Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
If using chicken breasts, cut them into small bite-sized pieces. If using thighs, you can either chop them into pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
Brown the Chicken:
Heat a little oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, then bring the soup to a boil.
Simmer the Soup:
Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
Cook the Noodles:
While the soup is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine Chicken and Noodles:
After the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Finish the Soup:
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Add the cooked egg noodles to the soup, stirring them in to combine with the broth.
Taste and Adjust:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting homemade chicken noodle soup!
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup:
Use Bone-in Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have the time, try using bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. The bones release additional flavor into the broth as it simmers, giving your soup a richer taste. Just remove the bones before serving.
Add Veggies Early for Richer Flavor: Sautéing the garlic, onions, carrots, and celery before adding the broth helps bring out their natural sweetness and depth. Don’t skip this step!
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Egg noodles can quickly turn mushy if left in the soup for too long. Cook them separately, then add them at the end to keep them perfectly tender.
Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs. Depending on your broth’s sodium level, you might want to add more or less seasoning.
Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or parsley on hand, feel free to add them in place of dried herbs for a burst of bright, fresh flavor.
Nutrition (per serving, approx. 6 servings):
Calories: 320
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 600mg (varies depending on broth used)
Sugar: 4g (natural from vegetables)