Description
A comforting homemade chicken noodle soup made from scratch using a rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, and homemade egg noodles. This recipe includes making a rich chicken stock by simmering the chicken carcass with aromatics, sautéing fresh vegetables for added flavor, and crafting tender homemade noodles to create a warm, satisfying meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Stock
- 1 rotisserie chicken carcass (use the meat for the soup and the carcass for stock)
- 10 cups water
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6-8 cups chicken stock (from the homemade stock or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (from the rotisserie chicken meat)
- Egg noodles or your favorite pasta (homemade or store-bought)
For the Homemade Egg Noodles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Make the Chicken Stock: In a large pot, combine the rotisserie chicken carcass, quartered onion, chopped celery and carrots, smashed garlic, and bay leaf. Add 10 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer gently for about 1 hour to extract deep flavors for the broth.
- Strain the Broth: Remove the carcass and vegetables from the pot and strain the broth into a large bowl through a fine sieve or strainer. Discard solids, and season the clear broth with salt and pepper to taste. Set the broth aside for later use.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced celery and carrots and sauté for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the aroma.
- Add Stock and Seasonings: Pour in 6-8 cups of the prepared chicken stock. Season with salt, pepper, dried rosemary, dried sage, and optionally a pinch of crushed red pepper. Stir well and taste the soup to adjust seasonings if needed.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring the soup to a boil. Add egg noodles (either homemade or store-bought) and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 3-5 minutes, taking care not to overcook.
- Add Chicken Meat: Stir in the cooked chicken meat from the rotisserie chicken, allowing it to heat through thoroughly in the hot soup.
- Prepare Homemade Noodles Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add eggs and milk. Mix with a fork or spoon until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Roll and Cut Noodles: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into thin strips to create noodles.
- Cook Homemade Noodles: Drop the freshly cut noodles into the boiling soup and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls. Serve immediately, paired with crusty bread or homemade rolls for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought chicken stock for homemade stock if short on time.
- Homemade noodles can be made in advance and dried or frozen for later use.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick or omit for a milder soup.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Ensure noodles are not overcooked to maintain a satisfying texture in the soup.
