Chicken Noodle Soup Classic

The steam rising from my grandmother's kitchen always meant chicken noodle soup was simmering. She would make it whenever anyone felt under the weather or just needed a bit of comfort. I remember standing on a step stool, watching her drop noodles into the bubbling broth. That simple act felt like magic, transforming plain ingredients into something healing.

Last winter, my neighbor came down with a terrible flu. I carried a steaming pot over to her house, and she messaged me later saying it was the first thing she had truly wanted to eat in days. Sometimes the oldest remedies really are the best ones.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Cooking them whole in the broth keeps them incredibly tender and infuses the liquid with flavor
• Carrots and celery: These aromatic vegetables form the classic flavor foundation, so do not skip them
• Yellow onion: Provides essential sweetness that balances the savory broth
• Garlic: Add it after the vegetables soften so it does not turn bitter
• Low-sodium chicken broth: You can always add salt later, but you cannot take it away
• Wide egg noodles: They hold up beautifully in soup and catch all the flavorful bits
• Bay leaf and thyme: These herbs give the broth that classic comforting taste
• Fresh parsley: Stir it in at the end for bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness
• Olive oil: Helps soften the vegetables and adds a subtle fruitiness

Instructions

Build your flavor base:

Warm the olive oil in your large pot over medium heat, then add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and your kitchen begins to smell wonderful.

Add the aromatic garlic:

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 1 minute until you can smell its fragrance, being careful not to let it brown or turn bitter.

Simmer the chicken:

Place the whole chicken breasts into the pot along with the broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through.

Shred the chicken:

Lift the cooked chicken out of the broth and use two forks to pull it apart into satisfying shreds.

Cook the noodles:

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the egg noodles. Simmer for 7 to 8 minutes until the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of that flavorful broth.

Finish with fresh herbs:

Stir in the fresh parsley and taste the soup. Add more salt or pepper if it needs a little boost, and remember to fish out the bay leaf before serving.

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My daughter now asks for this soup whenever she has had a hard day at school. Watching her lift the bowl to drink the last of the broth reminds me of my grandmother's kitchen and how some recipes carry love across generations.

Making It Your Own

I have learned that small additions can transform this soup entirely. A splash of lemon juice right before serving brightens everything up beautifully. Some days I add handfuls of fresh spinach or diced tomatoes when the noodles go in.

Perfect Pairings

This soup deserves something to soak up that incredible broth. A slice of crusty bread, warm garlic knots, or simple buttered crackers turn it into a complete meal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

The soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. If you are meal prepping, cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating so they do not become mushy.

• Cool the soup completely before transferring to airtight containers
• It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Freeze without the noodles for the best results, then add fresh ones when reheating

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There is something profoundly satisfying about making chicken noodle soup from scratch. It feeds more than just hunger.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean meat, but thighs can be used for a richer flavor and juicier texture.

→ Can I use gluten-free noodles instead of egg noodles?

Yes, substituting gluten-free noodles allows for a gluten-free variation while maintaining the comforting texture.

→ How do I avoid overcooking the noodles?

Add noodles toward the end of cooking and simmer just until tender to preserve their texture without becoming mushy.

→ What seasonings enhance the broth’s flavor?

Bay leaf, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt add depth, while fresh parsley brightens the overall flavor.

→ Can additional vegetables be added?

Yes, peas, corn, or other fresh vegetables can be added for more variety and nutrition.