Classic Chicken Noodle Soup - In the embrace of autumn's cool whispers, there's a timeless classic that warms both body and soul – Classic Chicken Noodle Soup. As the simmering pot fills the air with the comforting melody of herbs and spices, the dance of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and delicate egg noodles unfolds.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the chicken until fully cooked. Remove, let it cool, and shred using forks.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil until softened.
- Simmer Broth:
- Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the broth to a simmer and let it infuse with the flavors for about 10 minutes.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Simmer until vegetables are tender but still have a slight bite.
- Cook Noodles:
- Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Chicken and Noodles:
- Add the shredded chicken to the broth and let it heat through.
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve:
- Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness (optional).
- Enjoy:
- Dive into the comforting warmth of classic chicken noodle soup. It's perfect for a chilly day or whenever you need a bowl of nourishing goodness.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste. Enjoy!