January 27, 2025

mama jeans homemade chicken noodle soup

Mama Jeans Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Mama Jean’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic dish you can enjoy any time, especially when you need comfort. With tender chicken, sautéed veggies, and egg noodles, it creates a warm, hearty meal. Plus, it’s packed with protein and essential nutrients. If you’re curious about how this recipe came to be or want to learn the steps to make it yourself, keep exploring to discover more about this delightful soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of a comforting meal, Mama Jean’s Chicken Noodle Soup is a go-to recipe that you’ll love.

This soup is packed with nutritional benefits, offering 28g of protein per serving to support muscle health. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with essential minerals like potassium and zinc, boosting your immune system. Additionally, the steam from the soup can open airways for easier breathing, making it especially soothing when you’re sick.

With only 233 calories per serving, it’s a low-calorie option that’s still filling. The fiber content promotes digestive health, and the warm broth helps ease cold symptoms while keeping you hydrated.

Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables and noodles, making it a versatile dish suitable for any meal. Enjoy the comfort and nutrition!

History

Chicken noodle soup has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries and cultures. Its origins trace back to ancient times when noodles were paired with broth-based soups in Asia, around the 1200s.

Ancient Egyptians and Chinese recognized chicken soup’s healing properties, often using it to aid recovery. As cultures interacted, chicken soup evolved, adapting various flavors and styles.

In Jewish tradition, it’s known as “Jewish penicillin,” while French and Italian cuisines contributed hearty broths. Interestingly, by the 1900s, the separate curative elements of chicken and noodle soups paved the way for their combination, leading to the creation of chicken noodle soup as we know it today.

In the U.S., chicken noodle soup became a household staple, especially during the Great Depression, thanks to mass production by companies like Campbell’s.

Today, it remains a global comfort food, symbolizing care and connection across generations.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– Whole chicken or chicken breasts
– Onions
– Carrots
– Celery
– Egg noodles (homemade or store-bought)
– Chicken broth
– Water
– Chicken base (optional)
– Thyme
– Marjoram
– Basil
– Oregano
– Black pepper
– Salt
– Lemon juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by heating a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery, and sauté the vegetables until they’re slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the chicken base if using. Stir in thyme, marjoram, basil, oregano, black pepper, and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Carefully add the whole chicken or chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 25-30 minutes for breasts and up to 1 hour for a whole chicken.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. While the chicken cools, add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions until tender.
Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot. Stir everything together, adjust the seasoning as needed, and serve hot. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of acidity. Add chicken and noodles gently to avoid boiling chicken for the best texture.

For extra tips, consider making homemade egg noodles for a truly authentic touch, or adding fennel for a unique flavor twist.

Remember to allow your homemade noodles to air dry before cooking them for best results.

If you have leftovers, store the soup in the refrigerator for up to a week, and feel free to freeze portions for a quick meal later on.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Mama Jean’s Chicken Noodle Soup!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your experience with Mama Jean’s Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s important to reflect on the many benefits this comforting dish offers. Not only does it reduce inflammation and ease congestion, but it’s also a great source of protein and essential nutrients. The antioxidants from the vegetables support your immune function, while the warm steam helps keep you hydrated. Additionally, the chicken in the soup releases cysteine when cooked, which helps thin mucus and aids in chest decongestion. You can customize this soup with various ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs. Plus, it provides lasting energy without overwhelming your stomach. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving comfort food, Mama Jean’s soup is a nutritious and satisfying choice that can be easily prepared and enjoyed any time.

FAQ

Have you ever wondered what makes Mama Jean’s Chicken Noodle Soup so special? One common question is about the best meat to use. You can choose bone-in chicken thighs, boneless breasts, or a mix for richer flavor. Using bone-in chicken enhances the overall taste of the soup, making it more flavorful.

For vegetables, onions, garlic, carrots, and celery are essential. When it comes to noodles, options like homemade or Kluski noodles work well.

Another frequent inquiry is about seasoning. Don’t forget to taste and adjust; spices like thyme and rosemary enhance the soup’s flavor.

Lastly, many struggle with noodle texture. Avoid overcooking them; they’ll soften even after you take them off the heat.

Letting the soup rest also helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Enjoy your cooking!