Description
A warm, comforting classic that never goes out of style. This homemade chicken noodle soup is filled with tender chicken, soft noodles, and flavorful vegetables in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little cozy pick-me-up!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 6 ounces egg noodles (or your favorite noodles)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to let it brown.
-
Add the Broth and Chicken
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the chicken pieces, thyme, and bay leaf (if using).
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the soup cook for about 10–12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
-
Cook the Noodles
- Stir in the egg noodles.
- Continue simmering, covered, for about 6–8 minutes, or according to the noodle package instructions, until the noodles are tender.
-
Season and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve hot.
Notes
- Richer Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, sear the chicken pieces separately in a little oil before adding them to the broth.
- Leftovers: The noodles may soak up some broth as the soup sits. You can add extra broth or water when reheating.
- Noodle Swap: Feel free to use any type of noodles you like—rotini, fusilli, or whole-wheat noodles all work well.
- Veggie Boost: Add extra vegetables like peas, spinach, or corn for more color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken noodle soup, comfort food, homemade soup, easy soup, healthy soup