Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 carrots (sliced into thin rounds)
• 3 celery stalks (sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2-3 bone-in, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 6 ounces egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally.
2. Add Broth and Chicken:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breasts (or thighs) to the pot.
   • Add the thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Shred the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
   • Return the shredded chicken to the soup pot.
4. Cook the Noodles:
   • Add the egg noodles to the soup and let them cook for 6-8 minutes or until tender. (Be careful not to overcook them as they will continue to soften in the hot soup.)
5. Season and Garnish:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each has a good amount of chicken, noodles, and vegetables. Enjoy while it’s hot!

Importance of Each Ingredient

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the soup.
• Onion, Carrots, and Celery: Known as mirepoix, this combination gives the soup a flavorful foundation, adding depth and natural sweetness.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the broth.
• Chicken Broth: The primary liquid that carries all flavors, creating a rich, savory base for the soup.
• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Provides tender, shredded chicken pieces and enriches the broth with protein and flavor.
• Dried Thyme, Parsley, and Bay Leaf: These herbs infuse the broth with earthy and aromatic flavors, making it more fragrant and complex.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing flavors.
• Egg Noodles: Adds heartiness and texture to the soup, making it more filling.
• Fresh Parsley: A garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the soup.

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building the comforting, rich, and balanced flavors that make homemade chicken noodle soup so nourishing and satisfying. Enjoy!