How to See if Chicken Is Done for Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is comfort food.

Chicken noodle soup has a storied history. Made primarily of chicken, chicken broth, noodles, vegetables and seasonings, versions of the soup can be found in Thai, Chinese, Jewish, Mexican and even Yugoslavian cuisine. According to Food Reference, the best chicken to use for noodle soup is a stewing hen, because of its strong flavor. Chicken noodle soup recipes typically require cooking a whole chicken with water and flavorings in a stockpot before adding noodles and vegetables. The chicken should be "falling-off-the-bone" tender when it is ready.

Things You'll Need

• Tongs
• Paper towel or aluminum foil

Instructions

Whole Chicken Recipes

1. Lift the lid of the large pot in which the chicken in stewing.

2. Reposition the chicken with tongs, if need be, so a drumstick bone protrudes from the broth.

3. Leave the lid open for a minute or two to allow the drumstick bone to cool a bit.

4. Grab the end of the drumstick bone and wiggle it. Use a paper towel or small piece of aluminum foil and work quickly to protect your fingers in this step, as the bone will still be quite warm; you can also use the tongs for this step. If the bone is loose enough to easily extract from the meat, or if it actually slips off as you are wiggling it, the chicken is tender enough for soup.

Tips & Warnings

• Hot broth and steam can burn the skin. Even if you use an oven mitt, be careful to keep steam from coming into contact with your arms as you lift the pot lid. In addition, keep your face a foot or more away from the bubbling liquid and steam. Keep children away from the pot altogether.

References

• Food Reference: Food Facts & Trivia: Chicken Soup

Resources

• Food Reference: Chicken Soup and Dumplings