How To Make The Most Amazing Chicken Noodle Soup Ever

You can never go wrong with the knowledge of how to make a hearty, healthy, chicken noodle soup. Whether the age-old tale that chicken noodle soup can cure a common cold is true, or not, a good soup of any kind, is great for nutrition, and for inducing that warm and fuzzy feeling of comfort.

As with all foods, but with emphasis when working with poultry: Be sure all work areas are sanitized before and after handling raw chicken. The hands need to be washed after each contact with the chicken, with hot water, and soap. To prevent cross-contamination, wash all utensils between uses, as well.

For ingredients, we gather and prepare the following:

• 2-3 lbs Chicken (Boneless/skinless cut in 1/2-inch cubes, or on the bone chicken of your choice)
• 3 large stalks of celery (chopped to the size desired)
• 2-3 large carrots (sliced or chopped as desired)
• 1 medium onion (chopped into 1/4" cubes)
• 1/4 C. of fresh cilantro (More or less to taste)
• 4 Chicken flavored seasoning cubes
• 1/2 tsp of dry Sage, or 1 tsp fresh sage
• 1 tsp dry Italian Seasoning
• 1 garlic clove, finely diced
• 2 Tbsp. Butter or Margarine
• 1 box of Wide noodles, such as Fettuccine or wide egg noodles
• Salt and Pepper, To Taste
• Water, fill as needed

A pressure cooker or large pot is necessary for this recipe. Begin by browning the chicken in the pot, or pressure cooker. Season with 1/2 of all fresh and dry ingredients, and 2 Tbsp. Butter or Margarine. When the chicken is browned, add 2 cups of water to the pot of chicken, as well as the chicken flavored cubes, and bring to boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally, and add water if stock reduces too quickly. If you are using a pressure cooker, or slow cooker, see manufacture suggested times for soup (you will run a few cycles to make the soup). After simmering the chicken and water (creating the stock base), add the rest of the ingredients, and 4 cups of water. If you have used on the bone chicken, the bones need to be removed at this point. Return to a boil, and then again reduce the heat to a simmer and allow to gently simmer for 45 minutes. While simmering, prepare the noodles.

To prepare the noodles:

In a medium to large pot, prepare the noodles according to the directions, with one exception: Only cook the noodles to about 50% of what you desire for textures of noodles (these will cook the rest of the way in the soup, this step reduces starch in the water which can make the soup cloudy and thick). This step should take about 15-20 minutes.

When the noodles are at about 50%, drain the water (don't rinse) and add them to the chicken and stock. Continue to simmer mixture of chicken, seasonings, and vegetables until noodles are ready. Set the soup mixture to the side, off of the heat, for about 10 minutes. Stir and serve. Top with a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, onions, chives, or nothing, as you desire, and a side of your favorite crackers.

For centuries chicken noodle soup has been thought to cure the common cold, but it does so much more when you make the soup for a friend, or family member. This soup is a great recipe, and I encourage you to "make it your own"! Change, and add ingredients that you would normally enjoy in a soup, and don't be afraid to experiment with the mixture. After all, it needs to taste good to you and your family!

While there are many stories or tales to what a great chicken noodle soup can provide, one thing is certain... Chicken noodle soup comforts the mind, feeds the body, and warms the soul!

I hope you enjoyed this recipe, look for more recipes from my kitchen to yours, that are tried and proven to be loved by the family!