Description
A simple, beginner-proof chicken noodle soup that uses pantry staples and takes only 40 minutes to make. This recipe features tender vegetables, juicy chicken, and wide egg noodles for maximum comfort on cold nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 large bay leaf
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
- Prep vegetables: Dice the onion, slice carrots into rounds, chop celery, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 5 minutes until onions are translucent. Add garlic and thyme; cook for 1 more minute.
- Build broth: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Cook chicken: Add cubed chicken to the simmering broth. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Cook noodles separately: Boil egg noodles in a separate pot of salted water according to package directions (usually 7-9 minutes). Drain well.
- Combine and finish: Return chicken to the soup pot. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in cooked noodles. Add butter if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Cook noodles separately to prevent them from absorbing all the broth and becoming mushy. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. For a gluten-free version, substitute rice or gluten-free noodles. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days (without noodles).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: chicken noodle soup, comfort food, easy soup, winter recipe, beginner cooking, healthy soup, quick dinner