Chicken Noodle Soup

6 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: 40 m Total: 1 h Beginner
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Grandma was right, chicken soup does make you feel better. It’s a spirit-lifting, cold-soothing natural medicine, straight from the kitchen. This comforting bowl features tender chicken, egg noodles, and potatoes in a flavorful homemade stock seasoned with Cajun spices.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 4 chicken breasts (with bones)
  • 1 (16 oz) package egg noodles or spaghetti
  • 2 medium Irish potatoes
  • 1 tsp red pepper
  • 1 tsp Zatarain's Season All
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 6-8 cups water (for stock)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Debone the chicken breasts and cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes. Dice the potatoes the same size and set aside.
  2. To start your stock, add 6-8 cups of water in a 6 quart stockpot and bring to a boil. Add the chicken bones and boil for 15 to 30 minutes to develop flavor. Remove bones and lower the heat to simmer.
  3. Add the diced chicken, noodles, and potatoes to the simmering stock. Season with red pepper, Zatarain’s Season All, and garlic powder, or season to taste.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through (reaches 165°F), noodles are tender, and potatoes are soft. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with crackers, if you like.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my soup too thin or watery?

A: The noodles will absorb liquid as they cook. If your soup seems thin, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce, or add fewer noodles next time. You can also start with less water (6 cups instead of 8).

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts?

A: Yes, but you'll miss out on the rich flavor that bones add to the stock. Consider adding a chicken bouillon cube or using low-sodium chicken broth instead of plain water for better flavor.

Tips and Techniques

Making stock from the bones first adds significant flavor and body to the soup - don’t skip this step. The 15-30 minute boil extracts collagen and minerals that make the soup more nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • egg noodles: rice, small pasta shapes, or broken spaghetti
  • Irish potatoes: sweet potatoes or leave them out entirely
  • Zatarain's Season All: Creole seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a mix of salt, pepper, and paprika

Equipment Needed

  • 6 quart stockpot or large soup pot
  • Sharp knife for deboning and dicing