Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that is beloved by many. It’s warm, filling and brings back memories of childhood and being cared for when you’re sick. But sometimes chicken noodle soup can end up bland and flavorless. The good news is there are plenty of easy ways to make this soup taste even better!
What Makes Chicken Noodle Soup Taste Good?
Before looking at ways to improve chicken noodle soup, it helps to understand what makes it taste good in the first place. Here are some of the key components:
- Chicken stock – A flavorful homemade or store-bought chicken stock is the foundation. It provides savory depth.
- Tender chicken – Using a mix of breast and thigh meat gives the best texture. Properly cooked chicken is moist and tender.
- Aromatic vegetables – Onions, carrots, celery and garlic provide sweetness and complexity.
- Egg noodles – Tender noodles soak up the flavors of the broth. They provide starchiness.
- Herbs and seasonings – Thyme, parsley, salt and pepper round out the flavors.
- Acidity – A splash of lemon juice or vinegar brightens up the soup.
Keeping these elements in mind will help make sure your chicken noodle soup tastes great.
Use a Flavorful Homemade Stock
The base of chicken noodle soup is the broth. For the best flavor, start by making your own homemade chicken stock. Simply simmer chicken bones, vegetables, herbs and seasonings in water for 1-2 hours. The long cooking time extracts nutrients and collagen from the bones, making a nutrient dense, gelatinous stock.
If you don’t have time for homemade stock, look for a high quality store-bought chicken broth. Check the label and choose one with no added salt or preservatives.
Sear the Chicken Pieces
Before simmering in the soup, be sure to sear the raw chicken pieces in a pan until lightly browned. This caramelizes the exterior and adds richer flavor. A combination of breast meat and thighs provides the best texture and taste.
Saute the Vegetables
Onions, carrots, celery and garlic serve as a flavor base for chicken noodle soup. For the best taste, be sure to saute them before adding to the pot. Sauteing softens their texture and brings out their natural sweetness.
Use Fresh Herbs
Dried herbs work, but fresh herbs make a huge difference. Add chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary or other herbs near the end to let their fresh flavors shine through. Bay leaves also lend a subtle earthy note.
Cook the Noodles Separately
For the tenderest noodles, avoid overcooking. Cook them separately in boiling water until al dente. Drain and add them to the soup right before serving so they don’t get mushy.
Finish with a Splash of Acid
A bit of acidity helps brighten chicken noodle soup. Stir in a splash of lemon juice or vinegar right at the end. You can also garnish bowls with extra slices of lemon.
Amp Up the Umami
Umami rich ingredients make chicken noodle soup even more satisifying. Add a bit of soy sauce, fish sauce, mushrooms or tomato paste to boost the savory umami flavors.
Top with Fresh Herbs
Herbs don’t only belong in the broth – they make excellent fresh garnishes too. Chop up extra parsley, thyme, chives or other herbs. Sprinkle them over each bowl before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Grate in Fresh Ginger
Ginger adds warmth and subtle spice to chicken soup. Use a microplane to grate in some fresh ginger once the soup is finished cooking. It pairs especially nicely with Asian inspired flavors and ingredients.
Stir in Miso Paste
For an instant umami boost, whisk in a bit of white or red miso paste after the soup is done cooking. The fermented flavor takes the savoriness up a notch. A little goes a long way, so add just 1-2 teaspoons.
Add Quick-Cooking Greens
For extra nutrition and texture, throw in some leafy greens at the end. Spinach, kale or arugula only need to wilt in the hot soup for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Top with Fresh Chives
Scissors make quick work of snipping fresh chives over the finished soup. Their mild onion flavor and vivid green color make a tasty finishing touch.
Swirl in Pesto
Pesto is an easy way to infuse chicken noodle soup with herbaceous flavor. Stir a spoonful into each bowl, creating a vibrant swirl of basil, garlic and olive oil.
Grate Parmesan Cheese
A gentle snowfall of grated parmesan over hot chicken noodle soup adds a nutty, salty accent. The cheese also thickens and enriches the broth.
Add Quick Vegetables
Any quick cooking vegetables can be added in the last few minutes of cooking. Try diced zucchini, shredded cabbage or frozen peas to add some extra vitamins.
Season with Salt and Pepper
Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning right before serving. Add a pinch or two of salt and several grinds of black pepper to make the flavors pop.
Garnish with Croutons
For fun crunch, top each bowl of chicken noodle soup with a handful of crispy croutons. Homemade or store-bought work equally well.
Drizzle with Chili Oil
A drizzle of chili oil over chicken noodle soup adds a touch of heat and complexity. The contrast of spicy and soothing is highly craveable.
Add Chicken Meatballs
Bite-sized chicken meatballs make a fun addition to chicken noodle soup. Simmer them right in the broth for extra flavor and protein.
Conclusion
It’s easy to take chicken noodle soup from bland to spectacular with a few simple tricks. Start with a flavorful homemade stock and quality ingredients. While cooking, boost the flavor with sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, seasonings and acidity. Finish each bowl with garnishes like cheese, greens, chili oil or croutons. With these tips, you’ll look forward to chicken noodle soup even more.