Description
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting classic made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty egg noodles simmered in flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm, nourishing meal, this recipe features simple ingredients and easy steps to create a delicious, satisfying soup from scratch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced (½-inch pieces)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (½-inch pieces)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded, rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups egg noodles (or other noodles of choice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a fresh finish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and begin to release their aroma.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Incorporate the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaves into the pot. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, add the shredded cooked chicken, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it gently simmer for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Finish and Serve: Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting warmth.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- Low-sodium broth is recommended so you can control salt levels.
- Feel free to substitute egg noodles with any pasta you prefer.
- Lemon juice adds a fresh, tangy finish but can be omitted if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
