Chicken Noodle Soup (Printable Version)

A comforting blend of tender chicken, vegetables, and herbs in a flavorful broth - the ultimate feel-good meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Seasonings

06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1 bay leaf
09 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Liquids & Protein

10 - 2 cups chicken broth
11 - 6 cups water
12 - 2 chicken breasts

→ Pasta & Garnish

13 - 4 cups egg noodles
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
15 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat a deep pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 10 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Add the dried oregano, thyme, chicken broth, water, and bay leaf. Place chicken breasts into the liquid and bring to a slow simmer. Cook for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
03 - Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
04 - Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until al dente. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over top.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the noodles - aim for al dente as they'll continue to soften in the hot broth.
02 - For deeper flavor, fresh herbs like rosemary and sage can be substituted for dried herbs.
03 - A squeeze of lemon juice before serving adds brightness to the soup.
04 - The soup can be thickened by creating a cornstarch slurry or blending a portion of the soup.
05 - For a creamier version, stir in sour cream or heavy cream at the end of cooking (do not boil after adding dairy).
06 - This recipe adapts well to slow cooker preparation - cook all ingredients except noodles for 6-8 hours on low, adding cooked noodles before serving.