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Instructions
1. Sauté Vegetables
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Spices
Next, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Pour in the Broth
Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, and toss in the bay leaf. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Simmer
Once the soup reaches a boil, lower the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the vegetables to soften further.
5. Add Noodles
Add the egg noodles (or your choice of pasta) to the soup. Continue to simmer for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
6. Add Chicken
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Let the soup simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
7. Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or thyme if needed. If you like, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
8. Serve
Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pair with a side of crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful, tender, and already cooked, so all you need to do is shred it and add it to the soup.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like parsnips, zucchini, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Creamy: For a creamy twist, stir in a little heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This will give the soup a velvety texture and richer flavor.
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. If freezing, consider keeping the noodles separate as they may get mushy when thawed.
- For Extra Flavor: Use homemade chicken broth if you have it on hand, or consider simmering the soup with herbs like rosemary or dill for added depth.
Why Chicken Noodle Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Chicken noodle soup is more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of warmth, comfort, and healing. Whether it’s the nostalgic memories of a mom or grandmother making this soup from scratch, or the feeling of relief it brings when you’re under the weather, this dish has been a go-to for generations. The combination of warm broth, tender chicken, and soft noodles is the ultimate cure for colds, stress, or a long day.
Moreover, this soup is versatile and can be easily customized to fit different dietary needs or preferences. It’s naturally gluten-free (if you use gluten-free noodles), low-carb, and can be made dairy-free by omitting cream and using non-dairy substitutes.
Conclusion
Making your own homemade chicken noodle soup is easy, rewarding, and the perfect way to indulge in a classic comfort food. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a pot of soup that nourishes both the body and the soul. Whether you’re feeling sick or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So grab your apron, start chopping those veggies, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of the ultimate comfort food: homemade chicken noodle soup!
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