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Hungarian chicken soup with noodles

Hungarian chicken soup with noodles

Tina Cooper
Let’s take a culinary journey to Hungary, where flavors are warm, inviting, and rich in tradition. I’m talking about Hungarian Chicken Soup with Noodles.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Soup
Cuisine Hungarian
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 324 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Fine mesh sieve

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 quarts water
  • 1 whole organic hen chicken 4-5 lbs (bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs are optional)
  • 1 onion halved
  • 4 organic carrots cut into rounds
  • 2-3 organic celery stalks chopped
  • 3 parsley roots sliced (or substitute with parsnips)
  • 1 handful of fresh parsley leaves roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 small piece of hot Hungarian chili optional
  • 2 tbsp Himalayan salt
  • 1 tsp whole peppercorns
  • 450 g fine thin noodles homemade noodles are also an option

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

  • Place the organic hen chicken in a large pot. Fill it with 3-4 quarts of water. Set it on medium-high heat. Wait for it to come to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. This helps in making a clear broth, free from impurities. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Step 2: Adding the Vegetables and Spices

  • Add the halved onion, carrot rounds, chopped celery stalks, sliced parsley roots, and smashed garlic to the pot. Toss in the bay leaf, piece of hot Hungarian chili if you prefer a bit of heat, Himalayan salt, and whole peppercorns.

Step 3: Simmering for the Depth of Flavor

  • Bring the mixture to a boil again. Then, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking method allows the chicken to release its flavors into the broth. Your patience will be rewarded.

Step 4: Straining the Broth

  • After simmering, remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into another pot. This step is crucial for a clear and smooth broth.

Step 5: Shredding the Chicken

  • Let the chicken cool a bit before handling it. Remove the meat from the bones. Shred it into bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken back into the strained broth.

Step 6: Preparing the Noodles

  • Cook the fine thin noodles separately according to the package instructions. Once done, rinse them in cold water to prevent sticking. Add them into the broth toward the end of the cooking process. This ensures they remain perfectly al dente.

Step 7: Final Touch

  • Once everything is combined, let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Add in the fresh parsley leaves for a burst of greenery and additional flavor.

Notes

  • Mind the Salt: Taste your broth before adding extra salt. The chicken and vegetables already impart a significant amount of flavor.
  • Chili Caution: If you’re using the hot Hungarian chili, start with a small piece. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
  • Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini, turnips, or bell peppers.
  • Noodle Watch: Always cook your noodles separately, and add them to the soup only just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
  • Clear Broth: For an extra-clear broth, strain it through cheesecloth after initial preparation.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal
Keyword Hungarian chicken soup with noodles
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