Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that has been passed down through generations. It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially during cold and flu season. The recipe is simple yet flavorful, and it’s made from scratch, just like Grandma used to make. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, equipment, instructions, and special notes to make this classic dish.
Read More: Easy and Delicious Chicken Lollipop Recipe
Why You Should Try Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup
History of Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup has a rich history that dates back centuries. The combination of chicken and broth can be traced back to ancient Greece, where physicians and philosophers believed that chicken soup had curative powers for a range of ailments, from bed-wetting to leprosy. Noodle soups have been around since the 1200s in Asia and became a staple convenience food in the United States by the 1900s.
The modern version of chicken noodle soup that we know today was popularized by Campbell’s in 1934. Interestingly, the name “Chicken Noodle Soup” was coined accidentally by a radio host, which led to a surge in its popularity. Campbell’s chicken noodle soup has remained a top-selling item, with sales of 200 million cans reported in 2013.
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Health Benefits of Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is often considered a comfort food with medicinal properties. It has been studied for its anti-inflammatory effects, which could potentially ease symptoms of illness. A study by the University of Nebraska Medical Center found that some components of chicken soup inhibit neutrophil migration, which may have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the in vivo effect is still debatable.
Nutritionally, chicken soup can be a low-fat food if the fat is skimmed off after cooking. It is also rich in calcium, especially when cooked with the bone.
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How to Make Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Equipment:
- Large Stockpot
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients:
- Whole Chicken or Chicken parts (bone-in)
- Noodles
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken Broth
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Thyme, Basil, Parsley
Special Notes on Ingredients
- Using whole chicken or bone-in chicken parts adds more flavor and nutrients to the soup.
- You can add other vegetables like turnip and rutabaga, but the classic recipe includes onion, carrot, and celery.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and garlic cloves are recommended for better flavor.
In-Depth Instructions:
- Preparation: Chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic and keep the herbs ready.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the whole chicken or chicken parts in a large stockpot. Add low-sodium chicken broth, seasonings, and water.
- Boil: Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Simmer: Once boiling, let it boil for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for two hours.
- Remove Chicken: After 1 ½ to 2 hours, remove the chicken to a separate pan to prevent the bones from falling apart in the soup.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot with rice or noodles. It’s recommended to cook them separately and then add them to the bowl.
Special Notes on Instructions
- The soup takes time because the flavors slowly simmer, but it’s worth the wait.
- You can also make this soup in an Instant Pot to save time.
Cooking & Preparing Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition:
- Calories: 392
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 192mg
- Vitamin A: 611 IU
- Vitamin C: 16mg
- Potassium: 437mg
- Iron: 1mg
Tips for Making Perfect Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Quality Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- Bone-In Chicken: Using bone-in chicken adds depth to the broth. The bones release collagen, which gives the soup a rich texture.
- Low-Sodium Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the salt level better.
- Cook Noodles Separately: To avoid mushy noodles, cook them separately and add them to individual bowls before pouring the soup over.
- Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary can elevate the flavor. A bay leaf during simmering can also add complexity.
- Skimming: Periodically skim off any foam or fat that rises to the top during simmering.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste the soup as you cook, adjusting the seasonings as needed.
- Slow Simmer: A slow simmer helps to meld the flavors together. Don’t rush this process.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the soup sit for a few minutes before serving can enhance the flavors.
- Storage: This soup stores well. The flavors continue to meld and improve after a day or two in the fridge.
Different Variations of Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken and chicken broth with vegetable broth and add more veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Creamy Version: Add a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version.
- Asian Twist: Use rice noodles and add a splash of soy sauce and some ginger for an Asian-inspired version.
- Hearty Version: Add some potatoes or even some grains like quinoa or rice for a more filling soup.
- Seafood Version: Replace chicken with seafood like shrimp or fish and use a seafood broth.
- Mediterranean Flair: Add some olives, capers, and maybe a splash of white wine.
- Mexican Style: Add some corn, black beans, and a touch of lime juice, and serve with tortilla strips.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup is not just a dish; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth and coziness to any setting. The recipe is a blend of carefully chosen ingredients and meticulous preparation. From simmering the chicken in a flavorful broth to sautéing the vegetables to perfection, each step contributes to the soup’s rich and comforting taste. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced home cook, this recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating a dish that’s bound to become a family favorite.
Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Stockpot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- Whole Chicken or Chicken parts bone-in
- Noodles
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken Broth
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Thyme Basil, Parsley
- Special Notes on Ingredients
- Using whole chicken or bone-in chicken parts adds more flavor and nutrients to the soup.
- You can add other vegetables like turnip and rutabaga but the classic recipe includes onion, carrot, and celery.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and garlic cloves are recommended for better flavor.
Instructions
- Preparation: Chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic and keep the herbs ready.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the whole chicken or chicken parts in a large stockpot. Add low-sodium chicken broth, seasonings, and water.
- Boil: Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Simmer: Once boiling, let it boil for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for two hours.
- Remove Chicken: After 1 ½ to 2 hours, remove the chicken to a separate pan to prevent the bones from falling apart in the soup.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot with rice or noodles. It’s recommended to cook them separately and then add them to the bowl.
Notes
You can also make this soup in an Instant Pot to save time.
