This Hearty Homestyle Chicken Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or when you need a little warmth in your life. With simple, wholesome ingredients, it's a bowl of goodness that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Whole chicken is the star of the show, providing rich flavor and tender meat. Salt and black pepper bring out the natural taste of the chicken. Water serves as the base, creating a flavorful broth as the chicken cooks. Bay leaves add a subtle earthiness, while onion, carrots, and celery create the classic mirepoix base for depth of flavor. A touch of garlic adds warmth, and fresh thyme and parsley introduce herby freshness. Finally, egg noodles make the soup hearty and satisfying.
This chicken soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. For a lighter option, serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon can also elevate the flavors.
Start by placing the whole chicken in a large pot and covering it with about 4 quarts of water. This will form the base of your soup. Add 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 bay leaves. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. During this time, you'll want to skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
After the chicken has simmered, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once it's cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones and discard the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Next, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, and the sprigs of thyme to the pot. Let this simmer for another 30 minutes to develop those wonderful flavors.
Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and the egg noodles. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your soup is now ready to serve hot.
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