The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: A Bowl of Comfort

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.

2. Build the Broth

• Pour in the chicken broth and stir. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, and bay leaf.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20–25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Cook the Noodles

• While the soup simmers, cook the egg noodles in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. (Cooking noodles separately prevents them from absorbing too much broth.)

4. Combine and Warm Through

• Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
• Stir the cooked noodles into the pot and let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes.

5. Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty twist, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Use Homemade Broth: If time allows, making your own chicken stock elevates the flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cooking them separately ensures they stay firm and don’t turn mushy.
3. Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken.
4. Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of turmeric for depth and color.
5. Freeze for Later: Make a double batch and freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles for easy reheating.

Variations to Try

• Low-Carb Option: Swap the noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
• Creamy Style: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk for a richer texture.

Serving Ideas

Pair your chicken noodle soup with:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Fresh Salad: A light green salad balances the heartiness of the soup.
• Crackers or Biscuits: Add a crunchy texture to your meal.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: The soup base (without noodles) freezes well for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.