CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP – Page 2

Instructions for Making Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth, and add the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. If you’re using a bay leaf, add it now.
Bring the broth to a simmer over medium-high heat. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Once the broth is simmering, add the egg noodles to the pot. Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
If you prefer al dente noodles, be sure to keep an eye on them and taste-test them as they cook.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Once the noodles are cooked, add the shredded chicken to the soup. Stir well to combine and let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes to heat the chicken through.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preferences.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.

Serving Suggestions

With Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or a buttery dinner roll makes the perfect accompaniment to your bowl of soup.
Add a Salad: Serve the soup with a light green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
Top with Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup adds a touch of richness and flavor.
With Crackers: A side of buttery crackers or saltines is a classic pairing with chicken noodle soup for extra crunch.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a shortcut, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. It adds great flavor and saves you the effort of cooking chicken from scratch.
Adjust the Noodles: If you prefer more noodles, feel free to add extra. Just keep in mind that noodles tend to absorb the broth, so you may need to add more broth if the soup gets too thick.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables, like peas or green beans, to make the soup even heartier.
Store the Soup Separately: If you plan to freeze the soup, store the noodles separately from the soup base. Noodles can get mushy when frozen, so it’s best to cook them fresh when you reheat the soup.
Homemade Broth: If you have time, use homemade chicken broth for the richest flavor. You can easily make it by simmering chicken bones with vegetables and seasonings for a few hours.

Storing and Leftovers

Refrigeration: Chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of extra broth if it thickens too much.
Freezing: If you’d like to store the soup for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to freeze the noodles separately from the broth. When reheating, cook fresh noodles and combine them with the thawed soup base.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Noodle Soup is the epitome of comfort food, with its soothing broth, tender chicken, and soft noodles. This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly customizable. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a sick day, or a casual weeknight meal, this soup is sure to bring comfort and warmth to your table. Simple, hearty, and delicious, chicken noodle soup is a timeless dish that will always be a favorite. Enjoy every spoonful!

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