Chicken Noodle Soup
Just like Grandma used to make
We’ve already enjoyed Grandma’s vegetable soup and a hearty pea soup, but of course a classic Chicken Noodle Soup couldn’t be left out.
There are plenty of quick recipes out there, but nothing beats the traditional version. For a truly flavorful chicken broth, you need more than just a bouillon cube. It takes a little more time and patience, but you’re rewarded with a deeper, richer flavor.
We also add plenty of vegetables, such as carrots and leeks, so the soup is not only delicious but nutritious too. And when you need a little boost, this comforting soup works wonders, at least in our experience!
The base: a rich broth
The key to a traditional (Dutch) Chicken Noodle Soup is the broth. Instead of taking a shortcut with bouillon cubes, we make the broth from chicken leg quarters. This not only adds flavor but also gives the soup extra nutrients.
Slowly simmering the chicken with seasonings such as bay leaves, mace, and parsley creates a rich, full-flavored broth. The longer the broth simmers, the more the flavor develops. After a few hours, you’ll have a flavorful broth that forms the base of this delicious soup.
Plenty of vegetables
Chicken Soup isn’t complete without plenty of vegetables. Carrots and leeks provide a sweet and savory balance, while celery adds a fresh touch. Vermicelli is often added as well, giving the soup a little more body.
If you like an even heartier soup, you can add mushrooms or cauliflower florets. This makes the soup even more nutritious. And let’s be honest, a well-filled bowl of soup is the best, especially on cold days!
Penicillin in a bowl
Chicken soup has long been known as a powerful remedy for colds and the flu. This isn’t just a myth: the warm broth really does help loosen congestion, while the protein and minerals from the chicken support recovery. The vegetables also provide important vitamins and antioxidants. Whether you’re actually sick or just need a pick-me-up, a bowl of homemade Chicken Soup works wonders. There’s a reason it’s often called “penicillin in a bowl”!
Make it yourself? Absolutely!
Although making a classic Chicken Noodle Soup takes some time, it’s definitely worth it. Your house fills with a delicious smell, and you can immediately taste the difference compared to store-bought versions. You can also easily freeze the soup in portions, so you always have some on hand. So grab your biggest soup pot and enjoy a nostalgic bowl of pure comfort!
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Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with vermicelli, and fresh vegetables in a rich broth made from scratch. A traditional Dutch comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2.2 lb chicken leg quarters (2 to 3 pieces)
- 2 oz vermicelli pasta
- 3 celery stalks
- 2 onions
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 leeks
- 2 large carrots
- 1 piece mace whole
- 1/2 lemon
- Fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
- Start with the roughly chopped vegetables. Roughly chop 1 large carrot, 1 leek, 2 celery stalks, and 1 onion. You’ll discard these vegetables later.
- Pour a little over 2 quarts cold water into a large pot and add 2 to 3 chicken leg quarters. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat.
- Add the roughly chopped vegetables along with 2 bay leaves, 1 piece of mace, some roughly chopped parsley, 2 heaping teaspoons salt, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Cover and let the chicken and vegetables gently simmer for at least 2 hours, until the chicken is almost falling apart.
- Remove the chicken leg quarters from the pot and pull the meat from the bones.
- Place a clean kitchen towel inside a fine-mesh strainer. Slowly pour the broth and vegetables through the strainer. You may need to do this in batches. This also helps remove the excess chicken fat.
- Finely dice 1 large carrot and 1 celery stalk, finely chop 1 onion, and thinly slice 1 leek. Finely chop a handful of parsley as well. Add everything to the broth along with the shredded chicken. Gently simmer for another 15 to 30 minutes.
- Add 2 oz vermicelli pasta to the soup during the last 10 minutes, along with a splash of fresh lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a chicken bouillon cube if desired. You can also add a little soy sauce. Whatever you like best!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Dutch
