Hearty Comfort Chicken Noodle Soup
Warm up your soul with this Hearty Comfort Chicken Noodle Soup, a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in rich chicken stock. This recipe, perfect for chilly, rainy days, evokes the warmth of home-cooked meals. Crowd-pleasing and nourishing, it’s not just a soup; it’s a hug in a bowl. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, enjoy comforting flavors that bring everyone together around the dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
48 ounces (store-bought or homemade)
water
3 cups (fresh)
rotisserie chicken
2 1/2 cups (shredded)
celery
1 cup (diced)
carrots
1 1/2 cups (diced)
onion
1 (diced)
egg noodles
2 cups (uncooked)
rosemary
2 sprigs (stripped from stems)
thyme
2 tablespoons (fresh or dried)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
black pepper
1 tablespoon (freshly ground)
sea salt
1/2 tablespoon (to taste)
Montreal chicken seasoning
1 tablespoon (store-bought)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the chicken stock and water, bringing them to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2
Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced celery, diced carrots, and diced onion to the pot, stirring well.
3
Incorporate the egg noodles, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, sea salt, and Montreal chicken seasoning into the mixture.
4
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
Stir occasionally, and make sure the noodles are tender but not overcooked.
6
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the warmth and comfort!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Comfort Chicken Noodle Soup?
It is a soul-warming blend of tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables like carrots and celery, and egg noodles simmered in a rich chicken stock.
How long does this soup take to cook?
After bringing the stock to a boil, the soup needs to simmer for approximately 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken breasts or thighs, but rotisserie chicken is recommended for its convenience and deep flavor.
What type of noodles are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked egg noodles, which provide a classic comfort food texture.
Is this chicken noodle soup gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free because of the egg noodles, but you can substitute them with gluten-free noodles if desired.
How do I store leftovers of this soup?
Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Hearty Comfort Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it, though the noodles may become softer upon reheating. For best results, freeze the soup base and add fresh noodles when serving.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Make sure to only simmer the soup for the recommended 30 minutes and stir occasionally to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.
What is Montreal chicken seasoning?
It is a savory spice blend typically containing garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and herbs that adds a robust flavor to the broth.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable stock, though it will change the traditional chicken flavor profile of the soup.
How many cups of chicken are required?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
While the recipe calls for diced carrots, it is generally recommended to peel them first for the best texture.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
This recipe uses fresh rosemary sprigs, thyme (fresh or dried), and a whole bay leaf.
Should I cook the noodles before adding them to the pot?
No, the egg noodles are added uncooked and cook directly in the simmering broth to absorb more flavor.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can reduce the amount of water or add a small cornstarch slurry during the last few minutes of simmering.
Is this soup suitable for a rainy day?
Yes, the description specifically highlights this soup as an ideal meal for chilly, rainy days.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf?
Yes, you should always remove and discard the bay leaf before serving the soup to guests.
How much water is added to the stock?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of fresh water in addition to the 48 ounces of chicken stock.
What can I substitute for rosemary?
If you don't have rosemary, sage or savory make excellent herbal substitutes in chicken-based soups.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, although Montreal seasoning often contains garlic, adding fresh minced garlic with the onions can enhance the flavor.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the exact serving size isn't specified, the recipe uses over 70 ounces of liquid plus solids, typically serving 6-8 people.
Should the rosemary be left on the stem?
No, the recipe instructions specify that the rosemary should be stripped from the stems before being added.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and uses a simple one-pot simmering method.
How do I adjust the saltiness?
The recipe suggests adding sea salt 'to taste.' Always taste the broth at the end of the 30-minute simmer before adding more salt.
Can I use chicken broth instead of stock?
Yes, chicken broth can be used as a 1:1 substitute for chicken stock, though stock usually provides a richer mouthfeel.
What vegetables are included?
The recipe includes celery, carrots, and onion, often referred to as a mirepoix base.
Can I add extra vegetables like peas?
Absolutely. Adding peas or corn in the last 5 minutes of simmering is a great way to add more color and nutrition.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until it reaches a simmer, adding a splash of water if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid.
What should I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, saltine crackers, or a light side salad.
Is the Montreal chicken seasoning mandatory?
It is a key flavor component in this version, but if you don't have it, you can use a mix of onion powder, garlic powder, and extra black pepper.