There’s a particular kind of comfort that only a steaming bowl of homemade southern chicken noodle soup can deliver-a nostalgic embrace that warms the soul and soothes the spirit. Crafted from scratch with tender, slow-simmered chicken, rich broth, and ribbons of fresh noodles, this timeless recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a deeply rooted southern tradition passed down through generations. In this article, we’ll explore the magic behind making this classic dish from the ground up, revealing the secrets to capturing that perfect harmony of flavors and textures that turn simple ingredients into a heartwarming feast. Whether your seeking a cure for the common cold or simply craving a taste of Southern hospitality, prepare to embark on a culinary journey where every spoonful tells a story.
Homemade Southern Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a meal-it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day, a festivity of slow-simmered flavors, and a true testament to Southern culinary traditions. The art of crafting this classic from scratch invites you to unlock a world where every slurp reveals rich, comforting flavors built from the finest, freshest ingredients and time-honored techniques. From tearing fresh flour into supple noodles to coaxing deep, golden broth from tender chicken bones, this recipe delivers authentic soul food magic.
Prep and Cook Time
- Readiness: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield
Serves 6 hearty portions
Difficulty Level
Medium – perfect for adventurous home cooks ready to elevate their soup game
Ingredients
- For the Broth:
- 1 whole free-range chicken (about 4 lbs), giblets removed
- 12 cups cold filtered water
- 2 large yellow onions, quartered
- 4 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 large carrots, peeled and halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
- For the Noodles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- For the Soup:
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Build Your Broth: Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot and cover with the cold filtered water. Add onions, celery, carrots, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat,skimming off any foam that rises to the surface every 10 minutes to keep the broth clear.
- Slow Simmer for Deep flavor: Reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer gently for 1 hour 30 minutes. during this time,the flavors meld and the chicken becomes tender. Add salt incrementally towards the end, tasting frequently.
- Prepare the Homemade Noodles: In a large bowl, combine sifted flour and salt. Make a well in the center and crack in the eggs. Slowly pour in the milk and melted butter, using a fork to gradually incorporate the flour. When dough pulls away from the sides, knead on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest and Roll the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes at room temperature to relax the gluten.
- Shape the Noodles: Using a rolling pin,roll dough out into a thin sheet about 1/8 inch thick. Lightly dust with flour,then fold the dough into thirds and cut into 1/2-inch wide strips,gently separating them to avoid clumping.
- Strain the Broth and Shred Chicken: Carefully remove chicken from the broth and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding vegetables and herbs. When cooled, shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding skin and bones.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring the strained broth back to a gentle boil. Add the fresh noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender but not mushy-fresh noodles cook quickly, so keep an eye on texture.
- finish the Soup: stir shredded chicken back into the pot. Add chopped parsley,black pepper,and lemon juice if using. Heat through for another 2 minutes, then adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve Warm and Garnished: Ladle into bowls and garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley and a cracked black pepper mill for that authentic Southern presentation.
chef’s Notes: Tips for Success
- Ingredient Quality Matters: opt for free-range or pasture-raised chicken for a richer broth and superior texture.
- Customizing Noodles: if you prefer a heartier bite, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier profile.
- Make-Ahead: The broth can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Skim fat before reheating for a cleaner broth.
- Storing Dough: The noodle dough can be refrigerated wrapped tightly for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come back to room temperature before rolling.
- Broth Clarity: gentle simmering and constant skimming prevent a cloudy broth-avoid boiling vigorously!
- external Resource: Learn more about the impact of ingredient quality from Serious Eats on broth basics.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade Southern chicken noodle soup shines with classic accompaniments. Serve with warm slices of buttered cornbread or flaky buttermilk biscuits to soak up every drop of the nourishing broth. for a fresh contrast,a crisp side salad with tangy vinaigrette awakens the palate.Garnish bowls with fresh parsley, a twist of cracked black pepper, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a slight Southern kick. Pair your meal with a chilled glass of sweet iced tea or a light Chardonnay to round out the comforting experience.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
For further inspiration, explore our Southern comfort food recipe collection to keep your kitchen brimming with soul-satisfying dishes.
Q&A
Q&A: Homemade Southern Chicken Noodle Soup – From Scratch Magic
Q1: What makes Southern chicken noodle soup different from other chicken noodle soups?
A1: southern chicken noodle soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm embrace. Unlike its conventional counterparts, it blends rich homemade broth, tender chicken, and wide, comforting noodles with soulful touches like sautéed onions, celery, and sometimes a whisper of sage or thyme. The magic lies in its depth of flavor – slow-simmered stock, savory aromatics, and hearty noodles that soak up every bit of love.
Q2: Why make this soup from scratch instead of using a store-bought base?
A2: Making it from scratch transforms a simple comfort dish into a culinary masterpiece. When you simmer your own chicken bones and fresh veggies, you unlock layers of flavor that no store-bought broth can match. Plus,it’s healthier,free of preservatives,and infinitely customizable. From scratch means every spoonful tells a story of patience, care, and homestyle tradition.
Q3: What are the key steps in creating the perfect southern chicken noodle soup?
A3: first, build your broth by roasting or simmering chicken bones with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs-in that slow, fragrant dance, flavors meld into gold. next, shred tender chicken meat right into the pot. Then, add your noodles-wide and flat to catch every drop of broth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of southern charm. Finish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for a bright contrast.
Q4: Can I tweak the recipe for dietary preferences without losing the soul of the soup?
A4: Absolutely! The heart of this recipe lies in its slow-cooked love and fresh ingredients, which can adapt beautifully. For a gluten-free twist, swap traditional noodles for rice noodles or spiralized veggies. Use skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option or a flavorful vegetable stock if you want to go meatless but keep that cozy vibe.The key is in the broth-building-never skip that from-scratch foundation.
Q5: What’s the best way to serve and store homemade Southern chicken noodle soup?
A5: Serve it hot from the pot with a side of buttery cornbread or crusty white bread to soak up that golden broth. Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in portions for a rainy day rescue. When reheating,add a splash of broth or water to refresh the noodles and maintain that silky texture.
Q6: Any secret tips to elevate my homemade Southern chicken noodle soup?
A6: Here’s the secret sauce:
- Roast your chicken bones for a deeper, caramelized broth.
- Don’t rush the simmering-patience is flavor’s best friend.
- Use fresh herbs but add them at the very end to preserve their brightness.
- And lastly, trust your instincts. Taste often, season gradually, and stir in a little love with every ladleful.
Turning humble ingredients into soulful Southern chicken noodle soup is true kitchen magic-one spoonful at a time!
Key Takeaways
As the comforting aroma of homemade Southern chicken noodle soup fills your kitchen, you’re reminded that some of the best culinary magic happens when time, tradition, and a little bit of love come together. Crafting this from scratch isn’t just about following a recipe-it’s about embracing a soulful ritual that warms more than just the body. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a day that calls for a gentle embrace, this classic soup invites you to savor simplicity and celebrate the rich heritage of Southern cooking. So next time you crave a bowl of heartfelt comfort, roll up your sleeves and experience the true magic of homemade Southern chicken noodle soup-where every ladle tells a story.
