Zesty Alton Brown Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Comfort

This hearty chicken noodle soup transforms ordinary ingredients into a soul-warming embrace on frosty evenings.

Steaming with aromatic herbs and tender chicken, the broth whispers comfort with every spoonful.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this healing culinary masterpiece that goes beyond mere sustenance.

Packed with immune-boosting nutrients, each simmering bowl promises relief from winter’s harsh bite.

Delicate noodles and succulent chicken dance together in a symphony of flavor and nourishment.

Careful selection of fresh ingredients elevates this classic recipe from simple meal to pure culinary magic.

Check out this comforting recipe and let its warmth restore your spirit and tantalize your taste buds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients

• Chicken: Select fresh, plump chicken with firm, pink flesh and minimal discoloration for optimal flavor and tenderness.
• Chicken Stock: Choose low-sodium variety to control salt content and enhance natural chicken essence.

• Garlic, Onion, Celery: Pick crisp, firm vegetables with vibrant colors and no signs of wilting or soft spots.

• Pasta Noodles: Select medium-width egg noodles or classic wheat noodles that hold shape well during cooking.

• Fresh Herbs, Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and recently harvested herbs for maximum flavor intensity.
• Lemon: Select bright yellow, firm citrus fruit with smooth skin for best zesty accent and brightness.

Tools Required for Alton Brown’s Chicken Soup

• Large Nonreactive Stockpot: Perfect for boiling chicken and creating a flavorful broth without metallic taste interactions.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients safely.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise mincing of garlic and dicing onions and celery.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately portioning ingredients and maintaining recipe balance.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing soup components without scratching the pot.
• Serving Bowls: Elegant dishes for presenting the finished chicken soup with style.
• Citrus Squeezer (Optional): Convenient for extracting fresh lemon juice without seeds.

Cooking Instructions for Alton Brown’s Noodle Soup

• Launch the Broth Blast

Toss chicken into a spacious pot and cover with water. Crank up the heat until the liquid dances with powerful bubbles, making sure the chicken is completely underwater.

• Awaken Flavor Companions

Tumble minced garlic, chopped celery, and diced onion into the simmering liquid. Lower the temperature and let these aromatic friends mingle and whisper their delicious secrets for a couple minutes.

• Noodle Dance Party

Drop pasta into the broth and let them swirl and twirl until they’re perfectly soft but still holding their shape. This magical transformation takes about 5 minutes of gentle cooking.

• Herb and Spice Symphony

Pull the pot off the heat and shower the soup with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of ground pepper. These final touches will elevate your creation from good to absolutely extraordinary.

• Citrus Finale

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. For an unexpected twist, squeeze a burst of fresh lemon over the top. This zesty accent will make your soup sing with brightness and complexity, transforming an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Serving Suggestions for Alton Brown’s Soup

• Elevate Soup Presentation: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
• Pair with Crusty Companions: Serve alongside warm, toasted sourdough bread or crispy garlic crostini to soak up the delicious broth.
• Create a Protein Boost: Add a handful of shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken breast for extra protein and heartiness.
• Customize with Zesty Toppings: Offer small bowls of diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for guests who love a spicy kick.

Prep & Storage Advice for Alton Brown’s Soup

• Preserve Soup's Freshness: Store cooled chicken noodle soup in airtight containers, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Separate broth and solid ingredients if possible to maintain optimal texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring best quality and flavor when reheated.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add small splash of water or broth if soup appears too thick during reheating.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: Store noodles separately from broth when possible to prevent soggy pasta. Combine just before serving to maintain perfect consistency and prevent overcooking of noodle elements.

Helpful Tips for Alton Brown’s Chicken Noodle

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a warming kick that transforms the classic soup into a zesty meal.

Swap chicken for rotisserie meat, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a quick protein boost and different flavor profile.

Toss in extra vegetables like carrots, spinach, or kale to increase nutritional value and create a more substantial soup.

Prepare the soup base in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.

Hearty Alton Brown Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s chicken noodle soup delivers classic comfort with professional culinary precision. Homemade stock, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles create a soulful bowl you’ll crave on chilly days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 oz (56 g) dried egg noodles, cooked to al dente
• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken stock, homemade or store-bought
• ¾ cup (180 ml) diced onion
• ¾ cup (180 ml) diced celery
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
• 2 tsp (10 ml) finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
• Lemon halves, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Bring water to a vigorous boil in a large nonreactive stockpot, creating a foundation for the soup’s rich flavor profile.
2. Vegetable Infusion: Reduce heat and gently introduce minced garlic, diced celery, and chopped onion, allowing their essences to meld and permeate the liquid for 2 minutes.
3. Noodle Integration: Add noodles to the aromatic broth, stirring intermittently to prevent clumping, and cook until achieving a perfectly tender al dente consistency.
4. Seasoning Finale: Remove from heat and elevate the soup’s flavor with a carefully curated blend of fresh herbs, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a harmonious taste distribution.
5. Serving Presentation: Plate the soup and enhance with a vibrant lemon wedge, offering a bright, citrusy accent that can be squeezed to taste, providing a personalized flavor boost.

Notes

• Prevent Noodle Clumping: Stir occasionally during cooking to keep noodles separated and ensure even cooking throughout the soup.
• Herb Selection Matters: Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for maximum flavor complexity and aromatic depth in the final dish.
• Temperature Control: Maintain a low simmer after initial boiling to preserve vegetable texture and prevent overcooking of delicate ingredients.
• Citrus Enhancement: Fresh lemon wedge adds bright, zesty notes that cut through the soup’s richness and elevate the overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg