Easy Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Discover the ultimate comfort food – Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup. Follow this recipe for a taste of childhood memories. It’s easy, quick, and a timeless classic recipe that warms the heart and delights the taste buds.
Looking for a comforting bowl of soup that will transport you back to your childhood? Look no further than Easy Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe. This timeless classic is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and some love, you can create a soul-soothing dish that will warm your heart and bring smiles to everyone at the table. So, grab your apron and get ready to channel your inner grandma as we dive into this cherished family recipe!
Soup Holds a Special Place in the Culinary Traditions of Many Countries
My husband and I moved to the US from Serbia in our twenties. We grew up cherishing a classical Serbian tradition, and one typical example is that you have to have soup on the table almost every day before a main course (especially on Saturdays and Sundays) 😊. One time, it is a traditional Grandma’s Chicken Noodle soup; another time, it is a vegetable soup, but you hardly go without any soup.
Our kids are not the exception. Our neighbors constantly joke about how we never skip this warm delight in our daily eating routine 😏. And our kids are so used to it that whenever my daughters return from school, they ask which soup I made that day 😀.
In my early days in the US, I was surprised to learn that many families here make hot soup only when someone is sick and needs a protein and antioxidant boost to get better or during the cold winter months. For us from Serbia, you will first be offered a cup of tea if you are sick or the weather gets cold. And if you have a sore throat, don’t even think of eating an ice cream 😂!
Comfort in a Bowl: Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
I will start by saying that my mom is an expert in making this soup. She spends a lot of time with us and makes this soup frequently. So whenever I make it for my kids, they always say, “It’s not like grandma’s soup!” 🫤😂. And I am not upset; I know everything tastes better in grandma’s kitchen. So, I purposely named this recipe a Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup to honor how my mom makes it for my kids.
But I also remember how my grandma made it when I was a kid. From the get-go, it will be partially the same as she made it because she always used whole chicken, and I will use chicken thighs in this recipe. I prefer using chicken thighs over chicken breasts because chicken thighs contain more fat than chicken breasts, which adds flavor and juiciness. Most importantly, I never use grocery store-bought chicken broth or chicken bouillon. I add water as a base, where both the chicken and veggies cook, and with the right seasoning, you can still create a delicious and satisfying soup. And there is a reason for making it from scratch. Keep reading 😉.
Health Benefits of Making Your Chicken Broth for Soups
While store-bought chicken broth or stock can be convenient and time-saving, there are several reasons why some people prefer to make their own chicken broth for soups. When you make your chicken stock, you have complete control over the ingredients’ quality. You can choose high-quality chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs, ensuring your broth is made from the best available ingredients. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether to use a store-bought chicken or vegetable stock:
- Sodium Content: Store-bought broths and stocks can be high in sodium, which may not suit people on low-sodium diets or those looking to control their salt intake. When you make your broth, you can control the salt added.
- Preservatives and Additives: Some commercial chicken broths contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and additives to extend shelf life and enhance flavor. Homemade broth allows you to avoid these additives and create a more natural product.
- Freshness: Homemade broth is made from fresh ingredients and doesn’t sit on a shelf for an extended period. This can produce a fresher, more vibrant flavor in your soups and dishes.
- Flavor: Homemade chicken broth often has a richer and more complex flavor than store-bought varieties. This is because you can customize the flavor by adjusting the ingredients and seasonings to your liking.
Simple Ingredients You’ll Need for the Delicious Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- 1 boneless skinless chicken thigh – I prefer using chicken thighs over chicken breasts because chicken thighs contain more fat than chicken breasts, which adds flavor and juiciness. But you can also use chicken breasts. You can also use leftover chicken from the previous day or even the rotisserie chicken.
- 1 large potato – chopped into small pieces.
- 2 medium carrots – peeled and chopped.
- 1/4 medium onion – chopped.
- 2 large celery stalks – sliced.
- Salt & black pepper to taste – if you prefer, you can use poultry seasoning. I like using seasoning made of Himalayan salt, dried carrots, parsley, onion and celery, and curcumin.
- 1/2 fresh parsley bunch – finely chopped. You can also use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs, but fresh parsley is the best part of this great soup, giving a lot of flavors.
- Two handfuls of egg noodles – you can use thin or wide egg noodles
- 6 cups water – I prefer water over grocery store-bought chicken stock or vegetable stock.
Step-by-step Preparation
- Wash the chicken and vegetables under cool running water. Place chicken thighs and 6 cups of cold water in a large soup pot or a large dutch oven. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water starts boiling, reduce to medium heat, cover the pot, and let the chicken meat simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and potato to the pot. Simmer the soup for another 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized small pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the chicken broth and mix well.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Add the dried egg noodles to the chicken soup and let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until they are heated through (follow the manufacturer’s package directions for cooking the egg noodles).
- In the meantime, finely chop the parsley using the knife.
- Taste the soup one final time and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Remove from heat, add chopped parsley, and mix well.
- Enjoy your grandma’s chicken noodle soup hot in a small bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Simply add them to the simmering water until they are fully cooked. Then, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the soup.
Absolutely! Homemade chicken noodle soup can be made in advance, and leftover soup can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth or water to thin it out if needed.
Certainly! Feel free to customize the soup by adding vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t overcook.
The key to a flavorful broth is to simmer the chicken with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. You can also season it with herbs like thyme and parsley for added depth of flavor.
In conclusion, Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting bowl of nostalgia and love. This timeless classic, made with care and attention to detail, is a reminder of simpler times and the warmth of home. Whether savoring it on a chilly day during a winter season, sharing it with whole family and friends, or simply craving a taste of tradition, this soup never fails to bring comfort and joy. As you take that first spoonful, you’ll taste the flavors and embrace grandma’s love in every delicious bite. This is how I remember my grandma; I am sure my kids will have fond memories of grandma’s soup when they get older.
If you like this recipe, here bare some other great recipes to try:
- Easy Sweet Potato Soup with Zucchini, Carrots, and Garlic
- Oven Roasted Potatoes and Carrots with Onion and Zucchini
- Easy Oven-Baked Potato with Green Onion and Sour Cream
- Easy Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
- Healthy Beet Salad with Feta Cheese and Walnuts
Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 chicken thigh 120 – 140 gr
- 1 potato large, chopped
- 2 carrots medium, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 onion medium, chopped
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 bunch parsley fresh
- 2 handful egg noodles thin or wide
- 6 cups water
Instructions
- Wash the chicken and vegetables under cool running water. Place chicken thighs and 6 cups of cold water in a large soup pot or a large dutch oven. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water starts boiling, reduce to medium heat, cover the pot, and let the chicken meat simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and potato to the pot. Simmer the soup for another 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized small pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the chicken broth and mix well.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Add the dried egg noodles to the chicken soup and let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until they are heated through (follow the manufacturer's package directions for cooking the egg noodles).
- In the meantime, finely chop the parsley using the knife.
- Taste the soup one final time and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Remove from heat, add chopped parsley, and mix well.
- Enjoy your grandma's chicken noodle soup hot in a small bowl.
Video
Notes
- Refer to the post above for video instructions and other useful information.
- Nutrition information is an estimate and will depend on your specific ingredients.
- Boneless skinless chicken thigh – I prefer using chicken thighs over chicken breasts because chicken thighs contain more fat than chicken breasts, which adds flavor and juiciness. But you can also use chicken breasts. You can also use leftover chicken from the previous day or even the rotisserie chicken.
- Salt & black pepper to taste – if you prefer, you can use poultry seasoning. I like using seasoning made of Himalayan salt, dried carrots, parsley, onion and celery, and curcumin.
- Fresh parsley bunch – finely chopped. You can also use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs, but fresh parsley is the best part of this great soup, giving a lot of flavors.
- Egg noodles – you can use thin or wide egg noodles
- Water – I prefer water over grocery store-bought chicken stock or vegetable stock.
