Chicken noodle soup is a beloved comfort food that can provide nourishment and warmth on a cold day. But creating a flavorful chicken noodle soup requires knowing what seasonings to use to take it from bland to brilliant. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the wide variety of herbs, spices, and other flavor boosters that can transform chicken noodle soup into a savory masterpiece.
The Foundation: Salt, Pepper, Onion and Garlic
Salt pepper, onion powder and garlic powder form the base of most chicken noodle soup recipes. Salt enhances the flavor of the chicken and vegetables while pepper provides a subtle heat. Onion powder and garlic powder add layers of flavor without the texture of fresh onions and garlic.
Start with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon each of pepper, onion powder and garlic powder for every 6 cups of broth. Adjust amounts to taste. The key is adding a little at a time until the flavors pop.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley, Dill and Chives
Fresh herbs like parsley, dill and chives add vibrant flavors when stirred in right before serving. Parsley has a fresh, peppery taste that pairs well with the carrots, celery and chicken Dill offers a refreshing anise-like flavor that cuts through the richness of the broth. And chives provide a mild onion essence that rounds out the overall flavor profile
Chop about 1/4 cup each of parsley and dill along with 2 tablespoons of chives. Add them during the last 5 minutes of simmering or stir them in right before serving. Their bright green color and flavor will be preserved.
Dried Herbs: Thyme, Oregano, Basil and Bay Leaves
Dried herbs create depth of flavor when added early in the cooking process. Thyme has an earthy subtle lemony essence that infuses the broth. Oregano provides a woodsy peppery note. Basil gives the soup a sweet yet savory undertone. And bay leaves impart a subtle menthol fragrance.
Add about 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme, oregano and basil per quart of broth. You can tie the bay leaves in a cheesecloth bundle for easy removal after simmering.
Spices: Celery Seed, Paprika and Cayenne
Spices can customize your chicken noodle soup even further. Celery seed enhances the flavor of the celery and carrots. Paprika lends an earthy, smoky element. And a pinch of cayenne pepper brings a touch of heat.
Use about 1/4 teaspoon each of celery seed and paprika per quart of broth. Start with just a pinch of cayenne and add more to taste if you want more kick.
Other Flavor Boosters
In addition to herbs and spices, ingredients like lemon and ginger can brighten up chicken noodle soup. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds brightness. And minced fresh ginger brings subtle heat and pairs well with aromatics like garlic.
Don’t forget the importance of properly cooked chicken and vegetables too. Sauteeing the vegetables in olive oil or butter builds flavor. And using bone-in chicken thighs or legs produces a richer broth.
Technique Matters
Understanding when and how to add seasonings to chicken noodle soup makes all the difference. Salt and pepper should be added in stages. Garlic, onion and dried herbs do best when added early to allow their flavors to develop. While fresh herbs and spices shine when stirred in right before serving.
Taste frequently and adjust seasonings until you achieve the perfect balance of flavors. With the right blend of herbs, spices and other enhancers, it’s easy to turn a basic chicken noodle soup into a soul-warming masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh garlic and onions instead of powder?
Yes, you can sauté fresh minced garlic and diced onions at the beginning to add flavor. Just watch the garlic closely so it doesn’t burn.
What if I don’t have all the herbs and spices listed?
The good news is chicken noodle soup is flexible. If you’re missing an ingredient, simply leave it out or substitute with another herb or spice you have on hand. Start small until the flavor is right.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
This varies based on personal taste. A good starting point is 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper per 6 cups broth. Taste and adjust gradually as the soup simmers. The level of salt in a bouillon cube or broth base will also affect the amount of added salt needed.
When should I add the fresh herbs?
Add fresh parsley, dill and chives in the last 5 minutes of simmering or stir them in right before serving. Their flavor and color will be optimally preserved.
Is it important to use bone-in chicken?
Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks will impart more flavor than boneless chicken breasts. The bones and connective tissue release gelatin, minerals and other compounds that enrich the broth as it simmers.
Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes, allow the soup to cool completely after cooking then refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Add the fresh herbs right before serving after reheating. Stir well as the noodles will absorb broth as it sits.
What if my soup is too salty?
A few options to fix over-salted soup include adding a potato to absorb excess salt as the soup simmers, stirring in a little lemon juice or adding more broth or water to dilute the saltiness. Taste and adjust the seasoning carefully next time.
Satisfy Your Cravings with Savory Chicken Noodle Soup
With so many possibilities for herbs, spices and other flavor boosters, you can customize chicken noodle soup to satisfy any craving. Follow these tips for building layers of flavor. Then experiment with different ingredient combinations until you create your ultimate comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
You can make this homemade chicken noodle soup recipe even faster by swapping out the raw chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken. Pull the chicken meat from the bones before you begin making the soup, then add the leftover carcass to the soup pot and simmer that with the vegetables instead of the whole chicken breast. Remove the bones before adding the shredded chicken back at the end.
Or, instead of simmering the bones, you can use a pre-made chicken broth and simply add the shredded rotisserie chicken at the end. This is a super fast method for making chicken soup, but the flavor won’t be quite as amazing as making your own broth!
Tips for Making Chicken Noodle Soup More Flavorful
To make sure your homemade chicken noodle soup has the most flavor possible, follow these easy tips:
- Use bone-in chicken, not boneless. The bones give the broth a TON of flavor.
- Make sure your dried herbs are fresh. Dried herbs lose flavor over time, so check those expiration dates!
- Don’t rush it. This soup needs to simmer for quite a while to get the most flavor out of the chicken, vegetables, and herbs. But don’t worry, it doesn’t require much attention as it simmers away.
- Don’t forget the salt. Salt doesn’t just make food taste “salty,” it actually helps our tongue distinguish different flavors. So make sure you salt the soup to taste at the end to get the full effect of all of those delicious flavors.