Prepare Chicken: Clean the chicken thoroughly and cut it into two halves.
12 oz Chicken Leg Quarters
Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, place the chicken halves and add the prepared vegetables. Add a bay leaf and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour 6 cups of cold water over the ingredients.
12 oz Chicken Leg Quarters, 1 piece Celery Stalk, 1 piece Carrot, 1 Bay Leaf, Salt, 6 cup Water, 1 piece Onion
Cook: Bring the soup to a boil over low heat and let it simmer for about 50 minutes.
Strain Soup: Remove all the ingredients from the soup, strain well, and return only the liquid to the pot.
Add Noodles: Bring the soup to a boil again on medium heat. Once boiling, add the noodles and cook for about 4 minutes.
3 oz Egg noodles
Add Chicken: In the meantime, remove the chicken meat from the bones and add it back into the soup.
Finish with Parsley: Add finely chopped parsley to the soup and turn off the heat immediately to preserve the parsley's color.
Parsley
Let Sit: Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve: Serve the soup hot. For added flavor, offer a slice of lemon on the side for a hint of sour taste.
Quick Note
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Notes
Herb Variations: While parsley is used in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill or thyme for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs are best added towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
Chicken Preparation: If you're short on time, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can be a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken and add it towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Broth Tip: For an even richer flavor, consider making your own chicken broth. Homemade broth can be prepared in advance and frozen, ready to be used in your soup.
Vegetable Chop Size: Chop the vegetables in bite-sized pieces, keeping in mind they should be small enough for children to easily eat, but large enough to retain some texture after cooking.
Adjusting the Salt: If using store-bought chicken broth, be mindful of its salt content. Adjust the amount of added salt accordingly to avoid an overly salty soup.
Lemon Zest Addition: For a fresh twist, consider adding a bit of lemon zest towards the end of cooking. It adds a nice brightness and can enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
Serving Suggestion for Adults: For adult palates, consider offering red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, or a dash of hot sauce on the side to add a bit of heat.
Allergy-Friendly Option: If catering to allergies, ensure to use gluten-free pasta and check all your ingredients for potential allergens.
Freezing Without Noodles: If you plan to freeze the soup, do so without the noodles as they can become mushy upon thawing. Cook fresh noodles when you're ready to serve the thawed soup.