A boiling hot bowl full of veggies and comfortable mild flavours pops into your mind when you hear the word soup. The word ‘soup’ originally comes from the French word ‘soupe’ which further comes through the Latin word ‘suppa’ which means ‘bread soaked in broth’. To the fore, you will get a firm grip on, What to eat with Chicken Noodle Soup?
1. What is Soup?
The amazing origin of soup has a long history since ancient times. Consuming soup became an everyday part of our ancestors as the invention of clay pots and bowls in 6000 BC made it much easier. Making soup or broth is so easy that every country has its unique recipes to cook a wide range of soups. China is the most famous country to serve soups for a long time.
Some people are mistaken to think of soups as a pity food, but that is so not the case. In some countries, soup is eaten as a part of a three-course meal or even as a whole meal sometimes. This is because soups are a whole package as they meet the nutritional needs of the human body. Any type of soup is high in vitamins, minerals and protein, easily low in fat and rich in fibre accompanying the outburst of a variety of delicious flavours. Soups are mainly classified into three main categories, Clear or un-thickened soups, Thick soups, and Specialty or National soups.
There is an endless list of types of soups all over the world. Different types of soups are Chicken Noodle Soup, Italian Wedding Soup, Creamy chicken noodle soup, Minestrone, Lentil Soup, Tomato Soup, French Onion Soup and many more. All these soups are made with different flavours, techniques, patterns and ingredients.
2. What is Chicken Noodle Soup?
The origin of Chicken Noodle Soup lies in the country China, where they first made chicken noodle soup. To which they referred as noodles in broth not as soup, centuries after it got its accurate name. Chicken noodle soup is eaten hot globally as an appetizer or in a main course. The soup is not only known for its extraordinary taste but also because of its health benefits. What to eat with Chicken Noodle Soup? This is a famous query because the density and choices of tasty side dishes do not seem to end.
Chicken noodle soup is a slow cooker process and is highly jam-packed with nutrients and this is why it acts as a medicinal remedy whenever someone is feeling under the weather. The soup includes ‘anti-inflammatory‘ agents for your nasal cells, giving your nose and throat relief from cold or seasonal illness. It has been constantly helpful in the treatment of asthma, respiratory disorders, bloating, immune system and facial pain, this is why chicken noodle soup has struck for a long time. Making it a hearty soup throughout the globe.
Who doesn’t love clear glowing skin? Everyone, right? The soup is highly famous for accelerating clear, healthy and glowing skin and making you feel all confident and pretty. Along with this sometimes, a hot cosy bowl of hearty chicken noodle soup is immensely enjoyed during the rains in the comfort of your couch and that is all you need.
2.1. What to Eat with Chicken Noodle Soup?
Let’s talk about the ingredients used in the making of chicken noodle soup which makes it so high in demand. Chicken stock, lean white meat, carrots, onions, noodles, garlic, potato, cornstarch, carrageenan, spices and water. Now, several things are eaten along with the soup to complement its flavours and make it more lively and enjoyable. The things listed below will shock you regarding the versatility of chicken noodle soup and how great and brand new it tastes with almost everything.
3. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients
The word homemade in itself is full of comfort and taste. Any homemade food is pure bliss to the mouth without hygiene issues. The question, What to eat with Chicken Noodle Soup? still floats. But to answer that you need to know the basics about chicken noodle soup. Here is a simple recipe for homemade chicken noodle soup.
3.1. Chicken Broth
A classic homemade recipe of chicken noodle soup is made using a whole chicken, with beautifully flavored golden chicken broth. It is made out of chicken stock, salt, natural flavours, carrots, yellow onion, chicken fat and yeast extract. The best chicken broth is made from chicken necks, backs, wings, legs, thighs and chicken breasts. These cuts can be used in the making, but chicken thighs tend to produce much better and richer soup. Chicken is shredded and added to the soup and cooked until it’s tender.
Chicken noodle broth provides hydrating fluid and electrolytes like potassium, magnesium and sodium. The flavour of chicken broth enhances the overall flavour of the soup and makes it wholesome. Sometimes even leftover chicken is added to the chicken soup recipe to make a low-sodium chicken broth and create the best comfort food.
3.2. Lean White Meat
Lean White meat is typically used in the making of chicken noodle soup. It includes the breasts, tenders and wings. However, the flavor of white meat is very bland and neutral making it more easy to soak in the spices and nutrients in it and add a chewy texture to the soup.
3.3. Carrageenan
Carrageenan originated from the parts of the different red seaweeds of the Rhodophyceae family. This has been successfully put into use in the food sector since the 1950s. As it helps to thicken the consistency of food, but does not add any nutritional value to the food. Surprisingly it may also help to cure infections or reactions to the root.
3.4. Veggies
Veggies like carrots, yellow onion, garlic, cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes and parsley are all added to the soup after they are sauteed. This is the best way to help fasten the intake of veggies without complaining. Vegetables are also used to make delicious vegetable broth. Adding veggies to the soup adds more to the nutritional value along with flavour and chewy texture.
3.5. Noodles
Chicken noodle soup favours two main types of noodles in its cooking. Spiral wide egg noodles and homemade-style egg noodles are immensely used in the making of this soup. These noodles have the best texture and add much consistency to the soup. As noodle is the key ingredient in this dish, the use of the right type of noodles is highly important and a priority.
3.6. Spices
I’m sure you cannot imagine your food without spices and flavours. This is because every food item in this world gets its reputation from the spices used in it. The best spices to use in a chicken soup are paprika powder, onion powder, garlic powder and salt. To enrich the flavours more, herbs like bay leaf, thyme, parsley, rosemary and marjoram are used in the making. Spices are added to roasted vegetables and in the making of flavorful broth. These are only used to add flavours but they also act as medicine at times.
3.7. Water
Water is added during the cooking process of the soup. It is added to balance the ratio of the chicken broth and the spices and to liquify the soup in the best proportion. Doing so helps in cooking the chicken and meat properly.
3.8. Cornstarch
Many people face the problem of runny and slurry soup. That’s where cornstarch comes in handy. Usually, people add cornstarch to the soups as it is a very fast and effective way to thicken soups and give them the correct texture. Only 1 tablespoon of cornstarch is enough to get to the right consistency.
These ingredients may differ with different recipes, but a classic homemade recipe covers all these main ingredients without fail to savour the true relish.
4. Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Making this soup is simple yet patient work, though the result is worth the wait and work. After learning so much about chicken noodle soup it’s high time to address the recipe calls.
Step One:
In a large pot, heat oil and add your seasoned chicken pieces and cook until it’s golden brown from every corner.
Step Two:
In a different pot add your flavorful stock or broth, water, thyme and bay leaf. Bring it to a low simmer until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast and thighs registers 165 degrees, 20-30 minutes.
Step Three:
Now take the seasoned chicken onto a cutting board. Continue to cook dark meat for about 40 minutes more. Transfer dark meat to the cutting board and let it cool down. After it comes to room temperature, remove the skin and bones. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step Four:
Simultaneously, discard the bay leaf and thyme from the pot and add onion, celery, carrots and cook over medium-low heat. Cook until the chicken is tender. Boil the noodles separately and then add them to the pot and cook until ‘al dance.
Step Five:
Add onion powder, paprika, garlic powder and salt as per your taste and also a dash of fresh lemon juice to add extra flavour.
Step Six:
Divide the soup into bowls and garnish it with parsley or coriander and pepper. Add the toppings as per your taste and preference
This is all it takes in the making of chicken noodle soup and enjoy this comfort food without any charing. There are many delicious recipes out there made with shredded chicken, but do not sabotage the real taste of the soup’s main dish. Make sure you accurately follow these steps to get fruitful results and the exact taste people crave for.
5. What to Serve or Eat with Chicken Noodle Soup?
Now that you are clear that chicken noodle soup is in itself a whole meal but there are many various ways you can eat or serve the soup so that you get a change of taste and do not get bored eating the same thing. Chicken noodle soup tastes better with many side dishes which compliments its taste extraordinarily and can be enjoyed exceedingly.
5.1 What to Eat with Chicken Noodle Soup?
To finally answer the main question, What to eat with chicken noodle soup? You will be amazed at the endless list of what can be eaten with chicken noodle soup without compromising the star taste of the soup.
Photo by: Spencer Davis on Unsplash/ Copyright 2019
5.2. Pretzel Rolls
Pretzel rolls offer a salty factor and provide a little more to fill your tummy. They are like soft pretzels but rolled in a delightful little bun. These rolls add a nice texture and chewiness to our meal. Rolls are efficiently easy to make and irresistibly fluffy, these rolls will take your soup to another level. Serve chicken noodle soup with this delicious side dish, and it can be eaten separately after every bite of the soup or by dipping the rolls into the soup.
5.3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Who can say no to the classic cheesy bread? No one right? A bit shocking, but yes grilled cheese sandwiches highly compliments chicken noodle soup. To mix things up you can make the sandwich more gourmet by using brie instead of the usual cheddar. You can also add sliced apples and figs pairing them with the soup and you have got yourself a divine lunch.
5.4. Butternut Squash
Create a comfy and rich cafe atmosphere in your home by choosing a soup and salad combo! To get the right feeling you need more than just a simple salad. Butternut squash is a hearty and healthy option. Mixed with fresh arugula, candied walnuts, goat cheese, beets and dried cranberries you will get a mouthwatering salad to be eaten with the soup.
5.5. Mashed Potato Puffs
Anything made with mashed potatoes, in any form, has to be delicious. Mashed potato puffs are just as comfortable food as chicken noodle soup. I know the combination is new and doesn’t sound quite tempting. But you need to try your food with different textures to make your meal more exciting. These flaky mashed potato puffs are perfect bite-sized fritters made with potato, cheese, chives and bacon bits, making them an ideal companion to the soup.
5.6. Italian Salad
Italian salads are known for their robust and earthy flavours and are an amazing way to get some bold flavours to contrast your subtle soup. Making Italian chopped salad is a very simple work add in a bowl romaine, cucumbers, chickpeas, onions, pepperoni and mozzarella or parmesan cheese for a salad bursting with different flavours and textures. Fresh salad with soup is a very good way to start your day.
5.7. Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Upgrade your soup and sandwich combo by including a crusty bread baked ham and cheese. Using pre-made pizza dough, deli ham and plenty of mozzarellas, the sandwich tastes gourmet while being super easy to make and a kick in the flavours. And it goes surprisingly well with the chicken noodle soup. It is a classic side dish to pair with chicken noodle soup.
5.8. Bruschetta
I need not say how well bread goes with soup or any other hot beverage. Bruschetta not only acts as a crouton by offering the bread factor that goes so well with the soup but also offers some much-needed and delicious, punchier flavour to the meal. Scoop up your soup with that crusty bread made from sourdough bread and mix the soft flavours of the broth with a kick of tomatoes, herbs and cheese and you’ve got the yummiest combination with the soup.
5.9. Sweet Potato Fries
As said, potatoes never disappoint anyone. Bake or fry your fries, cook them in a way which is preferable to you and you will be surprised with the change in taste. These crunchy and toothsome item goes perfectly well with a brothy soup like chicken noodle soup. Sweet potato fries topped with cream cheese are also a solid combination.
5.10. Grilled Vegetable Panini
Adding yet another classic sandwich to the list is grilled vegetable paninis. They are filled with cheesy flavorful vegetable goodness. Its texture is just perfect for dipping in the soup and then helping yourself with the best bite ever you have experienced adding a nice grilled taste.
5.11. Garlic Bread
Products made out of bread can never go wrong with soups or any other food item. This homemade or store-bought garlic bread is a fantastic combination for chicken noodle soup. Adding more crusty texture with cheesy and garlic flavour with every bite you take. Serve with chicken noodle soup, garlic bread is a classic combination.
5.12. Saltine Crackers
Chicken noodle soup is already a light dish, so if that is what you want your meal to be, stick with the old and classic- saltine crackers. Crackers may sound simple but are a perfect combination with noodle soup. Adding the right amount of crunch and saltiness to the dish, without stealing the thunder of the main ingredients of the soup.
5.13. Green Beans
If you have forgotten to add in greens to your soup, you can easily compensate by serving them as a healthy side. You can enjoy them in many forms, sauteed, baked or in a casserole. Tossing them in mild flavours does not take away the main taste of the soup.
To your bewilderment, there are still several things that can be eaten with chicken noodle soup which fit and compliments its taste perfectly. These are the major things which are eaten in almost every part of the world. What to eat with Chicken Noodle Soup? has been effectively answered.
Check out: What to Eat with Soup: The Best Side Dishes for Soup to Try Out.
6. Chicken Noodle Soup
Now that you have learnt everything about chicken noodle soup and what to eat with chicken noodle soup? it depends on you as to how you improvise your soup and meals and what more you can get out of it. Chicken noodle soup is a light yet complete dish in itself.
Pay attention while trying new things, the foremost taste of the soup does not get lost and is not true to its name anymore. Using fresh and original ingredients will tier up your soup fabulously.
So what’s stopping you from trying out this mouth-watering soup which is up to date in every aspect? Go and make some chicken noodle soup and suit yourself with the best side dish you love the most to shuffle up the taste the best way possible.
Last Updated on by Himani Rawat
