Have you ever craved a dish and knew you wanted to try to make it yourself? Curiosity to see if I could create my own chicken broth started me on my quest to create my version of chicken noodle soup. I remember it clearly, I threw it all together in my slow cooker and crossed my fingers. Well, 6 hours later, success! The broth tasted so good I just knew that I could use it to make a rich and flavorful base for a chicken soup. That evening’s dinner was a wonderful bowl of golden goodness. Now, there’s no turning back. This is how I will continue to make my chicken noodle soup.

1 4 lb whole fryer chicken
2 onions, rough chopped
3 large carrots, rough chopped
2 stalks celery, large chunks
4 sprigs thyme
1/2 bunch flat leaf parsley
1 bay leaf
2 tsp salt
2 tsp pepper
2 tsp poultry seasoning
8 c water

In a slow cooker, place the onion, carrots and celery. Season the inside and outside of the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. Add the thyme, parsley and bay leaf. Pour in the water and add the poultry seasoning.

Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. Remove chicken meat to use for another dish such as chicken noodle soup, chicken salad, or even chicken pot pie. Strain the broth.

The broth may be refrigerated for up to a week and frozen for up to 4 months.

Homemade chicken noodle soup

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peels and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
7 c chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp poultry seasoning
2 c chicken, cooked, shredded or diced
1/4 c flat leaf parsley leaves, julienned
6-8 oz egg noodles

In a large Dutch oven, heat up your olive oil. To the warmed oil, sauté the onions, carrots and celery, about 3 minutes or until onions are softened. Add the garlic, cooking an additional minute. Add your homemade chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Bring the seasoned broth to a boil. Add the cooked chicken, parsley and egg noodles. Continue to boil for 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve and enjoy!