking the Soup
Pour the reserved chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the fusilli pasta, cinnamon stick, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the pasta does not stick together. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is just tender (al dente). It’s important not to overcook the pasta at this stage, as it will continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the heat.
Adding the Chicken and Final Touches
Once the pasta is cooked, add the diced chicken back into the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. At this point, the soup should be rich, fragrant, and filled with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.
Serving the Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve piping hot. You can garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the dish. Serve alongside crusty bread or a soft biscuit for the ultimate comfort meal.
Necessary Tools
- Large pot
- Medium pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutes45
minutesIngredients
2 chicken breasts
12 cups water
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 celery stalks, diced
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1.5 cups fusilli pasta (or pasta of choice)
2 tbsp butter
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 tsp thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Directions
- Start by placing the chicken breasts and bouillon cubes in a large pot. Add the water and bring it to a boil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, skimming off any foam that floats to the surface.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, dice into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Reserve 8-10 cups of the broth for the soup
- In a separate large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery, carrot, and onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened, then add the minced garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour the reserved chicken broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, cinnamon stick, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
- Add the diced chicken to the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the soothing, hearty flavors.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Keep an eye on it during the boiling process.
- Be mindful of the pasta cooking time; it should be just tender, not mushy.
- Skim off the fat and foam from the chicken broth to keep the soup clear and clean-tasting.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a buttery biscuit.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a bright note.
- Pair with a light side salad for a complete meal.
Fun Fact
Did you know? Chicken noodle soup has been cherished for centuries as a natural remedy for colds. Studies suggest that the hot broth can help clear nasal congestion and may have mild anti-inflammatory effects.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup when you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something warm and cozy. This recipe is simple, nourishing, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Try it out and let your taste buds (and your soul) feel the comfort.
