I’ll never forget the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Noodle Soup. I was feeling a bit under the weather, and I knew I needed something comforting, warm, and full of flavor. The idea of making a chicken noodle soup from scratch seemed daunting at first, but I gave it a go after seeing Jamie’s recipe. The result was a game-changer. The soup was rich, soothing, and packed with flavor, unlike anything I’d ever bought from a can. Since that day, it’s become my go-to when I need a quick pick-me-up or want to impress guests with something simple yet hearty.
Chicken noodle soup has always been one of those dishes people swear by, especially during cold weather. But Jamie Oliver’s take on it is unique. His approach is all about fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a little creativity. If you’ve been looking for a recipe that’ll satisfy you down to your soul, you’ve come to the right place.
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Jamie’s Chicken Noodle Soup is everything you want in a comforting bowl. It’s simple, healthy, and full of robust flavors, all without being heavy. The great thing about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it depending on what you have on hand.
I remember the first time I read through the recipe. It felt so doable! You start with a basic chicken broth, then add fresh herbs, vegetables, and of course, noodles to give it that classic soup texture. It’s nourishing and filling but light enough to make you feel good after eating it.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to bring Jamie’s Chicken Noodle Soup to life:
- 1 whole chicken (around 1.5 kg) – for that juicy, tender meat and rich stock.
- 1 onion – finely chopped. It gives that base flavor for the soup.
- 2 carrots – peeled and chopped into rounds. Adds sweetness and crunch.
- 2 celery sticks – chopped. Celery adds that aromatic background flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves – crushed. Garlic is the key to infusing that comforting warmth.
- A small bunch of fresh thyme – tied up. This brings earthiness to the broth.
- 1 fresh bay leaf – for a touch of fragrant depth.
- 1 lemon – zest and juice. The zest gives a little zing and the juice balances the broth.
- 50g egg noodles – the best type of noodle for this soup. They soak up all the goodness.
- Fresh parsley – finely chopped. This is to garnish the soup with that final burst of freshness.
- Salt & pepper – to taste.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Noodle Soup
Making this soup is like therapy for the soul. Here’s how to do it step by step:
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Prepare The Chicken
Start by placing the chicken in a large pot. Cover it with water (about 2-3 liters), and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and skim off any scum that rises to the surface. Let it simmer for an hour or so, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Make The Broth
While the chicken is cooking, chop the veggies: onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. When the chicken is ready, take it out of the pot and set it aside. Add the chopped vegetables, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Let everything cook for another 30 minutes.
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Shred The Chicken
When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat off the bone. Discard the skin and bones, then add the shredded chicken back into the broth.
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Add Noodles
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer again, and add the egg noodles. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
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Final Touches
Add the lemon zest and juice to the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little more lemon juice if you like.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s take a moment to dive into the science behind a few key ingredients. Jamie’s Chicken Noodle Soup uses simple, whole-food ingredients that work together in perfect harmony:
- Chicken: The star of the show. When it’s simmered for a long time, the collagen in the bones breaks down into gelatin, which thickens the broth and gives it that silky texture.
- Garlic & Onion: These two are packed with sulfur compounds that act as natural antibiotics, boosting your immune system. Plus, they add a ton of flavor without being overpowering.
- Celery & Carrots: These vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals. Celery’s high in antioxidants, while carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, good for skin and vision. Together, they create a balanced, flavorful base.
- Lemon: The acidity helps balance the richness of the broth, and its vitamin C is a nice little immune boost.
This isn’t just comfort food; it’s nourishing, too.
Expert Tips
Making a good soup is an art. Here are a few expert tips to elevate your Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Use a whole chicken: You can definitely use chicken breasts, but nothing beats the depth of flavor that comes from cooking a whole bird. Plus, you can use the bones to create a richer, more gelatinous broth.
- Simmer, don’t boil: Boiling the soup too hard will make the chicken tough and ruin the delicate flavors. Let it simmer slowly, gently extracting all that flavor.
- Season in layers: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as you go. A little more salt, pepper, or lemon at the end can make a world of difference.
- Add the noodles last: This ensures the noodles don’t get mushy. Cooking them separately in the soup lets them soak up all the delicious broth.
Recipe Variations
Jamie’s Chicken Noodle Soup is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to mix things up:
- Swap out the noodles: Try using rice, ramen, or soba noodles if you want a different texture or flavor.
- Add more vegetables: Throw in some spinach, kale, or even a handful of peas for added freshness and nutrition.
- Spicy twist: Add a touch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb variations: Use rosemary or oregano if you want a different flavor profile, or throw in a bit of ginger for warmth.
Final Words
Jamie’s Chicken Noodle Soup is a perfect recipe for beginners and pros alike. It’s easy to make, deeply flavorful, and versatile enough for you to add your own touch. I’ve made it countless times, and it’s always a hit. Whether you’re sick, hosting friends, or just craving a bowl of comfort, this soup ticks all the boxes.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Noodle Soup?
You’ll need chicken, noodles, carrots, ginger, garlic, and herbs like thyme and parsley. Plus, a splash of soy sauce for flavor.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Noodle Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can! It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Noodle Soup Spicy?
Not really, but you can add chili or more ginger if you want to spice it up!