Ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 2-3) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Start by preparing the chicken. If you're using chicken breasts or thighs, trim any excess fat. Season them with salt and pepper.
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear it on both sides until it's lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor to the soup. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper. If your chicken broth is unsalted, season with salt to taste. Remember that you can adjust the salt later, so be conservative at this stage.
Return the seared chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
While the chicken is cooling, add the uncooked egg noodles to the simmering soup. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 6-8 minutes, until they are tender.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and let it heat through for a few minutes.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard them.
Ladle the homemade chicken noodle soup into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve your comforting Chicken Noodle Soup hot with some crusty bread for a satisfying and heartwarming meal.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or when you're feeling under the weather!