Chicken Noodle Soup – A Comforting Classic with Tender Chicken, Noodles, and Vegetables

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Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting Classic
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:
For the Soup:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
8 cups (2 liters) chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced into rounds
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)
1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
2 cups wide egg noodles (or any noodles of your choice)
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat Olive Oil: In the same pot (or in a separate large pot if you want to strain your broth), heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.

Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Combine Ingredients: Pour the chicken broth (if you removed it) back into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add the bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Simmer for Flavor: Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and add salt if necessary. If the broth tastes too bland, add a little more salt or seasoning.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Cook Noodles Separately: While the soup is simmering, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but not too soft). Drain and set aside. (Cooking noodles separately prevents them from getting mushy.)
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add Chicken and Noodles: Once the soup has simmered, add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the cooked noodles. Stir everything together gently.

Add Lemon Juice (Optional): For a fresh, tangy twist, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice before serving. This will brighten up the flavor of the broth.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve Hot: Ladle the chicken noodle soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with a slice of crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.
Customization Tips:
Noodle Options: While egg noodles are traditional, you can use other types of pasta like farfalle (bowtie), fusilli, or even rice noodles for a gluten-free version.
Protein Variations: Swap chicken for turkey (great for leftover Thanksgiving turkey!), or add tofu for a vegetarian option. If you use tofu, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Broth Additions: For added richness, stir in a spoonful of cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. This makes the soup extra creamy.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. Zucchini, potatoes, or spinach can add more nutrition and texture to the soup.
Spice It Up: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your soup. You can also add fresh ginger for a more vibrant flavor.
Tips:
Avoid Mushy Noodles: Always cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup when serving. This keeps them from soaking up too much broth and getting soggy.
Boost Flavor with Homemade Broth: Homemade chicken broth adds a rich, deep flavor to your soup. If using store-bought broth, choose low-sodium options and adjust seasoning to taste.
Add Depth with Herbs: Dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or bay leaves add depth to the soup. Just be sure to remove bay leaves before serving, as they are not pleasant to eat whole.
Conclusion:
Chicken Noodle Soup is the epitome of comfort food. With its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth, it's the perfect dish for cozy evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. This recipe is versatile, allowing for many customizations to suit your personal taste, making it a go-to for both casual meals and special occasions.