Chicken Noodle Soup

Who’s ready for a warm bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup? This Chicken noodle soup is warm and nourishing, and it is quite different to other chicken soups. This recipe is full of flavor and considered a go-to remedy for cold and chilly days. Chicken Noodle Soup is popular around the world, many people turn to it for a quick lift-me up. We’re using tender chicken thighs, creamy coconut milk along with aromatic herbs to create a balance that is simply pure indulgence.

Where did Chicken Noodle Soup come from?

Many people consider Chicken Noodle soup as Medicine, this is especially prominent in the Jewish culture. However, did you know that the Chinese people have been indulging in Chicken soup for thousands of years. In fact it is common to see the addition of chili oil or chili flakes in Chinese Chicken soup which makes it a spicy delight. Whereas in South Korea, the Koreans add in roots and jujube (Dates) to create a balanced meal and it is often enjoyed with Spicy Kimchi’s and other side-dishes. Moreover, Western and European countries created a more subdued version of the Chicken noodle soup with vegetables such as carrot, onion, turnips, herbs and leftover chicken.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs (skinless, bone-in), Fusili pasta, carrots, onion, garlic, kale, turnip, chicken stock, coconut milk, sour cream, tomato paste, fresh basil, garlic powder, ginger powder, paprika powder, Cajun spice, salt, bay leaves, water and olive oil.

Carrots, garlic and onion are the foundational ingredients that provide this soup with a well-rounded flavor. Chicken thighs are preferred, however you can also use a whole chicken, chicken breasts or drumsticks. Shredding the chicken is recommended for aesthetic appeal, but it is not necessary. Coconut milk adds creaminess, it can be switched out for heavy cream or sour cream. Kale adds a lovely crunch and vibrant color. Turnip is mildly sweet and can be substituted for potato.

Ginger and garlic powder are optional. You can use a small piece of ginger in its place. Fresh garlic is used, however garlic powder adds a little bit more oomph to the chicken soup. Tomato paste adds a rich tomato taste. When it comes to noodles, you can choose egg noodles or use a small pasta type such as rotini or fusili. Fresh basil adds a herbaceous taste.

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Clean the chicken thighs, slice the onions, peel and chop up the carrot along with the turnip. Mince the garlic cloves, cube the red bell pepper, rinse the kale and have them sliced in two inches. Also gather the spices and herbs like tomato paste, fresh basil, garlic powder, ginger powder, paprika powder, Cajun spice, salt and bay leaves.

Lightly cook the chicken: Prepare a pot and drizzle some olive oil to cook the chicken thighs. Lightly cook the chicken on medium high heat until all the surface of the chicken thighs become white. During this process, there will be some fat released from the chicken, which will be used in the next step. Once the chicken thighs are lightly cooked, remove it from the pot and set the chicken aside.

Sauté carrots and aromatics: Use the same pot to cook the chicken thighs. Drizzle extra olive oil and add the carrots, garlic and onion. Sauté the vegetables on medium high heat for two minutes.

Add the chicken, turnip and spices: Once the vegetables are done, add the rest of the ingredients like turnip, chicken thighs, coconut milk, sour cream, tomato paste, bay leaves, paprika powder, garlic powder, ginger powder and chicken stock cube. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients together. Simmer the chicken soup on medium high heat for fifteen minutes with lid closed.

Cook the pasta: Add the chopped kale, chopped red bell pepper, two cups of water and the noodles into the pot. Don’t worry if the kale look a like it won’t fit in the pot, stuff it in with a spoon. The kale leaves will reduce in size during the cooking process. Also, add the noodles directly into the soup without cooking them separately, it will help to thicken the soup and it is also very convenient. Cook the pasta for nine minutes on medium high heat with the lid closed.

Garnish and serve: Garnish your Chicken noodle soup and serve immediately.

Expert tips

Use bone-in chicken thighs if possible, it will enhance the flavor of the soup. The chicken will easily shred during the cooking process. You can also use chicken breast for this recipe, which is a lean cut of meat; contrary to what most people think, the chicken breast won’t be tough as it will cook in the liquid. It will actually be tender and soft when it is cooked in the soup.

Sauté the vegetables first, then cook the soup. Sautéing the vegetables like onion, garlic, carrot will intensify the flavor of the soup. In place of turnip, you can add celery instead. Make sure to add the noodles or pasta at the end of the cooking process. Adding the noodles early will make the pasta soggy as it will absorb too much liquid. Usually nine minutes is sufficient for the pasta to cook al dente. Otherwise, you can see the instruction on the packet.

How healthy is Chicken Noodle soup?

Chicken noodle soup is healthy, nourishing and comforting. Since the chicken is cooked with the bone-in pieces, the nutrients from the bones are also extracted into the soup. Chicken meat is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair, and also contributes to immune system.

The diversified vegetables and herbs in the chicken soup, like carrot, onion, garlic, kale, turnip, bell pepper, paprika powder and bay leaves provides various vitamins, minerals, fibers and antioxidants. These factors aid in digestion, boost immune system and enhances overall bodily functions.

The broth of the chicken soup will be packed with nutrition from the vegetables, herbs and spices, as well as the collagen released from the chicken bones. The liquid content from the soup will also hydrate the body, and the combination of these ingredients will be especially nourishing for the people who are recovering from a flu or a cold.

The warmth of the soup also promotes relaxation, helps to sooth sore throat and brings comfort by reducing stress and anxiety. This hearty soup is most appreciated during the cold seasons or if you’re recovering from flu.

Can I put uncooked noodles in the chicken soup?

Yes, it is perfectly okay to put the uncooked noodles or pasta in the chicken soup as it will cook in the soup. Also, the noodles will absorb the flavor of the soup and also helps to thicken the soup. It is also a convenient way of cooking the chicken soup, because you don’t have to cook the noodles separately, drain the water and transfer the noodles into the pot. This mean you will need to add the right amount of water, about two cups, as the noodles will absorb the water and the liquid content of the soup will reduce in quantity. Most of the pasta noodles take eight to eleven minutes to cook al dente. Make sure to read the instruction written on the packet.

How to thicken the Chicken Noodle Soup?

There are several ways to thicken the chicken noodle soup using simple techniques. When the noodles are cooked in the soup, it will naturally make the soup thicker due to the starch released from the pasta. If you wish you further thicken the soup, you can mix equal amount of cornstarch and cold water, and add the cornstarch slurry to the soup. You can also add a teaspoon of white flour, or add a teaspoon of instant potato flakes to the soup. These ingredients will thicken the soup without altering the flavor of the soup.

Why have Chicken Noodle soup when sick with cold or flu?

There are many benefits of having chicken noodle soup when you’re dealing with a cold or flu. The broth of the chicken noodle soup can provide hydration. The broth from the soup is also consumed hot, and it provides warmth to the body. This soup is also perfect for individuals that have a low appetite.

Chicken noodle soup can be comforting and nourishing at the same time. The protein from the chicken helps the immune system to fight off the cold or flu. Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals and fibers to boost overall body function and the carbohydrates from the pasta noodles provide energy to the body.

How to Store Chicken Noodle Soup?

Store in an airtight container for two to three days. If you’re planning on freezing the chicken soup, omit the pasta or noodles and simple freeze the chicken along with the contents.

What can you Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup?

The pasta in the Chicken noodle soup will suffice, therefore it is not necessary to consume with additional carbohydrates such as bread or rice. However, if you’re really hungry and wish to do so, you can serve with Garlic Bread. Consider a hearty Green salad or Kale Salad.