This Hairy Bikers chicken noodle soup is made with chicken carcasses, drumsticks, carrots, celery, leek and a herb bundle simmered low and slow. The result is a rich, golden broth loaded with tender chicken and noodles. It takes about 2 hours 40 minutes and serves 6.
I love making this after a Sunday roast. The leftover carcass goes straight into the pot and nothing goes to waste.
Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients
- 3 chicken carcasses, plus 6 drumsticks
- 2.5 litres water
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 1 large leek, trimmed and sliced
- 2 large onions, peeled and chopped
- 2 fresh bay leaves
- 1 small bunch fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt flakes
- 150g noodles
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Chopped fresh chives, to serve
How To Make Chicken Noodle Soup
- Build the stock: Place the chicken carcasses and drumsticks in a large deep pan. Cover with the water, then add the carrots, celery, leek and onions.
- Add the herb bundle: Tie the bay leaves and thyme together with kitchen string. Drop the bundle into the pan along with the peppercorns and salt.
- Simmer slowly: Cover the pan and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 hours. Skim any foam from the surface regularly.
- Strain and shred: Let the stock cool slightly, then strain it into a clean pan. Pick the meat from the drumsticks and return it to the broth.
- Cook the noodles and serve: Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Add the noodles and cook according to the packet instructions. Stir in the parsley, then serve in bowls with chopped chives on top.
What Are the Best Tips for Chicken Noodle Soup?
- Use your Sunday roast carcass: This is the perfect way to use up a leftover roast chicken. One carcass works fine, but two or three give a richer broth.
- Skim the surface often: Removing the foam as it rises keeps the broth clear and clean-tasting. A large spoon or ladle works well for this.
- Add noodles at the very end: Cook the noodles just before serving so they stay firm. If left sitting in the broth, they turn soft and absorb too much liquid.
- Try different noodles: The original recipe works with any noodle you have to hand. Egg noodles, rice noodles or even instant noodles all work well. For a simpler broth-based chicken soup without noodles, try the plain version.
What Goes Well With This Soup?
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but a warm crusty bread roll on the side is always welcome for dipping. A simple leek and potato soup makes a good starter if you want a lighter course first.
For a bigger spread, serve alongside crackers or a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
How Should You Store Leftover Soup?
Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so they may soften.
For freezing, store the broth and chicken without the noodles. It keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat on the hob and cook fresh noodles just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 134 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Total Carbohydrate: 21g
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Dietary Fibre: 0.4g
- Sodium: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should chicken noodle soup simmer for the best flavour? At least 2 hours gives the best results. The longer the carcasses simmer, the more collagen and flavour they release into the broth.
How does Hairy Bikers chicken noodle soup compare to other versions? Most quick recipes use pre-made stock and chicken breast, but this version builds the broth from scratch using carcasses and drumsticks. The slow method gives a much deeper, more natural flavour.
Can you use leftover roast chicken for this soup? Yes, that is exactly what this recipe is designed for. Use the leftover carcass to build the stock, then add any extra cooked meat you have.
What is the difference between chicken soup and chicken noodle soup? Chicken soup is a plain broth with shredded chicken and vegetables. This chicken noodle soup adds noodles and uses a herb-infused stock made from carcasses for a richer base.
Can you use rice noodles instead of egg noodles? Yes, any noodle works. Rice noodles, egg noodles or even instant noodles are all fine. Just follow the packet instructions for timing as each type cooks differently.
You May Also Like:
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Soup Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Carrot and Coriander Soup Recipe
Hairy Bikers Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Description
This Hairy Bikers chicken noodle soup uses chicken carcasses and drumsticks simmered with carrots, celery, leek, onions and a herb bundle to create a rich, golden broth. Add your favourite noodles at the end for a warming, nourishing meal that serves 6.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Build the stock: Place the chicken carcasses and drumsticks in a large deep pan. Cover with the water, then add the carrots, celery, leek and onions.
- Add the herb bundle: Tie the bay leaves and thyme together with kitchen string. Drop the bundle into the pan along with the peppercorns and salt.
- Simmer slowly: Cover the pan and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 hours. Skim any foam from the surface regularly.
- Strain and shred: Let the stock cool slightly, then strain it into a clean pan. Pick the meat from the drumsticks and return it to the broth.
- Cook the noodles and serve: Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Add the noodles and cook according to the packet instructions. Stir in the parsley, then serve in bowls with chopped chives on top.
