Chicken Noodle Soup
Savor the essence of home with our Chicken Noodle Soup – a classic comfort in a bowl. Ready in under 40 minutes, this soup combines tender chicken thighs, nourishing vegetables, and hearty noodles in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a soothing meal on a chilly day, this soup is not just a dish, but a warm hug for your soul.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter chicken fat or olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 large carrots chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- Minced garlic 4 cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme or use 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pound skinless boneless chicken thighs (4 or 5 thighs)
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth low sodium or use homemade stock
- 5 ounces egg noodles or pasta of choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- Water or more stock as needed
Instructions
- Begin with the Base: In a spacious pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over a medium flame. Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery (if you're using it). Stir these occasionally and cook until they start to soften, which should take around 5 to 6 minutes.
- Infuse the Flavors: Now, it's time to add the minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Make sure to stir continuously for about a minute to evenly distribute the garlic and herbs, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Prepare the Broth: Gently pour the chicken stock into your pot, bringing it to a simmer. Do a taste test and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. The amount of salt required can vary based on the stock you've chosen.
- Simmer the Chicken: Submerge your chicken thighs in the broth. Allow the soup to return to a simmer, then cover the pot partially with a lid. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the broth reduces too much during cooking, feel free to add a bit more stock or water.
- Cook the Noodles: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and set it aside. Now, add the noodles to the simmering broth. Cook them until they're just right, which should be between 6 to 10 minutes, depending on their type.
- Complete the Dish: While the noodles are cooking, shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the chicken to the soup. Perform a final taste check and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To finish, stir in the freshly chopped parsley, and your Chicken Noodle Soup is ready to be enjoyed!