Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2-3 carrots, sliced
- 2-3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and brown on both sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Broth and Seasoning:
- Pour in the chicken broth. Add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Return the chicken to the pot.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions (about 7-10 minutes). If using, stir in the frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a bay leaf while simmering.
- This soup freezes well; just leave out the noodles until you reheat it.
Enjoy your homestyle chicken noodle soup!
