Do you need to cook the chicken first for noodle soup?

Whether you need to cook the chicken first for noodle soup depends on the specific recipe.

Here's a breakdown:

* Chicken broth based soups: You do not need to pre-cook the chicken. In these recipes, the chicken is typically added to the pot along with water or broth and simmered until cooked through. This method allows the chicken to release its flavor into the broth.

* Recipes where chicken is the star ingredient: You may need to pre-cook the chicken. This is often the case in recipes where the chicken is shredded or diced and used as a topping or filling. Pre-cooking ensures the chicken is cooked thoroughly and can be easily shredded.

Here are some additional things to consider:

* Recipe instructions: Always follow the specific instructions of your chosen recipe. They will tell you whether or not to pre-cook the chicken.

* Chicken pieces: Smaller pieces of chicken will cook faster than larger pieces.

* Cooking method: If you are using a slow cooker, you can usually add uncooked chicken to the pot.

In summary:

If you are making a chicken broth based soup, you typically do not need to pre-cook the chicken. If you are making a soup where the chicken is the main ingredient, you may need to pre-cook it. Always refer to your recipe for the best results!