01 -
First things first, get a nice big pot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, and once it's shimmering, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them around for about 5-7 minutes, until the onion starts to soften and turn translucent. You'll smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen—that's the start of something wonderful. Honestly, this is where the magic begins, building that foundational flavor for your Healing Chicken Noodle Soup. Don't rush it, let them soften.
02 -
Next, stir in your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it's fragrant – don't let it burn! Then, carefully place your chicken thighs into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged. Add a good pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds. I've definitely tried to shred chicken too early, and it's a struggle!
03 -
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. While it's cooling, you can skim any excess fat from the surface of the broth if you want, but I usually leave a little for extra flavor. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, discard the skin and bones, then shred the meat using two forks. It should just fall apart, honestly, it's so satisfying! This step makes the Healing Chicken Noodle Soup so much easier to eat.
04 -
Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer. Add your wide egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually about 7-10 minutes, until they're tender but still have a bit of chew. This is where I always forget to salt the water, even though it's already broth, a little extra seasoning for the noodles themselves makes a difference. Don't overcook them, or you'll end up with mushy noodles, and no one wants that in their Healing Chicken Noodle Soup!
05 -
Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Give everything a good stir and let it heat through for a couple of minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. This is your chance to make it perfect! Maybe a little more salt? A bit more pepper? Trust your taste buds here. Sometimes I add an extra splash of broth if it feels too thick, you know, just to get that perfect consistency.
06 -
Ladle your warm, comforting Healing Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green against the golden broth just looks so inviting, and the fresh herb really brightens up the flavors. Serve it immediately, maybe with some crusty bread for dipping. The smell alone is enough to make you feel better, truly. That first spoonful? Pure bliss, every single time.