Chicken Soup Recipe

Warm up with a comforting bowl of homemade Chicken Soup, perfect for soothing the soul and nourishing the body. This classic recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup egg noodles or pasta of choice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
   • Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer Soup:
   • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
4. Add Chicken and Noodles:
   • Stir in the cooked chicken and egg noodles. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until noodles are tender and chicken is heated through.
5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.
   • Ladle the chicken soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Soup:

• Chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, corn, or spinach to suit your preference.
• Storage: Allow leftover soup to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

This homemade Chicken Soup is a wholesome and nourishing dish that’s perfect for any time of year. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal that will warm both body and soul.