Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 2-1/2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 large onion
chopped
- 1 garlic clove
minced
- 10 cups chicken broth
- 4 celery ribs
chopped
- 4 medium carrots
chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cups uncooked kluski or other egg noodles
about 8 ounces
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: Additional salt and pepper
Directions
- 1
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a 6-quart stockpot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, cooking until dark golden brown, three to four minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot. When all the chicken is browned, discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings.
- 2
Add the onion to the remaining drippings. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until tender, four to five minutes. Add the garlic, and cook for one minute longer.
- 3
Add the broth to the pot. As you bring the broth to a boil, stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 4
Return the chicken to the pot. Add the celery, carrots, bay leaves and thyme. Reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, until chicken is tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate, and set aside.
- 5
Remove the soup from the heat, and add the noodles. Let stand, covered, until the noodles are tender, 20 to 22 minutes. Editor’s Tip: Prepare the noodles separately if you’re making chicken noodle soup ahead of time, or if there’s a chance you’ll end up with leftovers. The noodles will absorb liquid as they sit in the soup, so they'll lose their chewy texture and become mushy over time.
- 6
Meanwhile, when the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones. Discard the bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- 7
When the noodles are tender, return the shredded meat to the stockpot. Discard the bay leaves, and stir in the parsley and lemon juice. If desired, adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Editor’s Tip: The chicken bones still have a lot of life to give! Save them, and them in your next batch of homemade chicken stock.
Chicken Noodle Soup
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About this Recipe
Craving a bowl of warm, comforting goodness that tastes just like Grandma used to make? This homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe delivers that timeless, soulful flavor you're looking for, perfect for any day that calls for a hug in a bowl. You’ll love how easily this classic comes together, creating a truly satisfying meal.
What makes this classic soup truly special is the foundation built on bone-in chicken thighs, which infuse the broth with unparalleled richness and depth as they cook. Paired with aromatic vegetables like chopped onion, minced garlic, celery, and carrots, every spoonful promises a robust and satisfying experience. The addition of fresh thyme and bay leaves further elevates the flavor, creating a wonderfully fragrant and savory base that’s both familiar and deeply flavorful.
You'll be greeted by a hearty, savory broth brimming with tender pieces of chicken and soft, sweet vegetables. The kluski or other egg noodles add a delightful chewiness, soaking up all the incredible flavors without becoming overly soft. A bright finish of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end perfectly balances the richness, cutting through with a welcome zest. It's the kind of wholesome, nourishing soup that makes you feel good from the inside out, offering a spoonful of comfort with every bite.
Customization & Variations
- For a different texture or if kluski noodles are hard to find, you could try using wider egg noodles or even a small pasta shape like ditalini.
- While bone-in chicken thighs are recommended for their superior flavor, boneless chicken can be used for a slightly quicker preparation.
- Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or marjoram for a slightly different aromatic profile to complement the thyme.
- You can add additional vegetables like green beans or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
This classic chicken noodle soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a soothing meal when you're feeling under the weather, or a comforting offering to share with loved ones. Serve it with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, or a simple green salad for a complete and wholesome meal.