Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Chicken noodle soup is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This beginner-friendly recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious, homemade soup. Here’s a detailed guide to making chicken noodle soup from scratch:

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 medium Onion: Diced
• 2 large Carrots: Peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks Celery: Sliced
• 3 cloves Garlic: Minced
• 8 cups Chicken Broth: Preferably low-sodium
• 2 cups Cooked Chicken: Shredded (use rotisserie chicken or cook 2-3 chicken breasts)
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Dried Parsley
• 1 Bay Leaf
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• 2 cups Egg Noodles: Uncooked
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Chopped (for garnish, optional)

Equipment:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Knife and Cutting Board

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
   • Add the sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
   • Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine.
   • Add the shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf. Stir to incorporate.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer the Soup:
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to cook through.
5. Cook the Noodles:
   • Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup back to a boil.
   • Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until they are tender.
6. Finish the Soup:
   • Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
8. Enjoy:
   • Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

• Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use a rotisserie chicken to save time. Shred the meat and add it to the soup.
• Homemade Broth: For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth if you have it.
• Cook Noodles Separately: To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, you can cook them separately and add them to individual bowls before ladling the soup over them.

Variations:

• Vegetable Chicken Soup: Add more vegetables such as peas, corn, or spinach for a heartier soup.
• Lemon Chicken Soup: Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and a bit of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Spicy Chicken Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.

This beginner-friendly chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for any occasion, providing warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Enjoy the classic flavors and nourishing ingredients in this homemade soup!