Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s a classic homemade chicken noodle soup recipe that’s comforting and easy to make:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2-3 celery stalks, sliced
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups egg noodles or pasta of your choice
1 bay leaf

Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots and celery.
Cook the Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add Vegetables and Broth:
- Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried parsley.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Add Chicken and Noodles:
- Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and bring the soup back to a simmer.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes, until the noodles are al dente.
Season and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- If desired, add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken stock.
Feel free to add more vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry made of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.

Enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup!