how to make chicken noodle soup from a chicken carcass

3 min read 30-01-2025

how to make chicken noodle soup from a chicken carcass

Making chicken noodle soup from a chicken carcass is a fantastic way to maximize flavor and minimize waste. This recipe transforms leftover chicken bones into a deeply flavorful, comforting broth, perfect for a chilly evening. You'll learn how to extract maximum flavor from the carcass, resulting in a richer, more satisfying soup than you'd get from starting with fresh broth.

Why Use a Chicken Carcass?

Using a roasted or cooked chicken carcass offers several advantages:

Superior Flavor: The bones and connective tissues contain a wealth of collagen and flavor compounds that infuse the broth with a rich, savory depth unmatched by store-bought broth or broth made from scratch with just bones.
Cost-Effective: Instead of discarding the carcass, you're transforming it into a delicious and nutritious meal.
Nutrient-Rich: The broth is packed with nutrients leached from the bones, including minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup from a Chicken Carcass

For the Broth:

1 (4-5 pound) roasted or cooked chicken carcass (remove as much meat as possible)
12 cups cold water
2 carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
1 onion, quartered
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

For the Soup:

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced (reserve from the roasted chicken)
1 cup egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions: Making the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Preparing the Carcass

Before beginning, remove any excess fat from the chicken carcass. Break the carcass into smaller pieces to maximize surface area for better flavor extraction. This also allows for more efficient simmering.

Step 2: Simmering the Broth

Place the chicken carcass and cold water in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently, partially covered for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a richer, more intense flavor. Skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the simmering process will result in a clearer broth.

Step 3: Adding Vegetables and Seasonings

After 2 hours, add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaf, thyme (if using), and salt to the pot. Continue to simmer for another hour.

Step 4: Straining the Broth

Carefully remove the chicken carcass and vegetables from the pot using a slotted spoon or strainer. Discard the solids. You can use a fine-mesh strainer to ensure a perfectly clear broth if desired.

Step 5: Cooking the Noodles

Bring the strained broth to a gentle boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until tender.

Step 6: Assembling the Soup

Stir in the shredded or diced cooked chicken. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

Roast the Chicken First: Roasting the chicken before making the soup adds a deeper, richer flavor to the broth.
Don't Boil: Simmering gently extracts the maximum flavor from the bones without making the broth cloudy.
Taste and Adjust: Season the soup to your liking with salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as dill, rosemary, or sage.
Make it Ahead: Chicken noodle soup tastes even better the next day! Make a large batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs about Chicken Noodle Soup from a Carcass

Q: Can I use a raw chicken carcass?

A: While possible, a roasted or cooked carcass yields a more flavorful broth. Raw chicken will require a longer simmering time.

Q: What type of noodles can I use?

A: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti.

Q: Can I freeze the leftover soup?

A: Yes! Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful homemade chicken noodle soup! This recipe not only saves you money and reduces food waste but also results in a hearty, comforting meal bursting with flavor. Remember to adjust seasonings to your preferences, and don't hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or herbs.