Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup to warm you up from the inside out. This traditional recipe is packed with flavor and wholesome goodness, perfect for cozying up on a chilly day or soothing a cold.

Ingredients for Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup

Olive oil sets the foundation for sautéing and adds a subtle richness. Onion provides a sweet and savory base, while garlic infuses the soup with depth and warmth. Carrots and celery are classic soup vegetables that add flavor and texture. The heart of this dish, chicken broth, gives it that comforting, savory essence. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tender, juicy meat. Bay leaves and dried thyme offer aromatic notes that elevate the dish. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then add egg noodles for a hearty touch. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a deeper flavor, brown the chicken thighs in the pot before adding the onion.
  • Try using homemade chicken broth for an even richer flavor.
  • If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a quick substitute.
  • Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less broth as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but be aware that chicken breasts may not be as juicy as thighs. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it's best to leave out the noodles until reheating, as they can become mushy.

Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook until it turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Once the onion is ready, add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for another 3 minutes, just until the veggies start to soften.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Drop in the chicken thighs, along with the bay leaves and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

With the chicken cooked, carefully remove the thighs from the pot. Use two forks to shred the meat and then return it to the pot. Stir in the egg noodles and let the soup cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender. Before serving, remove the bay leaves and give it a taste to adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, stir in the fresh parsley and serve hot.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses simple, wholesome ingredients found in most kitchens.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights.
  • Rich in flavor, thanks to a slow simmer that melds all the ingredients together.
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
8 cups chicken broth
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups egg noodles
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery, cooking for another 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add chicken thighs, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove chicken thighs, shred them using two forks, and return to the pot.
6. Stir in egg noodles and cook for another 8-10 minutes until noodles are tender.
7. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and stir in fresh parsley before serving.

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