01 -
First things first, chop all your veggies. I always make sure my onion, carrots, and celery are pretty uniformly sized, it helps them cook evenly. Heat your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in those chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions soften and start to turn translucent. This is where the magic starts, honestly; you'll smell all those sweet aromatics filling your kitchen. Don't rush this step, it builds the flavor foundation for your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup.
02 -
Next up, nestle your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the pot with the sautéed veggies. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme. Stir everything around for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant—you'll smell it, it's lovely! Be careful not to burn the garlic, it can turn bitter fast. This step infuses the chicken with all those lovely flavors right from the start, making your chicken noodle soup extra delicious.
03 -
Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Give it a good stir, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded. This is where all those flavors marry and deepen. Your kitchen will smell incredible, a true sign of good things to come!
04 -
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. While you're doing that, bring the soup back to a simmer. Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to package directions, usually about 7-10 minutes, or until they're tender. This is where I always forget to salt the water, but with broth, it's usually fine! Don't overcook the noodles, they'll get mushy, and nobody wants that in their chicken noodle soup.
05 -
Once the noodles are tender, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir everything together gently. Remove the bay leaf—oops, almost forgot it! Taste the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup and adjust the seasonings. This is your chance to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch more thyme if you feel it needs it. I usually go a little heavier on the pepper, just my preference. Make it taste exactly right for you!
06 -
Ladle generous portions of the warm, comforting Classic Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green really makes the soup pop, and the fresh herb adds a wonderful aromatic lift. Serve immediately and enjoy that feeling of pure comfort. It’s truly a classic for a reason, perfect for chasing away any chill or just enjoying a cozy evening.