Double-Dark Chicken Noodle Soup

From the kitchen of Carly

Deep, savory broth built from charred chicken wings and caramelized vegetables, with herbs bundled inside a leek for subtle flavor. The long simmer pulls every ounce of richness from the bones, creating something far darker and more complex than your standard bowl.

Prep
n/a
Cook
n/a
Total
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Servings
4
Difficulty
medium

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 11 leek
  • 1Stems from 1/2 bunch parsley
  • 16 sprigs thyme
  • 12 bay leaves
  • 11 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 13 pounds chicken wings
  • 11 onion, unpeeled, quartered
  • 13 carrots, peeled
  • 12 celery stalks
  • 12 garlic cloves
  • 11 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 11/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 12 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
  • 18 ounces carrots, peeled, sliced 1/2" thick
  • 18 ounces pearl onions, peeled,
  • 1halved through root
  • 18 ounces egg noodles
  • 1Fresh chervil (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Trim dark green leaves from leek; discard all but 2. Slice leek in half lengthwise; set aside. Tuck parsley, thyme, and bay leaves inside leek leaves; tie closed with kitchen twine.

  2. Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium. Working in batches, cook wings, turning often, until browned all over, 15–20 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

  3. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and reserved leek to pot. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 10–12 minutes. Add tomato paste; cook, stirring, until slightly darkened, about 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water, scraping up browned bits. Add wings, leek bundle, peppercorns, and 12 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, skimming occasionally, until stock is deep amber and chicken is falling off the bone, 1 1/2–2 hours. Remove chicken and vegetables. Strain stock into a clean large heavy pot.

  4. Bring stock to a simmer over medium-high heat; season with salt and pepper. Add thighs, cover, and simmer until cooked through, 8–10 minutes. Transfer thighs to a plate; let cool slightly. Shred meat; discard bones.

  5. Add carrots and onions to pot; simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Add meat. Meanwhile, cook noodles in a pot of boiling salted water until just al dente, 7–8 minutes. Drain; rinse under cold water. Add to soup. Serve topped with chervil.

  6. Do ahead: Soup (without noodles) can be made 2 days ahead (or 2 months if frozen). Let cool; transfer to airtight containers and chill.