Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Welcome to a cozy bowl of comfort with this Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup. It's the perfect antidote to a chilly day, packed with nourishing ingredients and flavors that remind you of home. Let’s dive into this soul-warming classic that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients for Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

Whole chicken adds depth and richness to the broth, providing both flavor and tender meat for the soup. Carrots and celery are classic aromatics that lend sweetness and texture. Onion and garlic bring an aromatic foundation, enhancing every layer of the soup’s flavor. Chicken broth serves as the base, tying all the ingredients together with a savory, comforting essence. A bay leaf adds a subtle earthy note, while salt, black pepper, and dried thyme bring out the best in each ingredient. Egg noodles make it heartier and are a delightful contrast to the other textures. Finally, a drizzle of olive oil helps sauté the vegetables to perfection, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a richer broth, add a splash of white wine while sautéing the vegetables.
  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time — just add it when you would normally return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  • Skim any foam that rises to the top while simmering for a clearer broth.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is delightful with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Consider topping each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra savory touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, but the broth won't be as rich. Consider adding some chicken bones for flavor.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply swap the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just leave out the noodles and add them when reheating.

Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re softened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Next, place the whole chicken into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the mixture. Increase the heat to bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about an hour, allowing the chicken to become tender and infuse the broth with flavor.

Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot. Shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the egg noodles. Let it all simmer together for another 10 minutes, until the noodles are perfectly tender.

To finish, stir in the fresh parsley just before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the soup.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses fresh, wholesome ingredients for a truly homemade taste.
  • Perfectly balanced flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.
  • Great for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day!
  • Freezes well for a quick, comforting meal later on.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 cups egg noodles
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chicken, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, until chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove chicken and shred meat; discard bones and skin.
6. Return shredded chicken to pot and add egg noodles.
7. Simmer for another 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
8. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

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