If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that will warm you up from the inside out, then this Golden Chicken Noodle Soup is exactly what you need. Perfect for using up leftovers from a roast chicken, this soup is filled with wholesome ingredients, including tender chicken, vegetables, and a deliciously rich broth infused with turmeric for that golden touch. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe and turn those leftovers into something extraordinary!
Method
Start by preparing the broth. In a large pot, add the bones from your leftover roast chicken along with the bay leaves, thyme sprig (or dried thyme), garlic cloves, ginger, and a chicken or vegetable stock cube. Pour in 1.5 liters of water and bring everything to a boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 2 hours. This slow simmering process will extract all the rich flavors from the chicken bones, garlic, and herbs, creating a beautifully aromatic broth. After the 2 hours are up, strain the broth into a large bowl, discarding the bones, herbs, and any other solid bits left behind. Set the broth aside for the next steps.
Next, in the same large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, diced carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes. Sauté these vegetables for about 2-3 minutes, just enough for them to start softening. This step will help release their natural flavors, creating a fragrant base for your soup. After the vegetables have softened slightly, sprinkle in the turmeric, salt, and pepper, and continue sautéing for another minute to allow the spices to bloom and infuse the vegetables. At this point, add the shredded leftover chicken along with the freshly strained broth, lemon juice, and vermicelli or mini pasta. Bring the soup to a boil, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the pasta is fully cooked. Be sure to taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to achieve the right balance of flavors.
Once everything is cooked, serve the soup in bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. I highly recommend enjoying it with a side of crusty bread, which is perfect for dipping into the rich, golden broth. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal, especially on those chilly evenings when you need a bit of warmth and comfort.
Necessary Tools
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Knife and chopping board
- Sauté pan (optional for sautéing)
- Ladle
Golden Chicken Noodle Soup: A Cozy, Flavorful Delight!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes2
hours20
minutes2
hours35
minutesIngredients
1 tbsp Olive oil
Leftover chicken from the roast, shredded
1 tsp Garlic, minced
1 Large carrot, peeled and finely diced
1 Medium onion, finely diced
1 Celery stalk, finely diced
1 Large potato, peeled and diced
Half a lemon, juiced
1 tsp Turmeric powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 tsp Chilli flakes (optional)
1 cup Broken vermicelli or mini pasta
For the broth
Bones from the roast chicken
2 Bay leaves
1 Thyme sprig, or 1 tsp dried thyme
3 Garlic cloves
1/2 inch piece Ginger
1 Chicken or vegetable stock cube
1.5L Water
Directions
- Start by adding the chicken bones and all the ingredients for the broth to a large pot. Pour in 1.5L of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 hours. This will extract all the wonderful flavors from the bones. Once done, strain the broth into a bowl, discarding the bones and other bits.
- Now, return the pot to the stove and heat the olive oil on medium. Once hot, add the garlic, diced carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Next, stir in the turmeric, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute to bring out the spices. Add the shredded chicken, the freshly strained broth, lemon juice, and vermicelli (or pasta). Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the pasta is cooked. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
- Once everything is cooked, serve your soup in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. I love to enjoy this soup with a side of crusty bread to dip into the broth. It’s perfect for a cozy meal, especially on a chilly evening.
Notes
- When simmering the broth, make sure to keep an eye on the heat. If it starts to boil too aggressively, reduce the heat to ensure the flavors infuse properly.
- When straining the broth, be careful as the hot liquid can splash. Use a large bowl to catch the broth, and let it cool for a moment before discarding the solids.
- Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning. Turmeric can be a bit earthy, so make sure the balance of salt and pepper works for you.
Serving Suggestions
Golden Chicken Noodle Soup is amazing on its own, but if you want to elevate the meal, serve it with a warm, crusty baguette or a slice of toasted garlic bread. You can also add a simple green salad on the side for a bit of freshness.
Fun Fact
Did you know that turmeric is not only great for flavor but also has incredible health benefits? It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help support digestion and promote joint health. Adding it to your soup not only gives it that beautiful golden color but also boosts the nutrition!
Conclusion
This Golden Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect way to transform your leftover chicken into something cozy and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch, this soup is sure to hit the spot. It’s easy, nourishing, and packed with deliciousness in every spoonful. Enjoy!
