Hearty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comfort Classic (Print Version)

Warm up with my comforting Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe. Full of tender chicken, veggies, and noodles, it's like a hug in a bowl.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy-Free (if using dairy-free noodles)

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base Essentials

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 8 cups (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth

→ Hearty Additions

06 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
07 - 8 oz (225g) wide egg noodles

→ Flavor Builders

08 - 1 tsp dried thyme
09 - 1 bay leaf
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

11 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
12 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

# Instructions:

01 - First up, grab a big pot – your biggest, hon! Heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Listen to that sizzle! This is where the magic starts, honestly. I usually let them soften for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and everything smells sweet and inviting. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base, so don't rush it like I did that one time, thinking it wouldn't make a difference. Oops, it totally did!
02 - Now, nestle your chicken breasts right into that veggie goodness. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged. This is where I always get a little excited, anticipating that rich, comforting aroma. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and super tender. Don't let it boil too vigorously, or you'll dry out the chicken, which I've done a few times, and it's just not the same.
03 - Once your chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool a bit. While it’s cooling, give your broth a taste! This is your chance to really make it sing. Add your dried thyme, bay leaf, and start with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away, right? I usually use two forks to shred the chicken – it falls apart so easily when it's perfectly cooked. It's a little messy, but so satisfying!
04 - Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Now, for the noodles! Add your egg noodles and cook them according to package directions, usually around 7-10 minutes, or until they're tender but still have a bit of bite. Keep an eye on them, because nobody wants mushy noodles! I once got distracted by a text and ended up with noodle paste. Learn from my mistakes, friend! Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
05 - Once the noodles are done, remove the bay leaf. Stir in a generous handful of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a lovely fresh flavor that brightens everything up. And that lemon? Trust me, it’s a game-changer, adding a little zing that lifts all the other flavors. I didn't expect that little bit of lemon to make such a difference, but honestly, it makes the soup sing!
06 - Ladle your beautiful, steaming Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls. It should look vibrant with those tender veggies, plump noodles, and shredded chicken. The aroma fills the kitchen, a warm, comforting hug. I love to serve it with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, or sometimes just a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley. Take a moment, breathe it in, and savor that homemade goodness. It's worth every bit of effort, I promise!

# Notes:

01 - Always taste your broth before adding salt; store-bought broths vary wildly in sodium.
02 - For softer noodles, cook them separately and add to individual bowls to prevent them from getting mushy in leftovers.
03 - If you don't have fresh lemon, a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can also brighten the flavors.
04 - Serve with a good crusty bread for dipping; it's honestly the best combo for a comforting meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - cutting board
03 - knife
04 - two forks

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-450
Total Fat: 10-15g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 30-35g

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