Chicken Noodle Soup Delight

This hearty chicken noodle soup combines tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and delicate egg noodles in a savory broth that soothes the soul. The recipe comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

I first made this soup when my daughter had the sniffles, and it's been our go to comfort food ever since. There's something magical about the aroma that fills the kitchen as the broth simmers with herbs that makes everyone gather around the table with anticipation.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Provides the base for sautéing vegetables and adds a subtle richness to the final broth
• Carrots: Add natural sweetness and beautiful color
• Celery: Contributes an earthy flavor that forms the foundation of classic soup flavor
• Onion: Creates depth and sweetness when properly sautéed
• Chicken stock: Is the soul of the soup use homemade for best results or a good quality store bought version
• Bay leaf: Adds a subtle complexity that you can't quite put your finger on but would definitely miss if it wasn't there
• Dried herbs (thyme and basil): Bring aromatic notes that complement the chicken perfectly
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the entire dish with its clean flavor
• Cooked and shredded chicken: Makes this recipe quick but instructions for cooking raw chicken are included too
• Egg noodles: Are traditional and cook right in the broth absorbing all the wonderful flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:

Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium high heat until shimmering. Add the carrots, celery and onion, stirring occasionally for 5 6 minutes. Look for slight caramelization around the edges of the vegetables and a softened texture. This foundational step builds flavor that infuses the entire soup.

Create the Broth Base:

Pour in the chicken stock, ensuring you scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot they're packed with flavor. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried basil, and fresh parsley. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then immediately cover and reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the flavors to meld for at least 20 minutes, though 40 minutes will develop a significantly richer broth.

Add Noodles and Chicken:

Introduce the uncooked egg noodles and shredded chicken directly to the simmering broth. The noodles will cook in the flavorful liquid, absorbing all those wonderful savory notes. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together, until they reach your preferred tenderness.

Final Touches:

Remove the pot from heat and fish out the bay leaf it's done its job infusing flavor. Season thoughtfully with salt and pepper, tasting as you go. Remember that the flavors will have concentrated during cooking. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley for a bright finish that complements the rich broth.

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The fresh parsley is my secret weapon in this recipe. While many people think of it as just a garnish, I add it both during cooking and as a finishing touch. My grandmother taught me this trick, and I remember watching her carefully select the freshest bunch at the farmers market specifically for her chicken soup. That memory comes flooding back every time I make this recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup is an excellent candidate for meal prep. Make a double batch on Sunday, and you'll have comforting meals ready throughout the week. Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as the ingredients have more time to meld together. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of fresh stock if needed to adjust the consistency.

Perfect Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. No egg noodles? Use any pasta shape you have on hand, adjusting cooking time accordingly. Rotini and bowties work particularly well. For a gluten free version, use rice or gluten free pasta, adding it during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking. The vegetables are also flexible substitute leeks for onions, add diced zucchini, or toss in some frozen peas during the last minute of cooking for a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

While this soup is certainly a meal on its own, a few thoughtful accompaniments can elevate the experience. Crusty sourdough bread or homemade biscuits are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. For a complete dinner, serve with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the palate between spoonfuls of rich soup. If serving for guests, consider offering small bowls of additional garnishes like fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of good Parmesan cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I enhance the flavor of chicken noodle soup?

You can enhance the flavor by simmering the soup longer to develop the spices or by using bone-in chicken to add depth to the broth.

→ What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are traditional and recommended, but you can also use spiral or gluten-free noodles based on your preference.

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked?

Yes, add chicken breasts or thighs to the simmering broth for about 20 minutes, then shred and add back to the soup.

→ How can I store leftover soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

→ What are good garnishes for chicken noodle soup?

Fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice are great garnishes to add freshness and flavor.