Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter

4 ribs celery, chopped

1 yellow onion, diced

1 head garlic

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

2 chicken breasts

12 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoon fresh sage, or 2 teaspoon dried

2 tablespoon fresh thyme, or 2 teaspoon dried

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary

Salt and pepper

5 cups dry egg noodles

4 carrots, peeled and chopped (optional)

Homemade Egg Noodles

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons water

2 cups all purpose flour

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 425F. Slice the head of garlic in half, horizontally, to expose the garlic cloves.

Place each garlic head in a square piece of parchment paper.

Season with salt and drizzle with a touch of olive oil.

Loosely wrap up the garlic heads and place directly on rack of oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until garlic cloves are soft (you should be able to easily pierce them with a knife) and golden in color.

Step 2:

Make the egg noodles.

If using packaged noodles, you can skip this step.

On a flat, clean surface, or a large mixing bowl, add flour.

Make a well in the center of the flour mound.

Add egg and water.

Mix to combine the dough, until the dough comes together in a ball.

Knead for 3 minutes until the dough is no longer sticky.

Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3:

Cut dough ball in half (it’s easier to work with when you cut it in half).

On a floured surface, roll each dough ball into a rectangle that’s roughly ¼ inch thick.

Step 4:

Use a knife or a pizza cutting wheel to cut the noodles into strips.

Then, cut the strips into thirds, horizontally.

Set the noodles aside.

Step 5:

Melt butter over medium heat in a large pot.

Add carrots, celery and onion.

Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the vegetables.

Step 6:

Add in the chicken broth, chicken, sage, parsley and rosemary.

Season with salt and pepper.

Cover and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer 10 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

Step 7:

Remove the chicken from the pot and place in a shallow bowl or plate.

Add the noodles to the soup.

If you made the fresh egg noodles, boil for 2-3 minutes.

If you used store bought, boil according to package directions until al dente.

Remove from the heat.

Step 8:

Shred the chicken with two forks, then add the chicken back into the soup.

Stir to combine, then serve.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought egg noodles instead of making homemade ones?

Yes, you can. If you prefer convenience, store-bought egg noodles work well.

Follow the package instructions for boiling.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs for a different flavor.

Adjust cooking time as needed.

How long should I bake the garlic heads in Step 1?

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until garlic cloves are soft and golden.

Check by piercing with a knife; they should be easily pierced.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well.

Allow it to cool before transferring to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.

What’s the purpose of sage, thyme, and rosemary in the soup?

They add aromatic flavors to the broth. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity by half.

Can I use gluten-free flour for homemade noodles?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the homemade noodles, adjusting as needed for consistency.

How do I prevent homemade noodles from sticking?

Ensure the noodles are well-floured during rolling and cutting.

Toss them with extra flour before adding to the soup.

Can I make the soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead, excluding noodles.

Add noodles just before serving to maintain their texture.

What’s the purpose of baking garlic in parchment paper?

Baking garlic in parchment with salt and oil enhances its flavor and makes it easy to squeeze out for a milder taste.

Can I use a rotisserie chicken for convenience?

Absolutely! Shred the rotisserie chicken and add it during the last step for a time-saving alternative.