This Timeless Chicken Soup is your go-to for comfort, warmth, and nourishment, especially when you need a little pick-me-up. Itโs packed with wholesome ingredients that make it as heartwarming as it is satisfying.
Chicken: Provides the rich, savory base for the soup. Using a whole chicken ensures a flavorful broth.
Water: Forms the base of your broth, helping to extract all the goodness from the chicken.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the soup.
Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the broth.
Carrots, Celery, and Onion: Classic mirepoix vegetables that provide sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic: Infuses the broth with a slightly spicy aroma.
Parsley and Thyme: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and complexity.
Egg Noodles: Adds heartiness and makes the soup a complete meal.
This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad. It's also delightful with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon for a fresh kick.
Start by placing your whole chicken in a large pot and cover it with about eight cups of water. This is your base. Add salt, pepper, and a bay leaf to the pot. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Once itโs boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about an hour. During this time, youโll want to skim off any foam or fat that rises to the top to keep your broth clear and clean.
After an hour, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once itโs cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, strain the broth to remove any solids and return the clear broth to the pot.
Now, add your chopped carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic to the broth. Let these simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender. This is when the flavors start to meld beautifully.
Once your veggies are tender, add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the fresh parsley, thyme, and egg noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Taste your soup and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.