Double-Dark Chicken Noodle Soup

By johnwhorfin

Ingredients

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

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from bonappetit.com

Preparation

Step 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.

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.

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 ½ 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, 1½–2 hours. Remove chicken and vegetables. Strain stock into a clean large heavy pot.

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.

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.

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