How To Make the Alton Brown Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe at Home

Woke up hungry and craving a nice, homely meal? Make some Chicken Noodle Soup. Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s warm, filling, and perfectly nourishing on chilly days, or when you’re feeling under the weather.

The Alton Brown Chicken Noodle Soup to be specific, is a comforting meal that can be easily made at home with a few key ingredients. We are here to help you make it. Here’s how to make the Alton Brown chicken noodle soup recipe at home starting with the ingredients.

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Ingredients

To make the acclaimed Alton Brown chicken noodle soup, you will need the following:

1 whole chicken
2 medium onions, peeled and quartered
4 carrots, peeled, and cut into 2-inch pieces
4 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 head garlic, halved
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
12 cups water
2 cups egg noodles
Salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How the Ingredients Work Together to Achieve that Umami

The chicken serves as the base for this noodle broth. If you’ve got no whole chicken, use up the chicken parts sitting in your fridge, like those leftover thighs from when you recently hosted a friend-sleepover. And if you are vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of water, and add other veggies like potatoes, parsnips, or leaks for added flavor and texture.

The onions, carrots, and celery add flavor and depth to the broth, while the garlic brings in that subtle earthy taste. The dried thyme, and bay leaf add a nice herbaceous note to the soup.

For the noodles, egg noodles are the go-to classic for chicken noodle soup but you can use other types of pasta, for instance, fusilli, or penne. Don’t forget to add the salt and pepper–they tie it all together by seasoning the soup to taste.

Making the Alton-Brown Chicken Noodle Soup

Got your ingredients? Good! Check out how to make it:

Heat the oil in your favorite large pot, over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots to the pot, and cook for about 5-minutes or until they’re nicely softened.
Pour in the chicken broth, and water, and add the chicken breast to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, and reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Once the chicken is nicely cooked, remove it from the pot, and let it cool for a few minutes, and then shred it into-bite sized pieces using two forks.
Add the shredded chicken, egg noodles, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook the soup for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
Serve the soup to your favorite person while hot, and garnish with fresh parsley for that homely taste.

Some Tips and Tricks for the Best Alton Brown Chicken Noodle Soup

Want to fully impress with the Alton Brown chicken noodle soup? Here are some tips and tricks to help you nail it:

1. Properly chop the veggies

Do you want to ensure your veggies cook evenly with a perfectly consistent texture? Chop them into uniform pieces. It ensures all pieces cook at the same rate. Plus, it adds some bonus points with the aesthetics.

2. Cook Your Chicken Right

Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, while undercooked chicken can be unsafe to eat. Ensure you cook your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

3. Don’t Overcook the Noodles

Overcooking the noodles will cause them to become mushy, and lose their texture. Keep an eye on the soup as it cooks and remove it from the heat as soon as the noodles are tender.

Some Fantastic Alton Brown Chicken Recipe Variations

While the Alton Brown chicken noodle soup is no-doubt delicious on its own, there are several variations you can make to enhance its flavor, and texture, or even just so it fits your preferences perfectly. Here are some ideas:

Swap the Noodles

There are nearly endless noodle varieties nowadays. So, instead of the traditional egg noodles, try using a different type of noodle, such as rice and udon noodles, or even spaghetti.

Add Different Veggies

While carrots, celery and onions are classic soup vegetables, you can also add other veggies such as mushrooms, kale, or bell peppers. Each vegetable will bring its own set of nutrients and flavors to the soup.

Use a Different Protein

While chicken is certainly the star of the recipe, you can occasionally switch it up for a different type of protein for instance, turkey or shrimp for a different experience. Or you may even add chicken and another protein alternative to achieve a different soup texture, and flavor

Add Herbs and Spices

You can customize the flavor of the soup by adding more of your favorite herbs and spices. For example, in addition to thyme, oregano, or rosemary can add fantastic depth to the soup.

Make it Creamy

Add a splash of heavy creamy or coconut cream for extra flavor

FAQs about the Alton Brown Chicken Noodle Soup

1. How Long Can I Store Leftovers of the Alton Brown Chicken Noodle Soup?

Alton Brown chicken noodle leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little extra chicken broth or water to the soup to thin it out as it may have thickened, especially if you added cream.

2. Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle for this Recipe?

Yes, you can make any type of noodle you prefer, such as egg noodles, or even ramen noodles. Keep in mind that different types of noodles will have different cooking times, so adjust accordingly.

3. Can I Make this Soup in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker or instant pot. In fact, the original creator, Alton Brown makes it in a pressure cooker. Start by sauteing the vegetables, and cook the chicken using the saute function, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.

Note, if you don’t mind waiting, you can also cook it in a slow cooker so the flavor marries in to perfection. To make it a slow cooker, follow the same instructions for sauteing the veggies and cooking the chicken, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

4. Can I Adjust the Seasoning to My Taste?

Yes, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer more salt, add a pinch at a time until you achieve your desired taste. You may also add more herbs or spices such as cayenne pepper for extra flavor.

Finally

The Alton Brown chicken noodle soup is a hearty, comforting dish that can be easily prepared at home when craving a homely meal but don’t want to do much cooking. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply looking for a satisfying meal, this chicken noodle soup recipe is sure to please. So why not give it a try and enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of homemade soup?

How To Make the Alton Brown Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe at Home

Ingredients

How the Ingredients Work Together to Achieve that Umami

Making the Alton-Brown Chicken Noodle Soup