Grandma's Heartwarming Chicken Noodle Soup 🍜🐔

There's nothing quite like a cozy bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup! This heartwarming recipe, passed down from generations, is perfect for chilly days and serves as a remedy for the sniffles. It's simple, nourishing, and filled with love—ideal for family gatherings or a quiet night in. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal! 🍞❤️

Ingredients

For the soup

• 2 1/2 cups wide egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 12 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 cups diced, cooked chicken meat

For thickening

• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and vegetable oil, and cook for 8 minutes, or until tender.

   🔪 Tip: Rinsing the noodles under cool running water after draining them helps remove excess starch, preventing them from sticking together.

2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, salt, and poultry seasoning. Bring to a boil.

3. Stir in the chopped celery and onion. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together until fully dissolved. Gradually add this mixture to the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

5. Finally, stir in the cooked noodles and chicken, heating through until everything is warmed.

   🍲 Serving suggestion: This soup is delicious topped with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for added flavor and color!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth and use tofu or your favorite veggies instead of chicken for a hearty plant-based option. 🌱
• Creamy: For a richer soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a warm kick! 🌶️
• Slow cooker: Throw all ingredients (except noodles) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add noodles for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out the noodles if you plan to freeze; they don’t freeze well. Add fresh noodles when reheating! ❄️

Gather the family around the table, and let the aroma of this delicious soup bring everyone together! 🍽️❤️