Enhancing the Flavor of Chicken Noodle Soup: Tips and Tricks

Chicken noodle soup is a beloved comfort food – but sometimes, it could use some extra flavor to make it absolutely delicious. In this guide, we explore various tips and tricks to take your chicken noodle soup from ordinary to extraordinary, whether you're cooking it in a pressure cooker or simmering it on the stovetop.

Using Enhancing Ingredients

Adding spices and other flavor enhancers can significantly impact the taste of your chicken noodle soup. One common enhancer is spices like Pickling Spice. However, using spices effectively can mean more than just picking the right blend; it also requires the right container to retain the flavor. A tea cozy can be a useful tool to keep your spices fresh and your soup flavorful. Another must-have is chicken boullion and bay leaves.

Cooking Chicken for Maximum Flavor

For a deeper, richer flavor, it's essential to start with the perfect chicken. Some prefer cooking chicken thighs or legs with the skin on using an Instapot pressure cooker. Place a rack at the bottom of the pressure cooker and fill it with 2 cups of chicken broth. Once the chicken has cooked, remove the skin and meat, cut or shred it, and add it to your soup. Don't forget to use the liquid from the Instapot as well! This rich broth is packed with chicken fat, collagen, and stock, adding immense flavor.

Creating Your Own Chicken Broth

For an authentic taste, many chefs recommend making your own chicken broth from scratch. Chicken necks and backs are excellent for this purpose, though they can be tricky to find. If you can't find these, use a whole chicken instead. Add carrots, celery (cut into large chunks), onions (cut in half), and rosemary to the pot. Minced garlic, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor further. Once the ingredients are in, bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. When the chicken is ready, remove it, shred the meat, and set aside the vegetables to cool.

Straining and Flavored Broth

To ensure a smooth and flavorful broth, strains are essential. Using a large strainer lined with a piece of cheesecloth catches any unwanted particles, leaving you with a clear, rich broth. If you have a stick blender, you can blend the vegetables into the broth for a silky texture. If you don't, blend the veggies with a bit of broth in a regular blender and mix it back into the pot. After straining the broth, reheat and add the bones back in to concentrate the flavors, adding more carrots and celery for extra depth. Powell chicken bouillon can be added if the broth needs more flavor, and a final touch of thyme and oregano can enhance the flavor even more.

Putting It All Together

Once your broth is perfected, it's time to bring the soup together. Add the shredded chicken back into the broth, heat for at least 30 minutes, and bring to a boil. Add noodles and cook according to package directions. This process ensures that all flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting and delicious bowl of chicken noodle soup. There's even the option to freeze some chicken for future use.

By following these steps, you can create a chicken noodle soup that's not only comforting but also absolutely delicious. The key is attention to detail and the willingness to experiment with different flavor combinations.