As the crisp air of autumn begins to settle and the bustle of school returns, there’s nothing quite as comforting and nourishing as a warm bowl of homemade soup. Our Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup recipe isn’t just a beloved classic; it’s a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition, meticulously crafted to offer comfort while potentially boosting your immune system. This hearty dish, brimming with essential vitamins and minerals, is the perfect companion for cooler days and a proactive step towards wellness for your entire family.
The Power of Bone Broth: More Than Just a Base
Bone broth is a truly remarkable liquid, celebrated for centuries across various cultures for its profound nutritional value and healing properties. Unlike regular stock, which is simmered for a shorter period, bone broth is slow-cooked for extended hours – often 12 to 24 hours – allowing it to extract a wealth of nutrients from bones, connective tissues, and marrow. This prolonged simmering process is what differentiates it, yielding a deeply flavored, protein-packed, and mineral-rich liquid that forms the soul of our chicken noodle soup.
The magic of bone broth lies in its rich composition. It’s teeming with collagen, which breaks down into gelatin, and a variety of essential amino acids like glycine, proline, and glutamine. These components are not only crucial for the broth’s unique texture and flavor but also contribute significantly to its purported health benefits. Incorporating a high-quality bone broth, such as Smart Chicken’s classic bone broth mentioned in the original recipe, ensures a superior depth of flavor and maximizes the nutritional impact of your soup.
Key Health Benefits of Bone Broth
- Supports Gut Health: Gelatin and amino acids like glutamine found in bone broth are believed to help strengthen the gut lining, reducing inflammation and supporting overall digestive health. A healthy gut is vital for nutrient absorption and can positively impact the entire body.
- Boosts Immune System: The rich nutrient profile, including various minerals and anti-inflammatory compounds, makes bone broth a fantastic ally for your immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
- Promotes Joint Health: Collagen and gelatin are fundamental components of cartilage. Consuming bone broth may provide the building blocks your body needs to maintain healthy joints and reduce discomfort.
- Enhances Skin, Hair, and Nails: The collagen in bone broth is well-known for its anti-aging properties, supporting skin elasticity, hydration, and the strength of hair and nails.
- Rich in Essential Nutrients: Bone broth is a natural source of vital minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are easily absorbed by the body.
By using a combination of quality bone broth and low sodium chicken stock, as suggested, this recipe achieves a perfect balance of profound flavor and controlled sodium, making it both delicious and health-conscious. The difference in taste and the added health benefits of bone broth elevate a simple chicken noodle soup to an extraordinary, restorative meal.
Essential Ingredients for Your Hearty Soup
Creating an exceptional Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and delivering the nutritional goodness of this comforting dish.
- Chicken: For unparalleled flavor and moisture, this recipe specifically calls for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Cooking the chicken with the bone and skin imparts a deeper, richer taste to the broth as it simmers. Once cooked, the meat can be easily shredded or diced, leaving behind the bones and skin for a leaner, yet flavorful, finished soup.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics. It provides a foundational layer of flavor and helps to release the delicious compounds from the vegetables.
- Aromatics: The classic trio of diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots (often referred to as mirepoix) forms the aromatic base of the soup. These vegetables are gently sautéed to soften and sweeten, contributing a profound depth of flavor. Minced garlic is then added for its pungent, savory notes, which bloom beautifully when lightly cooked.
- Bay Leaves: These unassuming leaves are flavor enhancers, releasing a subtle, herbal, and slightly floral aroma that complements the chicken and vegetables without overpowering them. Remember to remove them before serving!
- Broth: The star of the show! A combination of rich chicken bone broth and low sodium chicken stock is used. The bone broth provides the deep, nutrient-dense base, while the stock helps to extend the volume and maintain a balanced flavor profile, preventing the soup from becoming overly concentrated.
- Seasoning: Simple yet critical. Kosher salt and cracked black pepper are used to season the soup to taste, enhancing all the other flavors. Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting!
- Egg Noodles: The quintessential noodle for chicken noodle soup. Egg noodles cook quickly and have a delightful chewiness that absorbs the rich broth beautifully, adding a satisfying heartiness to every spoonful.
- Lemon: A squeeze of freshly squeezed lemon juice at the very end is a game-changer. It brightens the entire soup, adding a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness and lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Herbs: Fresh is best! Freshly chopped parsley and dill are stirred in at the end, providing vibrant color, a burst of fresh flavor, and a wonderful aroma. These delicate herbs are best added right before serving to preserve their freshness.
Crafting Your Delicious Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup: Step-by-Step
Making this Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup is a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your belly with comforting warmth. Follow these steps to create a truly unforgettable meal:
- Sear the Chicken: Begin by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-high heat. Carefully place the bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts in the hot oil. Sear them on all sides until beautifully golden brown. This crucial step develops a rich depth of flavor through caramelization, which will infuse into your broth. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Build the Aromatic Base: In the same pot, with all the delicious browned bits (fond) from the chicken, add your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these aromatics for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze and Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken bone broth and low-sodium chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon – this adds immense flavor. Add the bay leaves and season generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Gently return the seared bone-in chicken breasts to the flavorful broth. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and allow the chicken to cook thoroughly for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until it’s tender and cooked through.
- Prepare the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly so it’s easier to handle. Once cool enough, remove the skin and bones, then shred or dice the chicken meat into small, bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Cook the Noodles: Stir the egg noodles into the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, typically about 7-8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to soften slightly after the heat is removed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the fresh squeezed lemon juice, fresh parsley, and fresh dill. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Bowl
- Don’t Rush the Sear: A good sear on the chicken is foundational for flavor. Let it brown properly on all sides.
- Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is key to a great soup. Taste your broth before adding the chicken back, and again before serving, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
- Noodle Timing: Add noodles only when you’re ready to serve, or cook them separately and add to individual bowls to prevent them from getting mushy if you expect leftovers.
- Fresh Herbs are Best: While dried herbs can work, fresh parsley and dill truly elevate the soup with their vibrant flavors and aromas, so don’t skip them!
- Get Creative: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
This Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup is a meal in itself, but it can be wonderfully complemented by a variety of sides and is easy to store for future enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this wholesome soup with a variety of accompaniments to make it a complete and satisfying meal:
- Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty French bread or a soft naan bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth.
- Crackers: Classic salty crackers offer a delightful crunch and a textural contrast to the smooth soup.
- Simple Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the soup.
- Cheese Toasties: For an extra comforting meal, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage ensures your delicious soup remains fresh and flavorful for days:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four to five days. Ensure the soup has cooled completely before transferring it to the container.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup in a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat until it is heated through. If the soup has thickened, you can add a splash of extra chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note: If you plan to freeze, it’s sometimes best to cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Consider crusty French bread, warm naan bread, or classic salty crackers for dipping. A light green salad also makes an excellent complement.
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use almost any pasta shape you enjoy. Short-cut pastas like ditalini, small shells, or orzo work best. You can also opt for gluten-free pasta or rice for a different texture.
Yes, you can. However, using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts adds significantly more flavor and richness to the broth. If using boneless, skinless chicken, you might want to add an extra bouillon cube or a bit more bone broth to compensate for the loss of flavor from the bones and skin.
Yes, it’s excellent! The warm broth is hydrating, and bone broth is rich in amino acids and minerals that are believed to support the immune system and promote healing. The steam can also help clear congestion, making it a perfect comfort food when you’re feeling under the weather.
Definitely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. If making ahead, you might consider cooking the egg noodles separately and adding them to individual bowls when serving to prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy.
Explore More Comforting Soup Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup, we encourage you to try some of our other delightful soup creations:
- Alphabet Soup
- Cabbage Soup with Orzo Pasta
- Garlic Ginger Soup
- Creamy Vegetable Soup
- Leftover Pasta Soup
Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup
Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh
8 servings
20 mins
1 hr
1 hr 20 mins
This Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is jam packed with healthy vitamins and nutrients. It can even potentially help boost your immune system. As we head into fall, and the kids return to school, it’s definitely a good idea to have this homemade soup on hand.
Pin Recipe
Rating: 5 from 1 vote
Equipment
- 1 large Dutch oven or stockpot
- 1 mandoline slicer (optional, for carrots)
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs. chicken breasts, Smart Chicken, bone-in skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, diced small (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced (about 3/4 cup)
- 3 ribs celery, diced small (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups classic chicken bone broth
- 6 cups low sodium chicken stock
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 cups egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2.5 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped small
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped small (as garnish)
Instructions
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Add olive oil to a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat. Sear the bone-in, skin-on chicken breast on all sides until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the bone broth and traditional low-sodium chicken stock. Add the bay leaves and season with kosher salt and pepper to taste.
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Next, add the bone-in chicken breasts back into the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and allow the chicken to finish cooking. This may take 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pot. Once it’s cool enough to handle, discard the skin and bones, then dice or shred the chicken meat into small bites.
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Stir the shredded chicken back into the broth. Add the egg noodles and cook until tender, typically about 7-8 minutes. Remove the soup from the heat.
Stir in the fresh squeezed lemon juice, fresh parsley, and fresh dill. Serve hot.
Notes
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 295 kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 40g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 102mg, Sodium: 302mg, Potassium: 852mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 2823IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 41mg, Iron: 1mg
Soup
American
295
Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh
There you have it – a truly wholesome and delicious Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup recipe that not only satisfies your cravings for comfort food but also provides a powerful nutritional boost. Whether you’re seeking a remedy for a cold, a hearty meal for your family, or simply a comforting bowl on a chilly evening, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Embrace the goodness of bone broth and make this nourishing soup a staple in your home. Happy cooking!