Description
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender chicken pieces, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for warming up on cold days or soothing a sore throat, this soup combines the wholesome goodness of carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs in a simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Seasonings
- 1 cup uncooked egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Dice the onion, peel and dice the carrots, and dice the celery. Mince the garlic cloves and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a small amount of oil and sauté the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This build-up of flavor is the foundation of the soup.
- Add chicken and liquids: Add the cut chicken pieces to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to turn white. Then pour in the chicken broth and water, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are fully covered.
- Season and simmer: Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Add noodles and parsley: Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or according to package instructions, until the noodles are tender but not mushy. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving for a fresh herbal finish.
- Adjust seasonings and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs; thighs will give a richer flavor and juicier texture.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or cook uncovered to let some liquid evaporate.
- Egg noodles are traditional, but you can substitute with other pasta types or gluten-free noodles if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten up the flavor.