Instructions:
Prepare the Broth: Place the leftover chicken (bones, skin, and meat) into a large pot and cover with 4 cups of water. Simmer until the meat falls off the bones. Remove the chicken, shred the meat, and set aside. Discard bones and skin.
Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot with the broth. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Add Flavor: Stir in the V8 tomato juice, chicken broth, and “Better Than Bouillon” roasted chicken base. Season with salt and parsley flakes. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Return Chicken and Add Noodles: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the egg noodles and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup!
Notes for Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Chicken Preparation: If you have leftover cooked chicken without bones, you can skip simmering the chicken with bones. Just add diced or shredded cooked chicken directly to the soup.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
Tomato Juice: V8 adds a rich, tangy flavor, but you can use regular tomato juice or omit it if preferred. Adjust the seasoning if you reduce or eliminate the tomato juice.
Broth Base: Adjust the amount of “Better Than Bouillon” to your taste. It’s concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
Noodle Cooking: To avoid overcooked noodles, add them towards the end of cooking. If storing leftovers, cook noodles separately and add to individual servings to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and spices as needed. Homemade broth can vary in saltiness.
Storage: Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup without noodles. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the vegetables.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can be added for extra flavor. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
Adjusting Acidity: If the soup tastes too acidic from the tomato juice, balance it with a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream.
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