Our Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
chicken fat or olive oil
- 1 large onion
chopped
- 2 large carrots
chopped
- 2 stalks celery
chopped, optional
- Heaped tablespoon minced garlic
4 cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme or use 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pound skinless
boneless chicken thighs, 4 or 5 thighs
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth
low sodium or use homemade stock
- 5 ounces egg noodles
or pasta of choice
- to tasteSalt and pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
finely chopped
- Water or more stock
as needed
Directions
- 1
Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring every few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften; 5 to 6 minutes.
- 2
Stir in the garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Cook, while stirring the garlic around the pan, for about 1 minute.
- 3
Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a low simmer. Taste the soup then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Depending on the stock used, you might need to add 1 or more teaspoons of salt.
- 4
Submerge the chicken thighs into the soup so that the broth covers them. Bring the soup back to a low simmer then partially cover the pot with a lid and cook, stirring a few times until the chicken thighs are cooked through; about 20 minutes.
- 5
If, during this time, the broth seems low, add a splash more stock or a bit of water. Turn the heat to medium-low.
- 6
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Stir the noodles into the soup and cook until done, 6 to 10 minutes depending on the type of noodles used.
- 7
While the noodles cook, shred the chicken into strips or dice into cubes. Slide the chicken back into the pot and then taste the soup once more for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper, as needed. Stir in the parsley and serve.
Our Best Chicken Noodle Soup
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About this Recipe
Dreaming of a comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup but short on time? Our Best Chicken Noodle Soup brings that classic, soul-satisfying flavor right to your weeknight table, skipping the long simmer without sacrificing an ounce of taste.
The true brilliance of Our Best Chicken Noodle Soup lies in its intelligent design, which transforms a traditionally long process into a quick weeknight marvel. By utilizing boneless, skinless chicken thighs, this recipe builds incredible depth and tender chicken swiftly. Their inherent flavor and ability to remain soft and succulent during a shorter cook time are key, delivering a remarkably rich and satisfying broth without the need for an all-day simmer.
Prepare to be enveloped by the authentic, comforting flavors of a truly classic homemade chicken noodle soup. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of savory chicken broth, meticulously infused with the aromatic foundation of sweet onion, earthy carrots, and optional celery, all brightened by fresh garlic and fragrant herbs like bay leaves and thyme.
You'll discover tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of chicken thigh alongside perfectly cooked egg noodles, creating a textural delight that feels deeply nourishing. This soup embodies everything you love about homemade comfort food, made accessible for even the busiest schedules, promising a wholesome and deeply satisfying experience.
This versatile chicken noodle soup is easy to adapt to your preferences. While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended for their unrivaled flavor and soft texture, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used if you prefer, though they might yield a slightly leaner soup. Feel free to swap the classic egg noodles for your pasta of choice, perhaps a smaller macaroni or ditalini for a different bite. If fresh thyme isn't on hand, a simple swap to 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme works perfectly, and the celery can be omitted if it's not a favorite or readily available.
Our Best Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect antidote to chilly evenings, a soothing meal when you're feeling under the weather, or simply a comforting family dinner any night of the week. Serve it piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a slice of crusty bread for dipping, making it an instant and beloved classic at your table.