Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, warm dish perfect for cold days or when you need a little comfort. This recipe combines tender chicken, savory broth, and noodles with a mix of veggies to create a flavorful, hearty soup.
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (or 4 cups chicken broth + 4 cups water)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups egg noodles (or any noodle of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and season with a little salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Broth and Seasoning:
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, rosemary (if using), bay leaves, and more salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Shred the Chicken:
- While the soup is simmering, shred the cooled chicken using two forks into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer larger chunks of chicken, feel free to chop it instead.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Add the egg noodles (or your chosen noodles) to the pot. Let the soup simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through.
- Combine and Adjust:
- Once the noodles are tender, return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Serve:
- Ladle the chicken noodle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Chicken Noodle Soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
- You can also add a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a more filling meal.
This homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is full of flavor and great for nourishing and comforting the soul. Enjoy every sip! Let me know how it turns out!