Gordon Ramsay Chicken noodle soup has long been regarded as a nurturing, soul-soothing staple in kitchens worldwide. It’s a harmonious blend of tender chicken, resilient noodles, and a robust broth teeming with herbs and vegetables, delivering both nutrition and contentment in every spoonful.
A great chicken noodle soup begins with high-quality chicken stock or broth. Whether you slowly simmer it for hours or speed up the process with store-bought options, the key is achieving a depth of flavor, which is often attainable with chicken stock broth. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare a pot of stovetop chicken soup quickly.
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Gordon Ramsay's Chicken Noodle Soup combines tender chicken, egg noodles, and fresh vegetables in a rich homemade broth. This elevated version of the classic comfort food features Ramsay's signature technique of searing the chicken first to enhance flavor, and incorporates aromatic herbs for a restaurant-quality finish.
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp rubbed sage
- 1 tsp season salt
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper
- 2 peeled and sliced carrots
- 2 sliced celery ribs
- 1 TBSP rounded chicken bouillon
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 3 cups diced, cooked chicken
Instructions
- Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan. Then, toss in the onion, garlic, and seasonings. Saute these over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes until the onions soften.
- Throw in the carrots and celery and let them cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour 3 cups of the chicken broth and crank up the heat until it boils. Then, turn the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pour the remaining 5 cups of broth and bring it back to a boil. Now’s the time to add the noodles and chicken.
- Cover the saucepan and let the soup cook until the noodles are tender, which should take around 20-25 minutes.
- Let it simmer on the stove for at least 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve. Dig in and enjoy!
Notes
Use cold chicken and vegetables when adding them to the soup to prevent overcooking, as they’ll warm through naturally in the hot broth.
How can I improve the flavor of my chicken soup?
To make the chicken soup taste better, consider the following additions:
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill can impart a bright and fresh flavor to chicken soup.
- Add Acid: A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can balance the flavors and give the soup a subtle tang.
- Use Aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, celery, and carrots before adding your broth to build a flavorful base.
- Roast the Chicken: Roasting chicken before adding it to the soup can add depth to the overall taste.
- Season Well: Don’t forget to season your soup with salt and pepper. You might also consider a pinch of paprika or cayenne for warmth.
- Umami Boosters: Ingredients like mushrooms, tomato paste, or a dash of soy sauce can add umami and richness.
What can be done to enhance the taste of chicken noodle soup?
To enhance the flavor of chicken noodle soup:
- Rich Broth: Make sure your broth is rich and flavorful. Homemade stock is best, but if you use store-bought, choose a high-quality brand.
- Add Veggies: Include a variety of vegetables like leeks, turnips, or fennel for added complexity.
- Parmesan Rind: Toss a parmesan cheese rind while the soup simmers for a nutty, cheesy flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with bay leaves, whole peppercorns, or a bouquet garni.
- Finish with Fat: A drizzle of good olive oil or a dollop of butter before serving can add a satisfying richness.
Why is vinegar added to chicken noodle soup?
Adding vinegar to chicken noodle soup can enhance the dish by:
- Enhancing Flavors: Just a touch of vinegar can brighten the other flavors in the soup without adding a distinctly sour taste.
- Balancing Richness: It cuts through richness and balances the savory aspects of the chicken and noodles.
- Tenderizing: Vinegar can help break down proteins, potentially making the chicken more tender.
Should you cook the noodles before adding them to the soup?
Pre-cooking noodles in chicken soup:
- Cook Separately: If you anticipate leftovers or prefer your noodles al dente, cook them separately and add them to individual servings. This prevents them from becoming overly soft and soaking up too much broth.
- Directly in Soup: You can cook the noodles directly in the soup for immediate serving, allowing them to absorb the broth’s flavors. Just be mindful of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
