This creamy chicken noodle soup is a homemade version of instant cup-a-soup.
Except, well….its made with real ingredients!
Plus croutons and crispy bits of bacon.
The simple step of sautéing onion, carrots, celery, garlic and thyme sprigs together is our beautiful aromaticsoffrittofor this soup that gives the broth extra flavour, almost like using a homemadevegetable stock.
Hearty, cosy and surprisingly healthy (no cream!).
So comparing it to the instant just add water powdered soups is a bit undermining, actually.
), this homemade one is much heartier, filled with lots of (real!)
chicken, (real!)
fresh vegetables and lots of noodles (well, pasta).
Still better than a packet of powdered soup!
Its then diced into small pieces (easy to eat with a spoon).
You could also make this with boneless thighs.
Its a bit wonky to split in half horizontally so just cook them whole.
Bacon Use streaky bacon, for a tastier result!
Its called streaky bacon because its streaked with fat, and fat = flavour.
The bacon will cook in its own fat then we will use it to cook the chicken.
The simple step of sautéing onion, carrots, celery, garlic and thyme sprigs together is our beautiful aromaticsoffrittofor this soup that gives the broth extra flavour, almost like using a homemadevegetable stock.
Lean bacon options I get it, sometimes we need to make healthier choices.
But feel free to switch the corn and peas with diced vegetables of choice.
You could even reduce the pasta and use more vegetables instead.
Peas I use frozen peas for convenience.
Just add them into the soup, frozen.
Because they are already cooked, they just need to be heated through.
Don’t worry if you can’t find short cut angel hair pasta. Just break regular long strand angel hair pasta, or use spaghetti or small pasta like risoni/orzo, ditalini, star shaped pasta etc.
Corn As with peas, I use frozen corn.
Canned is fine too, just drain first.
Alternatives: Capsicum/bell peppers, zucchini, celeriac or other root vegetables, green beans (chopped).
Or stir through baby spinach, chopped English spinach or kale at the end.
the creamy broth and pasta
Heres what you need for the creamy chicken soup broth.
Just be prepared to cook a little longer if you use a thicker pasta.
Milk Use full fat if it’s possible for you to, though low fat works fine too.
Flour Just plain / all-purpose flour.
We dont need cream.
I promise you wont miss it in this soup!
Chicken stock/broth This is the cooking liquid to make the soup broth.
We also use some water.
You will be surprised how much liquid is absorbed by the pasta!
crunchy mini croutons
you’re able to use any bread for croutons.
The bread shown below is a stone-baked loaf from the grocery store that falls between these two types.
The oil is to make the croutons crunchy and just a pinch of salt is essential!
This is what makes this an extra great soup recipe!
Croutons Toss the bread cubes in a little oil and salt.
Then bake for 8 10 minutes at 180C/3450F (160C fan-forced) until golden and fully crisp.
Then you might use the fat to cook the chicken free flavour!
Cook bacon Place the bacon in an un-heated pot over medium high heat.
As the pot heats up, it will melt the bacon fat.
Initially, the bacon may get a bit stuck to the pot but once golden it will self-release.
Chop bacon Let the bacon drain on paper towels.
Me with the RecipeTin bossChef JBatRecipeTin Meals(our food bank) enjoying this soup for lunch!
It will crisp up as it cools.
Chop it up then set aside (were garnishing the soup with it).
BACON-FAT SEARED CHICKEN
Dont worry if the chicken is a bit undercooked when you chop it up.
Loading up the car for delivery of meals
Cookthe chicken in the bacon fat for 1 1/2 minutes on each side.
Chop Remove, cool for a few minutes then chop into small cubes.
(Think spoon scooping size).
Prevent screen from sleeping
THE CREAMY NOODLE SOUP
OK, croutons, chicken and bacon done.
Now onto the soup!
These vegetables form the flavour base for this soup broth so dont shortcut or skip this step!
Creamy broth Add the flour and cook for 1 minute (removes the flouriness).
Then while stirring, slowly pour the milk in (this technique prevents lumps).
Next, add the chicken stock, water, corn and salt.
Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavours meld.
Pasta Add the broken angel hair pasta and cook for 5 minutes.
I keep making this mistake dont fall for it!).
Peas and corn are pre-cooked so just need to be reheated.
Serve!Once the pasta is soft, ladle the soup into bowls.
Sprinkle with the croutons and bacon, plus a pinch of parsley if youre feeling fancy.
Most of the meals we make are delivered cold, intended for re-heating at home.
Our containers are even oven proof and they are made from recycled material too, even the lids!
Nagi x
Creamy chicken noodle soup FAQ
How to store leftovers or make-ahead?
Pour the soup into a colander to separate the broth from the pasta, chicken and vegetables.
And as a result, you also end up with less soup broth.
I know its annoying (more mess to wash up!
Ive done the thinking and tried alternatives, like cooking the pasta separately see point below.
Why cant we cook the pasta separately?
Cooking the pastainthe flavoured soup broth is something that makes this soup so tasty!
How long will leftovers keep?
What other vegetables could I use?
Or even frozen diced vegetable mix.
With hisold-man condition, he is set on an incline after each meal to let gravity help food get down to his stomach.
You could also stir through baby spinach, chopped English spinach or kale at the end.
Can I use another protein?
Yes, any protein that is fairly thin and can be pan fried like the chicken can be used.
Pork chops come to mind.
Chicken mince (ground chicken) would also work!
So he dealt with it on a patch of duck poo.
(And so enthusiastically too!)
On a serious note though, he is doing so well!
Thats my biggest concern with homemade dog food ensuring he has all the vitamins and minerals he needs.
He is used to his new routine of 30 minutes on his inclined digestion bed after each meal.
Not me!).
His energy levels and strength is a good sign that were on the right path!
Here he is, last weekend at Bayview dog beach.
12 years old and going strong!
Hes wearing his Outward Hound Granby Splash dog life jacket extra buoyant for an extra large dog!
Just gives me a peace of mind even if he swims far off shore!
Thank you as always for the up-beat and positive messages about Dozer.
